Today, I wanted to talk about the idea of creating a daily, weekly or monthly peace practice. I think it is very important to do so in the world that we live in today. A peace practice could be simply taking a few deep breaths to appreciate the very air that we breathe, performing an act of self care or sending a small prayer for someone going through tough times.
It is important because it helps to create an inner peace within us and through these practices, we can extend it to others.
One of my peace practice is to appreciate the present moment. As I am taking a couple of deep breaths, I appreciate the fresh air, the sun and the stillness that today brings. I appreciated the safe space that the walls of our home provides. I appreciate the democratic society that we live in. The fact that we have developed vaccines and could be vaccinated in the next several months.
As I am practicing this sense of peace and gratitude, I think about the people in Texas and other parts of the country who are caught in the snow storm, having lost electricity and are trying to keep warm however they can.
Sometimes it seems so unreal that while we share the same planet and see the same sun, our realities are so different.
Across the oceans, I think of Burma (Myanmar) and the turmoil they are going through as a country.
For the people of Burma, it has been a dark and turbulent month. A military coup occurred on Feb 1st and the democratic elected leader, Ms. Suu Kyi’s has been detained. The military tried to justify its action by claiming voter fraud in November’s elections in which Ms. Suu’s party won.
Imagine waking up everyday in fear and uncertainty, not sure if today you would live another day. Or if you would be seized in the middle of night to be questioned and terrorized for participating in peaceful protests.
Despite the threat of violent crackdown by the military, thousands of people have continued to gather, creating different campaigns of civil disobedience in person and online to protest against military rule.
“The @UN stands with the people of Myanmar in their pursuit of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges Myanmar via Twitter.
The global community is starting to take notice, condemning the actions of the military and vowing to help restore democracy.
I applaud the courage and spirit of the Burmese people, for standing up and defending for what they believe in. They chose peace, justice and democracy and are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they secure it for their nation and their children.
“No one really knows why they are alive until they know what they’d die for.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
I wanted to take this moment to pray for the people in Burma, for our friends in Texas and everyone who are fighting their own struggle to survive. Whether it is the cold, COVID 19 or dealing with uncertainty and change, I am sending you positive energy regardless of where you are in the world.
The COVID 19 pandemic has taught us so many things, from fear to the unknown to finding courage, strength and resilience through the unknowns. We are in it together, whether we want it or not.
Creating a peace practice will help each of us heal and bring into focus the important things in life. And when we think of others, it helps us to appreciate and be grateful for the things we have, like access to electricity, water and safety.
In addition to daily prayers, I have found that writing this blog is also a form of a weekly practice that I do for myself and others.
Do you have a peace practice that you do? If so, what is it and how has it helped you?
Follow the Burma movement:
Cherteal 
Leave a comment