I took some extra time this week to write about a peacemaker who has inspired me. Our blogging challenge in the Heal My Voice Voices of Peace book circle was inspired this week by Shawn Catherine Fisher. Shawn had the idea to write about examples set by those whom inspire you on your peaceful path. As I thought about this exercise, several folks came to mind: Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Marianne Williamson, Martin Luther King Jr, and Nelson Mandela to name a few. Of all of these, Mahatma Gandhi called to me most.
Gandhi was a very cool dude whose non violent ideas changed the course of India and have impacted the way peaceful protest can be used to achieve both political and social progress. I learned through my research that “Mahatma” means great soul. His non-violent protest doctrine changed everything for India and has had a huge impact on the rest of the world too.
How has Gandhi impacted me? He showed me that one person can make a huge difference in the world. I remember being so moved by seeing the movie Gandhi. I was in high school at the time and I remember leaving the movie theater with tears in my eyes being both saddened by his death and so very inspired by all he had done in his life. It was his gentleness that blew me away. What an amazing example of gentle power!
One of the things that I love about social media is the exposure to great quotes. My Twitter and Facebook feeds are full of quotes that inspire me and make me think. Gandhi’s quotes cross come across my desk several times a week these days. His words hold a special power and energetic vibration. Just tuning into them can impact my mindset, which in turn impacts everything.
Here are a few of my favorite words of Gandhi:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – This quote evokes in me the courage to “go for it” and to have a positive impact on the world. I never thought of Gandhi as a “law of attraction” teacher, but this quote embodies it. This quote has helped to shift my energy many times. If I want peace, then I can be peace. If I want love, then I can be love….etc. Pretty powerful when you think about it… Try breathing in peace for three breaths the next time you are feeling agitated or anxious. One the inhale bring peace into every cell of your body. On the exhale direct anything that is not peace out through your breath. Do this three times and notice how you feel. it is a simple yet powerful practice of being the change you wish to see…
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Alignment and congruency are key. There is not only happiness, but peace that happens when our thoughts, words and actions are lined up together. It is walking the talk. I have found that when one of these are out of alignment, there is a feeling of unrest inside of me – I guess you could call it a lack of peace. This quote inspires me to ask: Where am I out of alignment and what steps do I need to take to get aligned? Where am I not walking my talk? Take time to listen to the responses and take action. It feels so good to be in harmony.
“Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress” I love this quote because it encourages me to speak my truth, even if it is uncomfortable. In my work with corporate teams, it is a good quote to share to get people talking. It reminds us that it is healthy to get things out on the table and create space for resolution. It can be stressful when something is not being said. People can feel it. By acknowledging differences, we can begin to build a bridge. Even simply agreeing to disagree can sometimes be all that is needed to clear the air, allow people to focus on what is important, and to move forward peacefully.
All of the above quotes support the concept of peace beginning with ourselves and rippling out into the world. Gandhi’s voice and legacy is still impacting the world today.
“As above so below” Hermes, from The Emerald Tablet
Our external worlds are a reflection of our inner world. I can’t hear the above quote without knowing that this peace thing really does begin on the individual level. The more peace I can have, the more ripples will go out into the world. And then my ripples will meet your ripples. And then the fun begins!
Who inspires you to bring more peace into your life? Famous or not.Also, do you have a favorite quote or tool that evokes inner or outer peace? I would love to hear – feel free to leave a comment.
To Peace, whatever that means to you!
Kat
Excellent Post. Thank you for the gentle reminder, that
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Love the blog! Great work!
Thanks Susan!!! Looking forward to having you guest post here sometime soon.
Beautiful post, Kat. My list of peace inspirers is very much the same and I have learned so much from the life and teachings of Gandhi. It is always a blessing to have his words enter the field of my day. Thanks for the post and for sharing in our Voices of Peace journey.
Thanks Beth! I love that we share some of the same inspirations! I could have spent much more time sharing insights from his teachings. I am appreciating the structure in this challenge. #voicesofpeace
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
It is hard for me to believe that Mahatma Ghandi died long before I was born in 1958. he was such a HUGE part of my upbringing, and soul searching, and connectedness to peace. He is probably mine and most of humanitties archetype of a peaceful warrior. It always felt like her was the leader of all the movements for equelaity and peace in the USA while I was growing up. I always felt he wwas alive and well and moving among us well into my 20’s!! Isn’t that amazing!!
I agree with you Sabrina! Gandhi’s teachings are still very much alive today. Grateful for that. <3 Thanks for sharing!