"One Family, One World," and then, one week later

“One Family” and “One World”   

The millions of people who watched the ending ceremony of the winter Olympics’ saw a magnificent fireworks show when at the end the statement,  "One Family; One World" was displayed.

Then within a week Russia invaded Ukraine. 

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”  This is the preamble to the UNESCO Charter adopted Nov. 16, 1945 

I think most of us have been left aghast and wondering why is this happening and why for heaven’s sake go to this extreme; killing and destroy homes just because there are some things you don’t like that upset you?

It’s been said you can’t change the mind of someone who doesn’t want it to be changed.   Our natural state is love! No one is born who does not have the spark of love at the center of their being.  

There are two emotions; love or fear.  Of all the various feelings we have; jealousy, anger, joy, depression, gratitude; pride; insecurity; envy etc. they have at their basis either love or fear.  But a mind that chooses fear still has love at its center so if mind can be touched and helped to recognize that fact, then it can be changed to see things differently. 

We just need to reach that mind.  We are responsible for how we judge, “see” or interpret the world.  A mind that chooses peace as its main goal is aware of thoughts that are disturbing.  If we ask ourselves: is this thought making me feel good or bad, reflecting peace or war, then we can change the thought.

There are other statements that can be helpful to bring up when feeling conflict:  I could see peace instead of this; I am responsible for how I feel; Does this thought make me happy?  Or, I will step back and let love lead the way.  Those are a few in case you need one in a pinch.  They come in handy, especially when watching an invasion on TV.   

We are One World and One Family.   

Sally J. McKirgan, Olympia