Lapel Badges
"If we examine every stage of our lives,
we find that from our first breath to our last
we are under the constraint of circumstances.
And yet we still possess the greatest of all freedoms,
the power of developing our innermost selves
in harmony with the moral order of the universe,
and so winning peace of heart
whatever obstacles we meet."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"Peace of heart." What beautiful words. Can it really be achieved? I believe it can. I must continue to "Let Peace begin with me," to begin with myself, no matter what my circumstances. As Goethe states, "we are under the constraint of circumstances." Each of us has issues and problems to deal with in our lives. Yet, we have the freedom to work on our own hearts and souls. "I love Peace," and I want to continue my intentions to work "for peace for our family, our community and our world."
"The death of those we love brings a troubling awareness of our own mortality." Saint of the Day (April 18, 2008). One of the "constraints of circumstances" I have been dealing with is the recent death of my Mother. I have been thinking more about "mortality." None of us can tell how many years we have to live. My Mother's death is forcing me to think about how many years I may live, with the question of what do I want to do with the rest of my life. A question that we all must face at the various stages of our lives. I want my last breath to be a prayer of peace for my family, my community and my world.
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7 comments:
Thanks so much for your kind comment on our blog Pati. I'm so sorry this has been such a rough time for you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Best,
Stacey
Two Writing Teachers
Pati,
That's great, peace begins with us. I had a fight yesterday morning with my mom. I think I need to take a deep breath and call her, even though it should be the other way around.
It's good that you have the outlet of writing to the world to share your reflections.
Bonnie
Once again, thank you for sharing so honestly. I find I'm very reflective about life, and specifically peace, when I read your posts.
I hope that we can join together to find peace.
Thanks for visiting me on my zoo trip, Pati. I enjoyed thinking about peace with you!
~jane
Patti, since my mother died just over 3 years ago, my thoughts have also been on my own mortality and how I want to live the time I have left, fully, with love and purpose. I'm finding myself less inclined to be drawn in to the "dramas' of those around me. I know I have less time in front of me than behind me and I don't want to waste a second of it in negativity. Peace has become paramount. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Pati, you are such an awesome person; such a wise and loving friend. Thanks so much for your post and for sharing the personal side of it. You are such an inspiration to me!
I may only know you through your blog (which is an odd thing to say, I realize) but your message of peace every day does come through.
And I appreciate it.
Kevin
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