Happy first day of June!

I hope you were able to find a time of peace and rest this weekend. Admittedly, there has been much to be concerned about with the pandemic, political climate, and racial unrest. It’s been challenging to find a sense of balance in an environment where there’s so much controversy. Finding our way back to love and compassion can be elusive.

As I contemplated my feelings and inner chaos, I kept coming back to a foundation of love. Sri Chinmoy, a meditational leader, author, musician, and artist, established the first center for meditation in Queens, New York. His teachings of love and devotion to God, self-transcendence, and the transformation of negativity into divine thought were foundational to accessing peace.

Quotes about finding inner peace -Sri Chinmoy Quotes

I literally sat for hours ruminating on the state of the world and, in particular, the current chaos in the US. As I attempted to openly review all the various platforms and consider the disposition of each line of reasoning, I kept coming back to the same conclusion. Nothing, nothing, not one thing can be accomplished without the presence of love and unconditional regard.

Jannine Murray, when writing about self-love, asked the question, “Who would you be if you didn’t judge…but rather listened while aligning with the virtues of self-love, self-respect, and deep compassion?” She continued with, “The intentions that arise when embodying self-love, respect, and compassion are:

  • Listen more                            
  • Accept
  • Keep an open mind
  • Give grace
  • Be gracious
  • Flow
  • Allow
  • Find joy in the process
  • Be a sacred witness
  • Hold sacred space
  • Be mindful
  • Breathe”

What if we applied these same principles to our view of others, of our country, and our world?

Scripture is replete with instructions on the power of love:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” Micah 6:8 (AMP)

“Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good.” Romans 12:9 (AMP)

“For you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another.” Galatians 5:13 (AMP)

“…and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.” Ephesians 5:2 (AMP)

My hope and prayer is that we contemplate the need for change through the lens of self-awareness, compassion for others regardless of differing views, by practicing peace through love, and with the purpose of acceptance through unconditional regard of basic humanity and decency. We may not be able to understand another’s reality altogether, but we can certainly choose to love.

Have a safe week!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda