Monday 1 November 2021

Dona Nobis Pacem ~ Turn, Turn, Turn

For two decades (how did the time go by so fast?) I've taken part in Blogblast for Peace, every November. I've watched it continue to grow, steadily spiralled outwards as we draw, write and create in the name of Peace. But this year I'm turning around and following the spiral back to the centre. 

It's time to turn. 

Because no matter how much of a difference we might make in fighting for world peace, there is no greater battle, nothing ever more important or courageous, than ensuring your own personal peace. Your well-being has to come first. 

Your mental and emotional health,

                 your sense of spiritual or ethical integrity,

your self-respect, 

                                                                    your personal sovereignty,  

your inner peace. 

Because when there is no peace within... there can be no peace without.

 As wonderful as it is, to belong to a large group all battling for positive change, I'm also seeing a lot of burn out. People who are saying they feel exhausted; long past running on empty. So this season of Peace, I'm asking you to turn the spiral inwards. I want you to check your inner core; is it steady? Is it calm? Is it a sanctuary? Are your boundaries clearly marked and are you brave enough to hold them firm? Because it takes tremendous courage to stand up for yourself whilst still staying centred in peace and love.

The hardest thing to do is to love yourself and treat yourself with kindness, because the world will fight you on that. Our society prefers people who are obedient to others. It ridicules those who choose to put themselves first. But the boss who implies you are lazy or not pulling your weight if you ask for sick leave... will he be there for you when your health collapses? The "friend" who calls you selfish or unkind for refusing to constantly help... will they be there for you when you collapse from exhaustion?


It's not your duty to take care of everyone on the planet as well as fighting for Peace and the planet itself.  That burden is too great; no-one can carry that much. You will burn out. 

For two decades we have all cried "NO MORE" for world peace; now we must do it for our selves. No more giving without receiving back. No more draining yourself dry in the hope that somehow, some day, all that sacrifice will be appreciated and recognised. No more giving parts of your self away. No more self-destruction and lack of inner peace. 

Turn, turn, turn ...


6 comments:

  1. Beautiful images and words. Peace to you and yours. Thank you.

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  2. This speaks to me personally and will to all who read. It is timely and needed especially during this pandemic when we're trying to take care of so many people AND protect ourselves. We have all become caretakers by proxy in so many respects...and we HAVE to take care of each other...oh, but you are right. It can't be effective unless we're healed and whole and healthy ourselves.

    Thank you for this inspiration. Thank you for caring about me and the peace globes throughout the years. Thank you for leading the way with truth. That's what makes you the Peace Warrior you are.

    Much love,
    Mimi

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  3. Beautiful globe (I love the purple!) and great words indeed. It complements my focus this year. We have to stand up, together! Words are wonderful, but actions are better...

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  4. I agree 100 %!

    If we don't take care of our health, physical and otherwise, we become stressed and...well, we know what happens when we're not our best selves.

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  5. Wise words. After the last several years, burnout and discouragement are real. Especially for me, a child of the 60's, such an idealistic generation. I never could have DREAMED (or nightmared) the years we have recently lived through. Yet here we are and it is impossible to live without hope for future generations. So we keep on. No peace without social justice. And we find what peace we can within ourselves to demand it. To require it!

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  6. Thank you everyone.

    Mimi, none of this would exist without you. <3 We are all better for knowing you. What a gift that it!


    Hi Tink!

    Yeah, I needed a colour change and that purple just was so good. :D Thank you and hope you are well. I forget to check on everyone.

    Sherry Blue Sky...
    same for me! I child of the 60s, with so much optimism. I'm 2000, thought a new millennium would be the start of great things. Ha :\ At this stage I'm at a very my lowest ever level of faith in humanity. Which, sadly, is why I'm putting myself first now.

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