On the possibilities of peace – inside & out
“Home to Gaia: A journey to Peaceful Sleep” is an illustrated bedtime story about finding peace and love inside to share it outside. Launched on International Peace Day, September 21st, 2018. Available in e-book, paperback & hardcover.
What does love have to do with peace?
What does peace have to do with sleep?
And why the overspread belief in that peace in the world is impossible to attain, too difficult, a distant utopian vision when we can start small?
Maybe it is too difficult to see the possibility to end the wars outside. Disheartening to see the military budgets around the world, the mainstream domination paradigm still strong,the resistance to peace or the lack of attention peace politics receive.
To zoom in though, the restlessness we each may have to different degrees inside, our conflict ridden lives could be easier to manage and transform. One person and one day at a time. If we take a look at both social and spiritual leaders that have emphasized this inner-outer war connection from Dalai Lama, Gandhi, Krishnamurti, Mandela, we find ourselves in good company and clarity. I believe the time of “fighting for peace” is gone. And what instead is on, is the surrendering to the possibilities of joy, abundance and dignity for all.
Can we work for peace in the world when being conflict ridden inside?
Are we collectively responsible for the conflicts and violence in the world?
A conversation we’ve had many times with professionals in the peacebuilding field. Going for both/and as well as the link between inner and outer realities is a good start when we become aware that everything we are, think and act upon influences our whole environment and the collective consciousness.
Political peace is not just about envisioning with the heart but also about putting forward reasonable possibilities to actually create harmony inside out.
Fair chances to co-create together wonderful visions for all humankind may appear when we are secure about our own worthiness to be loved regardless of what we achieve to merit it, when we are able to connect to others outside the competition paradigm that sets us apart, when we realize our equal dignity and inclusion in the circle of life.
What about a road map to start building peace inside out, from kindergarten?
This way, by changing the stories we tell our children and ourselves about the world, we might have a chance to build peace imaginary-brick-by-brick in a few generations of real peace loving kids.
“Home to Gaia” is a children’s storybook for all ages that have not yet mastered the connection to inner peace and security. It translates into the language of a five year old what many adults in the world have not mastered yet, otherwise it would collectively show.
“We are one star, just one” my four year old having tested the story said. She is not afraid to go to sleep in the dark anymore. The five year old told me one day – before even catching this story – that she knows I am just a symbol: “The true mother is Mother Earth”.
Well, we will begin science education later on, explaining that -really- this planet is just a rock hurdling through infinite space. Or, also, we’ll find scientific research that supports the Gaia theory, the oneness of all components of the earth’s eco-system. Right now, they need an earthly anchor. Take Gaia as metaphor. Invent anything else if you will. Just take the time to sink in and be fully in peace and love with yourself. There is a probability that this could suffice.
If you really knew you are loved no matter what you do, what would you choose?
Note
A book category came up to choose for this book. Visionary & metaphysical seemed fit. How else to make sense of the physical reality if not also by a meta-tour around it?
“Home to Gaia” is available for sale in e-book, paperback & hardcover.
Storybook description and editorial reviews here.