There is a lovely tradition called ‘passing the peace’ in the Episcopal Church. It is the one time when the congregation turns to one another to shake hands and say “peace be with you” and you reply “and also with you”. It provides a wonderful joining lift for everyone.
If ever there was a time that a variation of this tradition is needed, it’s now. You don’t have to be in a church to make this happen, it can be a part of your everyday routine. It is a wonderful way to promote peace and generate positive energy that can change the world around you.
Here are some ways you can join in passing the peace. See what you think.
SPEAKING WORDS OF PEACE
Peace means much more than the absence of war or chaos. It’s about balance and well-being, offering kindness and generosity to others and being calm and in harmony with yourself and your environment. Speaking to others with words of peace involves offering positive affirmation and observations, with compliments that are kind, calm and loving. It allows for the true definition of peace to spread.
BEING A PEACEMAKER
Are you a peacemaker in your family or workplace? Everyone needs one around them. The peacemakers look for the points of agreement, striving for calm and reconciliation in the midst of conflict, offering patience, wisdom, balance and kindness with words of redirection and reflection. It’s a welcome gift to offer when there are struggles in a setting. See how you can contribute as a peacemaker.
CULTIVATE PEACE FOR YOURSELF
It’s not possible to speak about peace and be a peacemaker without finding it within yourself. This gift only comes by making a clear decision to find peace in your own heart and mind. Often this means periods of silence, meditating, praying, journaling, going within to find your truth and heart. When you find it, you can lead others effortlessly because your inside and outside are congruent. When you are at peace within yourself, wisdom will flow out of you with ease.
How do you find ways to “pass the peace”?. If you’d like to know more, please reach out.
