Peace Begins with Me

I believe in humanity. I always have and I always will. People always told me that I was naïve, innocent, immature, idealistic and/or unrealistic. Why? I believe in humanity, not out of naivete, but because time and time again I have witnessed kind people doing kind things. I am blessed with the most kind, gracious and giving parents. Throughout my entire life I have witnessed my parents extend their generosity and kindness towards me, my siblings, our friends, family members, and even strangers. My parents have taken people into their homes when they did not have a place to stay, given rides to people who do not have transportation. My Dad has donated blood for over 4 decades. My Mom has given free tax advice to all of our friends. They volunteer their time, energy and resources. They donate to countless organizations and so much more. It’s more than just my parents’ kindness, I have witnessed my friends doing amazing things as well - such as going into prisons and spreading love, volunteering on the weekends to feed the homeless, helping cancer patients feel beautiful with hair and make-up classes. I have witnessed so many miraculous things done by everyday people. That's when I realized that each individual can make a difference in life. That each of you matter, that your choices matter. With everything going on in the world right now, it's time to pause, reflect and decide how you want to show up for yourself, for others and your life. Too often we underestimate the ripple effect we can have in the world. Can I personally stop Russia, no, but what I can do is show up as my most authentic self, shine my light and continue to practice a life of non-harm. Non-harm means being aware of your words, your actions and your energy. Non-harm means living in peace with yourself, your mind, your body, your life, the earth and others. If you want the world to be a different place then it's time for you to take personal responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, actions, choices and words. If you want to live in a peaceful world, it starts with you being peaceful. When I taught children’s yoga there was this amazing mantra meditation I would teach the children called ‘Peace Begins with Me’. The children and I would repeat this mantra over and over again. ‘Peace begins with me. Peace begins with me. Peace begins with me.’ What an amazing lesson to teach our children - that peace is created and cultivated from within each of us and then extends out into the world. If we want peace in the world then we have to first cultivate peace inside of ourselves. I encourage each of you to take the time to reflect if you are living a peaceful life, if you are living a life of non-harm? Are you at peace with yourself? Are you at peace with others? If not, identify what changes you can make to feel more at peace and then take action to create the peace you desire. Be the ripple effect that my parents have been. You can do this. Right now, each of you has a circle of influence, just think what would happen if you showed up peacefully with an intention of non-harm. Think of how this would affect your circle of influence. As you live in harmony with yourself, you liberate others to live in harmony with themselves and then this expands to their circle of influence and the next circle of influence and the next circle of influence until before you know it you’ve changed the entire world. ‘PEACE BEGINS WITH ME’ whenever you're doubting the world or the future remind yourself of these words. Let this mantra be a beacon of hope and personal empowerment. I believe in humanity. I always have and I always will. We can change the world from violence to harmony. Let’s unite, let’s support one another, let’s be kind to each other and let’s always remember that ‘peace begins with me’.

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