Sometimes, we have no words. Yet, here’s the thing about poetry: it’s not just about the words. It’s the space, too. WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS Pause breathe sigh breathe again… It is enough. + Sue Heatherington Today is one of those times when simply pausing together makes a difference. #Pause4Peace 🌿
What does a peace poet look like? And how do they sound? Are they speaking out, or is their role to reflect and draw us into a different place? One we wouldn’t approach except in their company. One thing I do suspect is that they wouldn’t sell us binary answers wrapped in simplistically charged language. … Read more
What good can a pause do? In the face of wars and violence, it feels very small. Yet the more of us who intentionally stop and breathe deeply as a collective act, the more we enlarge our capacity to be carriers of peace in a broken world. PAUSE It’s counterintuitive because, in it, we recognise … Read more
The last of the swans left early yesterday morning, leaving only the long-term residents of the valley in place. It reminds me that peace is a long-term endeavour. And our desire for peace requires “a long walk in the same direction.” So here is a blessing For Peace from John O’Donohue. Because we need this … Read more
It was a passing comment. Peacekeeping is fundamentally different to peacemaking. While neither Dave Day nor I are experts in the matter, it struck a chord. And while this may be a spectrum, the poles are clear. One is a neutral third party keeping adversaries apart, whereas the other empties themselves of status to enter … Read more
If we are seeking peace, we have to look below the surface. What is immediately apparent is not the whole story. This flash choir came together from across the divides of language and ethnicity in Haifa in 2018: Koolulam | One Day – Matisyahu |Haifa | Feb. 14th, 2018 Their voices expressed what is (still) … Read more
We can easily feel helpless amid the violence and destruction. Therefore, I am inviting a midweek collective pause for peace. A brief time out, even for a minute, to recognise that those of us who are for peace are more than those who seek to destroy. Whether that is of people, place or the planet. … Read more
Our way forward is not found by retracing our old paths. As so many wise people have observed before us, we cannot solve our current issues with the thinking that brought us here. So, I want to pause and spend time with Rick Rubin’s words to start the week. The ability to look deeplyis the … Read more
This beautiful blessing from Steve Garnaas-Holmes yesterday felt particularly timely. As we develop our rhythm of pause, especially #Pause4Peace, let his words seep into our souls. BLESSED ARE YOU Blessed are youwho guard your joy so tenderlybecause you’re also heartbroken for the world.Blessed are you who, in passing moments,feel a flutter of dreadfor what is … Read more
On our own, we can’t silence the terror. Anywhere. But we can stand together and remember that we are multitudes. One minute to pause what we are doing and know we are one. Your time. Your place. Then share the pause so the ripples grow. Around the world. Together, we can pause for peace. Everywhere. … Read more