CLINTON — The Clinton Peace Coalition is asking community members to share their thoughts on peace in anticipation of this year’s Stop the Hate / Show the Love Annual Walk for Peace on Sept. 20.  This week Marcia Flory, R.N. and Usui Reiki Master Teacher, shares her thoughts of peace and being mindful of our thoughts.

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We often speak of peace, we search for peace, we pray for peace, and yet peace alludes us. We look at another and question their actions, judge their decisions and condemn family members for not meeting our expectations. Is there any wonder that we wage war in the world when we cannot even keep the peace within our own households, churches, communities, and government?

Perhaps the frailty of the human condition prevents us from seeing the innate goodness in our self and in another. We do not understand that hurtful actions are a cry for help, an indicator that one is trapped in fear and confusion. Despite the challenges and the adversities that we all have in life, each of us has the innate ability to experience peace, even in the midst of chaos.

Choosing to experience peace and love, over turmoil and anger, is indeed a conscious choice we make. When we awaken to the truth that in order to emotionally and spiritually heal and grow as an individual, as a family, as a nation, indeed as a global citizen…we must embrace a deeper understanding that we are responsible for our own happiness, our own choices and our own actions.

Each of us has to be committed to choose, at any moment, the energies of kindness over hatred, and hope instead of despair. Peace will build in our lives when we learn to let go of the need to be right at all costs and the action of labeling and condemning those who do not share our views. Becoming aware that the vicious cycle of judging others to be less than we are, breeds fear and division, taking us further away from the healing energies of the heart.

We all know that peace must first come from within, before we can reflect that energy into the world. One way that is helpful to experience inner peacefulness is to develop a simple practice of mindfulness, being fully present in the moment. This can easily begin as monitoring your breathing. Simply focus on deepening and slowing the rhythm of your individual breaths. Notice how this practice allows you to release unwelcomed thoughts of worry or anger. You simply let them go on the out breath.

 Mindfulness practice can include any positive and healthy activity that shifts you into a calmer state. This may include athletic endeavors, sewing, music or dance, meditation, guided visualizations, centering prayer, positive affirmations, spending time in nature, and remembering to invite God into your life.

Whatever your religious or spiritual preferences may be, choosing to surrender fears to a higher power will dramatically shift your conscious awareness. As you align your actions with your inner wisdom, you will be more open to extend kindness to yourself and others. This choice that is yours to make, remembering to treat another as you would like to be treated, letting go of prejudices and anger that do not serve the highest good, will dramatically shift your personal perspectives on life.

True peace is not being free of discord or disappointment. The beauty of peace is feeling the presence of Holy Spirit, knowing you are divinely guided and loved. Your ability to remember that your free will is one of the most magnificent gifts you were born with. Choosing to remain calm within your heart in the midst of chaos and despair can be achieved.  As with any learning, it develops a step at a time. Remember to breathe in peace and breathe out fear. Simply let go of any negative thoughts as you exhale, knowing that peace is simply a breath away.

The Clinton Peace Coalition invites community members to show their support for peace in our community, by participating in this year’s Stop the Hate / Show the Love Annual Walk for Peace on Thursday, Sept. 20.  Pre-walk activities will begin at 5 p.m. at Clinton Community College, with the opening program beginning at 5:15 p.m.  The walk will begin at 5:30 p.m., concluding at Ashford University with a short closing program and refreshments.  

All are welcome to attend this free, community event. The Peace Walk is planned by the Clinton Peace Coalition.  

Marcia Flory, R.N., teaches meditation and various courses on spiritual healing at the YWCA. To enroll in her current classes, “The Way Is Within,” contact the YWCA or e-mail Flory at healingenergies@mchsi.com.