With the start of a new year, the theme of world peace often comes up. With a fresh beginning, we feel renewed hope for what is possible and renewed desire to make it happen. With the celebrations of Christmas, Solstice, Hanukah and others lifting our spirits, we see the world with the fresh eyes of what could be on this planet.
But the most important question to ask ourselves is not whether we can accomplish peace among nations, but whether we are at peace within ourselves. If we do not love our family members, friends and neighbors unconditionally and if we still don’t see ourselves in our divine perfection, how can we expect to achieve lasting peace on a grander scale?
In order for outer peace to become permanent, there must first be true inner peace within our hearts. There are those who are called to assist us by working out these issues on the world stage, but most of us can best contribute not by doing but by being. If peace in the West Bank or the Middle East or among our political parties seems out of reach, ask yourself if you are willing to take the next step toward peace in your own heart.
When we are modeling inner peace in our everyday lives, we are creating ripple effects that have a real effect in the world around us. The journey of a thousand steps starts with just one. We have the opportunity to choose each time we take a step, whether it will be one of peace.