- Paradise and Peace
PARADISE AND PEACE – PART 1
The following is an introduction to a discussion about Paradise and its 3 components:
peace, prosperity and happiness.
I hope you share your thoughts about what is “ peace” in your life.
Email your sharings to info@rlhassociates.com .
Paradise is sometimes described as a place where peace, prosperity (not luxury) and
happiness exist.
How do we arrive at this place (or is it a condition) that we label “paradise”? Is
paradise some oasis as pictured in some paintings? Or a place with opulence?
Is it : inherited, / acquired through religion or meditation or ….? Can we buy it? Or
build it? Or Invent It?
Does it really exist or is this a creation of our mind/imagination?
For discussion purposes, an interesting beginning is giving reflective consideration
to “ what is peace”? Are there metrics, measurements, standards by which we
measure peace? Those with a religious bent might say it is being one with their God.
calmness, a unity, the turning over of their lives to a supreme being. In the book “ Eat
Pray Love” Elizabeth Gilbert describes her trek through the meditational journey of
Yoga and a Bali wise man. A process that sweeps her away into another mystical
place.
What about those who do not believe in a religious sense.? There is an absence of
standards and values which relate to an after life. Peace is about practicality –
getting and doing those things which are necessary for happiness. Others
compliment/or subjugate their peace by gaining satisfaction through being
conducting themselves as “servant leaders”. Giving their lives and talents to
enhance the lives and well beings of others. We see this in the remarkable spirit of
volunteerism which embraces the United States ( this is not true in many countries
and cultures where the government is the universal care give). The
ravages of floods, tornadoes, fires are solved by neighbors and strangers who are
committed to assisting others in times of need. You get more than you give – a common
refrain from rain soaked, muddy volunteers who have spent back breaking hours
filling sandbags along the surging rivers of the Mississippi River.
A cohort tells me his version of peace Is the absence of emotional conflict. Meaning
having an uncommon bond and a sense of comradeship with others. This is an
important value in his life. That being,the capacity to sincerely, deep down in his
souls, have the capacity to engage all types of people in business and personal
relationships to the degree that he is at total peace with them. Talking to the
truth is his philosophy so therefore there is an absence of hypocrisy, the taint of little
white lies, and deception. Winning is not important — it is more about building and
maintaining honest relationships.
Another “peace’ is that of security. Security may be in the context of financial health.
Or perhaps it is physical security – the avoidance of physical harm or being in good
health. Money can’t buy you happiness but it sure helps goes the saying. For
security needy individuals, accumulating wealth is more necessary than
relationships, or peace of mind, or their relationship with a deity.
For others who have illnesses, or lived in areas of high crime or conflict, peace is
good health and safety.Knowing your child will come home safely from school
everyday or being able to go to the grocery store without fear of being attacked are
very real concerns. Indeed, they are a priority. Luxurious houses, a
stress free life as regards relationships, these are important – but living In fear for
one’s life prohibits one from being at peace.
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