No peace movements to speak of

Myth is the public dream, and dream is the private myth. - Joseph Campbell



Wangiri Maathai won the Nobel Peace prize in 2004. She organized an environmental effort that mobilized African women to plant millions of trees. That is good news. That is what I want to know more about. We have not seen many such stories since the turn of the century.
When was the last time you felt truly peaceful after reading the newspaper or watching the news on television? But what is the alternative to keeping up with current events? Somehow, I need to know what is happening in my larger world, even if it disturbs my peace. Because, when I don't know, I am then free to dream up things to wonder about.

This image is by Zach Carter. It was posted in a way that allowed me to use it by giving him credit. And I do; it is a beautiful photo, full of complexity and poignance.
Peace today seems be unreasonably elusive. To some it is just the absence of war. But that is merely a neutral stance, not powerful enough for my tastes. I want real peace. The true peace that has an emotional overlay. It is warm. It is firm. It is lasting. It is trustworthy.


Peace does not mean powerlessness. It means the absence of aggression. It implies humility. It means gentle power, curiosity, being in tune with nature and one's world. It can be male or female, old or young, rich or poor.
Darfur really matters. Genocide is happening - right now. We weep again for Africa, for the Congo. Our tears mean that we wish them peace in every place, an end to famine, war, disease and violence.
Tags: peace movement Africa