We were waiting at the base of the hill about to engage in battle with those on the other side. My anxiety was great and I was trembling. How stupid, I thought. Another war! We are just like children, wanting to get even, to be the winners. Someone has to stop this. Let’s try another way first!
We were waiting at the base of the hill about to engage in battle with those on the other side. My anxiety was great and I was trembling. How stupid, I thought. Another war! We are just like children, wanting to get even, to be the winners. Someone has to stop this. Let’s try another way first!
No one stepped forward. A strong inner voice said, This is your job. Reluctantly I said, I’ll go, I’ll try! Starting up the hill, and shaking badly, I thought about a white truce flag. How would they know I was coming just to talk about peace without one? An idea surfaced and I loosened my white hair from its bun and let it fly. From a distance, it would have to do.
Soon I felt people close behind me. My friends were joining me! Another woman was there with her white hair blowing in the wind. We were quite a sight. My speech formed in my mind. “Let’s come together now,” I would plead, “one from each side. Go sit in the field facing each other, and share your life stories, your joys and hopes for the future.” People sharing at such a deep level could never destroy each other, I felt. Now compassion could surface, and a whole new thought process could begin.
Later, awake and reflecting I realized that those walking with me had to be my Kindred Spirits, sculptures of people I had been inspired to create. They are all peace lovers and seekers of that other way to live in this world of seemingly endless conflicts. I, like them, do believe that all of us are responsible to find peace within ourselves before it can become a reality in our world. When this happens, my dreams will come true.
Soon the idea of creating a space in the community where artists and writers could display their feelings on canvas and paper surfaced. Changing displays every few months could ignite viewers to explore their own innermost cravings for that other way. Filled with conviction and a mock-up of the wall I envisioned, with samples of inspired writings and beautiful art work, I began the search for a vacant wall—first in a small local museum, and then the library. Everyone was very excited. Great idea, they agreed! But when their Boards met, it was not approved. Amazed that the idea couldn’t find a home, I next called the newspaper. The reporter liked the idea, but was sure his editor wouldn’t go for it. They like controversy, he said. He was correct.
Since then I’ve heard various reasons “Peace” might be an unpopular topic, such as “It isn’t patriotic.” That term “patriotic” sent me to Webster, who defines it as “one who lives and zealously supports his own country.” I’m confused and ask myself, if I love my country and desire Peace for all my neighbors, does that make me unpatriotic? Webster also defines “Peacemaker” as “one who makes peace.” Only that makes sense to me. What say you?
Perhaps studying the philosophies of some of my partners in the dream may give us a clue to their success. We will start an inquiry into Gandhi’s life next month.
