A little peace

When I gave motivational speeches to nuclear scientists many years ago, I used to ask them all a question.

Do you think world peace is a good idea?

To a person, they all thought it was rhetorical—every single time. I had to assure them that I didn’t ask rhetorical questions, and I always asked it aloud a second time.

Do you think world peace is a good idea?

A mixed alto and soprano rumble usually began in the room amongst the women present, those who carried into life the sons and daughters who might have to go to war in a world crisis. Then the men in the room would jump on the theoretical bandwagon and agree. The rumble got some tenor and basso notes.

Great, I’d say. Then I’d ask a follow-up question.

What are you doing about it?

Usually, the shame in the room would create a dead silence. Bless them. No need for shame.

Why?

Why are we ashamed that we don’t know what to do about world peace? The simplest reason is because it’s too big. Too big for one person to take it on.

That’s not my experience. Experience has informed me that I am totally responsible for world peace—the peace in the world I experience. I spend no time in Darfur, or Rwanda, or Afghanistan, or Iraq, but I do spend time in Boston, New York, and this week, California and New Mexico.

Ever hear of utterly brilliant comedian Steve Bhaerman? A.K.A. Swami Beyondananda? Visit his hilarious website Wake Up Laughing.

Wake up laughing, indeed! Here’s what Swamiji says about creating peace:

A little peace here, a little peace there, and pretty soon all the peaces will fit together to make one big peace everywhere.

I take him totally to heart.

I am not totally responsible for world peace, and neither are you. That’s what I told the nuclear scientists. I am totally responsible for the little peace, and so are you.

Then I drew peace pictures for those nuclear wizards. Peace with the administrative staff. Peace with the cafeteria servers. Peace with your colleagues. Peace with your direct reports. Peace with your supervisor. Peace with your spouse. Peace with your friends. Peace with your children. Peace with your family. Peace with your neighbors. Peace with your church community. Peace with the local cops. Peace with . . . everyone and everything you can encounter. Little peaces.

Tiny, miniscule, itsy bitsy, teeny weeny peaces in every single moment of every single life of every single person every single day, week, month, year, lifetime, incarnation, reincarnation.

The scientists would lean back in their chairs when they understood.

Oh, ran the subtext, that I can do.

And so can you.

Visit Susan Corso’s spiritual blog or subscribe to Seeds at www.seedsforsanctuary.com.