Peace Building

Peace Building with the Spiral of Accountability

I have been exploring, thinking, reading, conversing, and now writing about the Spiral of Accountability™ as a tool in peace building. I will continue to explore this but here is where I am now. 

First, my thoughts on what peace and peace building is and is not:

·         Peace is not absence of conflict.  It is the presence of relationship. 

·         Peace is not an end result.  It is the ongoing effort to move through conflict together.

·         Peace building is not conflict resolution. It is the Pursuit of Solutions by Building Collaboration. 

Some examples: 

·         Peace is a calm moment in our day when our mind is present and content.

·         Peace is seeing connections in nature.

·         Peace is the innocence of a child.

·         Peace is puppy breath or the purr of a kitten.

·         Peace is a heart-to-heart hug between friends or family.

·         Peace is being curious with the genuine interest in learning about another. 

·         Peace is sitting with someone struggling, even if we don’t understand.

·         Peace is listening to someone share their perspective and setting aside our judgement and response to seek to understand.

·         Peace is giving important feedback so someone can grow and succeed.

·         Peace is a team exploring and debating ideas.

·         Peace is a leader showing vulnerability as they own a mistake.

·         Peace is seeing the human being in the one who does not value something that super important to you.

·         Peace is knowing the thinker is in charge not the thought.

·         Peace is stirring the pot so the bottom doesn’t burn.

·         Peace is considering other options.

·         Peace exists in relationship. 

So here were a few of the thoughts that are colliding in my brain: 

·         I am a Rotarian. Rotary is a global organization of 1.2 million leaders and problem-solvers in 34,000 clubs in 200 countries. Our global foundation is one of the most trusted and respected in the world. Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution is one of our seven areas of focus. We have eight Peace Centers at universities in seven countries on five continents that we train diplomats and peace builders. We were the first and one of only two non-governmental organizations (NGO) with a seat at the United Nations. We work behind the scenes on the ground purposefully without fanfare and recognition. The promotion of peace is a huge part of the value we bring to the world and something I am most proud of.

·         The past few years the polarization and politicization of our American society has not been peaceful. I have found myself being part of the problem, not the solution. I find myself easily Generating Commiserators, with others who think like I do and agree with me and Ignoring and avoiding those that don’t. I Make Excuses that are hurtful, blaming, and full of self-righteousness and contempt. I am In Misery. It is time to practice what I preach. Peace begins with me. 

·         I have an old t-shirt with the Lao-tse poem on the back that reads:

If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart. 

Consider that peace begins within you. Take Responsibility to help it ripple beyond you by Pursuing Solutions by Building Collaboration. We are in this together.