Spreading Peace

This morning I turned on the TV for some company while I exercised. The first story I heard was about the shooting of three police officers in Pittsburgh. This was pretty much a repeat of the day before, when I also turned on the TV for some company while I exercised and the first thing I heard about was the shooting of 13 people at a community center in upstate New York.

This is why I don't watch the news much anymore. When I had to commute I listened to NPR constantly, both in the morning and on the way home in the evening. Sometimes I'd even listen to the world news, too, or read the news on the Internet. I mostly gave up these habits around the end of last year; between the presidential election having come to a close and all of the terrible, terrible news about the economy, it didn't seem like it was in my best interest anymore.

In fact, I don't think it's in anyone's best interest. I get it: we should be informed, we should be cognizant of what's happening across our community, our country, our world. But I believe very often it just spreads fear. Fear can turn to anger, violence, depression, and a whole host of other emotions that will not do us any good.

This morning I had a feeling come over me while I watched the news. It wasn't fear, though. Maybe some mild sadness, but overall it was a feeling that I need to help spread peace. If we, as a people, can spread love, peace, acceptance, and joy, there won't be room for fear.

I know it sounds like I'm living in a dream world, but I know it's possible for all of us to live happier lives. What feels better: worrying constantly about terrorism, the economy, the war, North Korea? Or being thankful for our families, friends, health, pets, and another day to watch the sunrise? And I'm not trying to downplay the real, scary things that are happening in the world right now.

Even if it's one person at a time, I want to make people's lives better. I once read a book called Conversations With God, and the basic theme, as I interpreted it, was to live our lives with love, not fear. To make decisions about what we do with our time out of love, not fear. That's really hard to do, but I believe it's so, so worth it.

Please join me in making some time for peace today. It can be any small act, like hugging your grandmother, petting your dog for an extra few minutes, or writing down all that you are grateful for. Start spreading love and peace. Turn off the news, or when you watch it, send out prayers and positive thoughts to all that you see suffering. Be thankful for all that you have.

Be Joyful!