Today is International Day of Peace! I know this because I saw a tweet from Dalai Lama (yes, he’s on Twitter) that said, “On this International Day of Peace, we must remember that peace cannot come from prayer alone. It requires action.”
I couldn’t agree more….but frankly it’s hard to ever disagree with Dalai Lama.
I understand entirely that this day is about improving peace within and among all nations and that this year specifically is geared towards sustainable development in order to provide and maintain the necessities of survival without compromising our planet’s resources for future generations. However, I can’t help but think about the key word for today—peace.
Anyone with PTSD will tell you that what they crave most is peace. Not only world peace, but mental peace, physical peace, emotional peace, peace among loved one, peace in the workplace, financial peace, peace in everything aspect of their life. It is this one simple, beautiful word that one suffering from flashbacks, anxiety, insomnia, anger and social withdrawal wants more than anything else.
And Dalai Lama today reminded me and hopefully many others that as much as we pray and meditate a life of peace, achieving it requires action. The action of writing it out, among other things, is what distances me from my symptoms and brings me peace.
The action of kayak fishing is what helps military veterans across the country decompress from the stresses associated with combat, thanks to an amazing organization called Heroes on the Water.
The action of yoga is what helps those who have gone down a rough path due to growing up surrounded by violence find a productive life, thanks for yoga therapist Nancy Candea and her organization Yoga Impact.
The action of creating art is what helps survivors of sexual assault with PTSD, thanks to the generous volunteers of Pandora's Project.
The action of receiving acupuncture is what assists those affected by natural disasters find relief from stress, thanks to one of my favorite organizations Acupuncturists Without Borders.
Inaction may feel protective and safe but it doesn’t bring peace.
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