ZombyPeaceThread#4: Inner Peace

[Zomby Woof]

We are all saddened and disheartened by the way Iraq unravels each day, and shocked - but maybe not surprised - at what happened earlier today in Basra. Serious reflection is in order, even here in our favorite hideaway, the Lounge.

I have been contemplating the various meanings of peace lately. Along with all of the definitions (choose your own, make a list if you must), are also many ways of working for peace.

But all journeys outward begin with the self. Inner peace, like the peace we seek in Iraq and elsewhere, is elusive, difficult to maintain, and requires daily effort.

If we are not at peace with ourselves, we will never be at peace with others. And furthermore, peace on a global scale will be for naught. We must start, like they say about charity, at home.

My own attempt at inner peace begins with forgiving past adversaries on DU. We are ALL in this together folks, and I don't care which part of any imaginary spectrum you place yourself on, which candidate you supported, or which flavor of ice cream tickles you pink, we are all in this together.

I talk peace on here a lot, but have fallen short of living up to my ideals many, many times when I have not extended peace to others. I am sure I will again - I am human after all. But I took a long serious look inward, and knew some cleaning was in order. Already, I feel better. Pardon the cliché, but fences have been mended, and bridges built where none existed previously.

We cannot like everyone, and conflict in inevitable. Our patience with those whom with we disgaree can be worn thin. Oh, I know that too well. But we can extend forgiveness and peaceful goodwill, and perhaps you will surprise yourself when once former adversaries extend the hand of friendship in return.

It is worth a shot, if you risk it. The rewards of inner calm and strength that comes with being at peace with one's self are quite liberating.

So to all DUers, ALL of you... do something today to work towards inner peace. You will notice the difference.

Peace from the ZombyWoof.

[ZenLefty]

1. I second the Zomby.

We don't all have to like each other on every level, but we do need to be unified in the task ahead. Consider Zomby and myself - most of you know that we are bitter enemies and hate each others guts. Death threats, pipe bombs, and flaming bags of yak poo on the doorstep are quite common between us. But we still raise our beer mugs together in unity, especially now when it matters most. :toast:

Believe me when I tell you this, it doesn't start with trying to conform others to your own worldview, it starts with you being at peace with yourself. The rest will follow after that.

[Zomby Woof]

3. LOL

I put yak poo in your beer mug while you were ogling nose-ringed hotties.

That being said, thanks for an excellent response. DU would be lost without your unique brand of humor and wisdom. :toast:

[SOteric]

2. Oh, well, in that case.

I forgive Kade Carrion for snapping you up before the rest of us had a chance.

You're right. Let's start a peace movement within ourselves.

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. There you go with the awesome smileys again!

I love that hugging group smiley. That is the best one yet. :hi:

[Zomby Woof]

10. they're kind of easter-eggy!

:D

[Zomby Woof]

6. you sweetie

When it comes to Kade, I am the truly lucky one. :loveya:

And those of us who call you friend are also very lucky indeed. :grouphug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. "we are all in this together" You have used one of Howard Dean's

favorite lines!!! ;) ;)

I agree with you of course. This place has become a sanctuary for me against all that is wrong in my world, as I underlined last night. Just being able to giggle with you, smile with you, yell with you, and cry with you sets everything right for awhile with me. So many who have opposing view points from me (on only some things) have become such treasured acquaintances.

You will never ever know how much pain you have helped ease on an almost daily basis...

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

[Zomby Woof]

8. I am happy I helped

You are right, I will never know, and I am humbled by you even saying so. :loveya:

All kidding aside about the grandmother business, you DO have the wisdom and insight associated with our elders, and at the ripe young age of 34, that's a a great leap forward to inner peace.

[SarahB]

7. I understand what you mean

Inner peace is something that can't be taken away. I strive for inner peace and self-actualization in the face of a lot and I'm getting there slowly. Finding peace and comfort within yourself means you don't need anyone or anything to fill your voids. I'm learning to fill my own voids. It takes time and work and sometimes you have disappointments along the way, but so much of the world's pain begins because of people with empty, sad hearts and few people realize this.

[Zomby Woof]

9. exactly

Pain is self-perpetuating, and while unavoidable, it can be quelled once those voids are left to disappear.

I know you have been through much turmoil lately, but you never take your pain out on others, which reveals the quality of your character, and the level of true peace you have achieved..

[SarahB]

22. Thanks, Zomby.

I try to be a good person if I can help it and it's nice to know, on occasion, people can notice that.

Life is a perpetual balancing act. There's something to be said for understanding yourself without shutting out others who care for you though. Again, a balance and self-awareness is the key I think.

[VelmaD]

11. I will admit that I am far...

from inner peace right now. I try not to take it out on others but I fall down sometimes.

I'm too angry for inner peace right now. Not at a particular person...just at the universe in general.

Will keeps telling me that "anger is a gift" and that I should let it motivate me to action rather than eating me up inside. I'm still working on that. I may be a nicer person once I figure it out.

[GOPisEvil]

12. Carrying around anger only eats away at you.

Go ahead and be angry, for there are many things to be angry about. But, to acheive inner peace it is necessary to let some things go after the initial expression of anger.

Staying perpetually angry is a good way to find a lonely existence and an early grave.

[Zomby Woof]

13. especially after the 7th or 8th divot of the day!

;-)

Actually, my bad golf game makes me laugh. Life is too short to care THAT much about the accuracy of hitting a little white ball. Besides, the beer tastes just as good afterwards either way. :D

[GOPisEvil]

14. Yeah, just get that curse word out, and move on to the next shot.

Golf is like life: it's all about recovering from your bad shots.

[Zomby Woof]

15. it makes the one good drive of the day sweeter lol

Sometimes both of them. :D

[GOPisEvil]

16. Especially if the one good drive is on 18!

Like the last time I played. Bang, right down the middle, 240 into the breeze. :shrug: Sometimes it takes a while to warm up. :D

[VelmaD]

17. I didn't get any ZombyLuv

I'm the only one who didn't get a response. :cry: There goes my inner peace. :(

[GOPisEvil]

18. Hey cheer up - there's an opportunity for free pizza in late May.

You have to help me move, but you get free pizza. Oh, and I nixed the condo in favor of a small house. Sorta in your neck of the woods, too.

[VelmaD]

19. Woohoo...free 'za

Kewl. Can't wait to see the new digs. :)

[GOPisEvil]

20. My realtor is coming by later to pick up my earnest money check.

:scared: Eep. I'm becoming a real adult. Help me. :scared:

[VelmaD]

23. OK....TAG!

*smacks GOPisEvil upside the back of the head*

YOU'RE IT!!!!!

*flees giggling*

[GOPisEvil]

25. *covers eyes*

123456789...10...ready or not, here I come!

[VelmaD]

29. I hid good...

you'll never guess where in a million billion gajillion years. :P

[GOPisEvil]

31. You're behind the oak tree!!!

No wait, that's the neighbor's border collie. Dammit! It was the black tail that threw me off!

[VelmaD]

35. HEY!

*pout*

Yeah...well...you have cooties. And you aren't even close to finding where I'm hid. So there.

[GOPisEvil]

37. I hope you didn't run to the Acevedo's yard!

She's MEAN!!

I'm rubber and you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you! Neener! :P

[VelmaD]

39. Yeah I'm in her yard...

You too chicken to come over here after me?

[Zomby Woof]

26. who is Earnest?

And does he know you have his money? :o

[GOPisEvil]

27. I don't know, but he works for Alamo Title Company.

That money will be his soon enough.

[Zomby Woof]

32. Alamo?

WHY YOU RACIST!!! GOLF-PLAYING REPUKE!!! :crazy: ;-)

[GOPisEvil]

34. From Texas, too!

:P

[Zomby Woof]

24. D'oh!!!

Oversight! I do that on the coffee threads too and feelings get hurt inadvertently. :-(

I am sorry Velma! I hope an extra donut with the coffee helps, and a ZombyHug. :hug: :donut: :donut:

[VelmaD]

28. I just knew if I pouted prettily...

I would get an extra donut. :) Mmm...forbidden donut.

[Zomby Woof]

30. Homer! Stop picking at yourself!

But I taste so good! :D

[VelmaD]

33. I have a 14 year old niece...

who was very wee still when that episode of the Simpsons first came out. That used to be her very favorite thing to say. Mmm...forbidden donut. Hee.

I kinda liked Chief Wiggum's response..."He's gotta come outta there sometime." :)

[Zomby Woof]

36. the Treehouse of Horror episodes

Rule above all others. :-)

[VelmaD]

40. Don't blame me...

I voted for Kodos.

[proud patriot]

21. ohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Tranquility , serenity , Sublime ,

Ohmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Zomby Woof]

38. Meditation - something I have never tried

But perhaps I will! :-) Thanks, PP!