Its now coming up to midnight here in Ireland. Just one hour left of my 9-day water fast for peace in the Middle East. I am in good health, lost 8 kg up to this morning. I did not do a running commentary on line, but I have exercised daily to keep fit (Qi Gung), performed shamanic journeys for support, guidance and information, and meditated. I shall write up these notes to present my ideas and make them available on my website for those interested. The main aim of the fast was to draw attention to the need for individual citizens, not only in this particular conflict but in all such conflicts, to assert their rights to be involved in a healing process with their opponents in parallel with the efforts made at national and international levels to broker a peace settlement. These higher level negotiations are a necessary component, but they take a lot of time during which more lives can be lost. The result of those negotiations is merely a legal framework to support peace when it evenually takes root. They cannot of themselves create peace. These negotiations, unfortunately, are also a place where ongoing international rivalries and game-playing for national interests are played out. The real peace process must take place between individuals and groups of citizens on both or more sides of the conflict to find a way forward that is not limited by compromise but is based upon consensus and the building of a basis that will develop trust, reduce and remove fears, and promote understanding of one another. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them Albert Einstein Today the world is a global village. Unfortunately, people still think like villagers Pere Dominique Pire (Nobel Peace Prize Winner and founder of the University of Peace. ... and now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Peace and blessed be to all who read this.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Aug 2014 22:23:43 +0000