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Spiritual PeacemakingBy Amy Garcia |
On the morning of 9/11/01, a switch turned on inside of me and my life changed. An inner voice said, “It’s time to get to work.” I had been a student of metaphysics and world philosophies for many years. I spent a lot of time readings books, but didn’t put much of the information into application. Three years ago, I received a loud reminder of my soul’s purpose and the necessity for moving into action.
Our country was in crisis and emotions ran strong. Some chose to meet the challenge with force, other chose to focus on raising consciouness and energy. I advocated the latter because I believe that we can positively influence the energy of the planet with our thoughts and actions. We must use our thoughts wisely and understand their power. It is a universal law that thoughts become their physical equivalent. To create peace in your external world, focus on creating peace within yourself. Whatever you give your attention to increases. Change your thoughts of anger, hatred, retribution and fear to those of peace, compassion, tolerance and love.
I would also encourage you to take spirit-directed action and step out into your communities to participate in activities that promote peace. I used to stay away from politics, however the military occupation in the Middle East prompted me to give voice to my concerns. I sent out e-mails advocating non-violence and kept people informed about gatherings designed to promote cooperation. When President Bush visited Southern California for a two million dollar fundraiser, I attended a peace march.
I showed up at the demonstration with a little sign that said, “One God, One People, One World…Peace.” I approached the crowd and saw one woman selling t-shirts that read, “A Village in Texas is Missing an Idiot.” Some of the chants and signs were very angry. One sign depicted a picture of Bush with a Hitler mustache and the caption: “International Terrorist”. One woman shouted over a loudspeaker, “Hey, George, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide."
There was a group of young people getting really pumped up on the adrenaline in the situation. They were drumming and yelling and dancing. A line of police officers in full riot gear held the crowd at bay. A police representative was filming everything as evidence in the event of criminal activity. Many of the demonstrators wore bandanas over their faces to protect their identities.
A few girls were dressed like Iraqi women with blood and injuries on their bodies. Later in the evening, a pro-Bush faction showed up on the scene and started a screaming match with the protestors. I approached a quiet, older woman who was plugging her ears and made a comment about the counterproductive effect of meeting anger with anger. She looked at me strangely and said, "This gathering is actually very low-key. People need to make their voices heard." I agreed that remaining apathetic in the current political climate was non-productive and I admired people for speaking their truth.
I decided to walk to the library and speak with some women who gathered every week in silent vigil. They were members of the “Women in Black” who demonstrated for justice and peace. I was given a flyer describing their beliefs. It read, “We stand in silence, because words alone cannot express the tragedy that wars and hatred bring. We stand in black, mourning for lives broken or lost through violence…in all wars. We stand in witness, to the suffering of victims of violence all over the world. We stand in solidarity, with people…who struggle for justice and peace. We stand convinced that the world’s citizens can learn the difference between justice and vengeance, and can call world leaders into accountability to employ non-violent means to resolve conflicts.”
Those words were a powerful reminder to be proactive in creating positive change in our society. I decided to coordinate a Peace Awareness Festival focusing on ways to create inner peace and extend that light into the world for healing. In a past life reading a few years ago, a psychic told me that in a previous incarnation I lived in the Middle East. I created a gathering place where people of different religions and cultures could join together peacefully and exchange information. I feel strongly that as we gain understanding and acceptance of the diversity of the human condition, we will help to heal the mass consciousness and establish peace on earth.
We have spiritual helpers ready to assist us in these endeavors. We can ask our angels, guides and ascended masters to protect and uplift us. Remember, however, that they can only do their work in an atmosphere of compassion, not condemnation. Keep your thoughts and actions focused on the positive and you will be able to manifest great things. You have chosen to incarnate at this time for a special reason. You will be a great catalyst for putting an end to warfare and creating peace in our world. You can pray, heal, meditate, chant or become involved in political activism. It is no accident that you are reading this information now. You are a lightworker and a peacemaker. Remember my message from 9/11, “It is time to get to work.”
Amy Garcia is a writer, teacher and healer who coordinates festivals and programs for the Southern California metaphysical community. Please feel free to contact her at (951) 688-7441 or AWaterlily444@aol.com to receive information on upcoming events.