In Every Interaction, You Choose ...

Our kids on the dock at the lake near our house.
(Date-stamp looks odd to me now, but I am glad to have it.)

One of my favorite books on the entire planet is a book by Marianne Williamson called A Return To Love.

Dave bought it for me probably 16 or 17 years ago, and I think I have read a portion of it--or all of it--every week for that time period.

I like it that much.

But my point!

The most profound statement I've considered in the whole book is this one:

"In every situation, in every interaction, you can choose peace or you can choose war."

Now, I remember reading this 10+ years ago and thinking, "Well, that's nice Ms. Williamson, but I'm not at war. Ever."

Yup. Those are the ABCs of me: 32 year old Dawn = literal readings.

But today, as I read this statement, I see the depth of it. (Yes, I'm going to sound like a hippie here.)

Every interaction in life--my life, your life--affords us the opportunity to pursue peace or pursue war.

And so, if I can't pursue peace with my kids, husband, neighbor, co-workers, and really be committed to it in my daily life, then how on earth can I expect world leaders, politicians, major conglomerates, etc, to pursue it also?

Isn't that deep? (Mom, do you love that I'm using 1970's words?)

I think the reason this concept is so life-changing to me, is that I realize many times in my life I choose war without even recognizing that's what I'm doing.

I'm warring out of instinct.

Because the natural part of me (natural human/man) does not find peace or surrender to be a plus in the wilderness/life.

Yanno?

But truthfully, choosing peace takes more courage, more understanding, more respect for the BIG PICTURE, than choosing war ever does.

So, do I think we should never war?

I dunno?

I think there are some battles worth fighting for--in the BIG PICTURE--for the health of our societies/humanity.

But day-to-day, I think most of our interactions with one another require us to choose peace.

What do you think? 

Mustaches have always been big around out house. No idea why, but it's hilarious to me.

PS: I'd have ya comment, but I'm still a little nervous about people venting at me about Survivor. Ha! So, for now, this is just a rhetorical question. Sorry. Choosing peace here on this one. (Actually, I'm not sorry, I'm just explaining, Lucy.)

PPS: Posts like this one today ARE the reason Survivor is such a difficult game for me. (The reason I cry. Because the second time I played Survivor, I played counter to my own core beliefs. I played to win at all costs. Period.)

Survivor raises so many ETHICAL questions. That's why I find it so fascinating. That's why I love it.

It's a social science experiment--among other things--of epic proportions. 

So, whether or not you agree with my version of "How To Play Survivor" doesn't really matter as much as YOUR rules, your version or compass for "How To Play Survivor." 

Does that makes any sense? 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the game is an incredible experiment, metaphor, and discussion point for real-life issues. 

And since it's somewhat controlled, and participation is voluntary, it is an excellent place for us to study--and discuss--human behavior under EXTREME duress. (And that's a discussion I'd love to be part of some day, too: What happens when 1st world people live in 3rd world conditions--and vie for "survival"?)

Okay, so much rambling this week. Woo.

Have a beautiful day. Choose peace when you are able.