What is peace? In simple terms, it is freedom from disturbance; tranquillity. Therefore, the quietness one experiences while concentrating on a test or just relaxing on the warm sand in Watamu beach, all qualify as peace. My mum’s response when I asked her about what peace really is, changed my entire view of peace. She said that peace has many definitions. One definition of peace is the end of violence. Another definition of peace is to never use violence to show your emotions. She also asked me if I have ever thought of peace as an effective weapon against violence.
In a country or state, Peace is a term that most commonly refers to an absence of aggression, violence, conflict or hostility. However, Peace isn’t necessarily the absence of conflict but rather the presence of justice, and the ability to handle conflict in a peaceful means. Despite the occasional arguments, misunderstandings or disagreement we always experience in our families, most of us consider being with our families very peaceful. In a society, peace happens when different desires are in one agreement. Peace is based on many things, culture, education, family values, experience, and history (to name a few) but the basis is the same–to co-exist without war, killing, & overpowering a fellow being.
According to me, Peace is the feeling that all’s right with the world. When everyone around me in my family, my friend circle and my neighbourhood are happy, eager to love, accept and relate… I feel at peace. Also, to me it means following what my heart says and sharing mutual trust and respect for people around me. The willingness to solve our conflicts, and not only be tolerant but also appreciate one another’s difference, is peace.
However, in today’s world, peace and harmony face various threats. Terrorism, regional imbalance, economic disparity, and social inequality are some of the factors which threaten peace today. Solving these issues is the key to a peaceful society, otherwise just preaching peace without real action is like playing a guitar to a wild goat expecting it to dance to your tune, it wouldn’t work. We all are so engrossed in our busy lifestyles and yet want our lives to be peaceful. We expect that peace to be omnipresent but what we need to realize is the fact that if we want peace- we have to live peacefully, love everyone, forgive, forget, etc.
It’s not enough to stand around asking if world peace will ever happen, because that won’t make any impact. Actions speak louder than words. If everyone starts living peaceful, in loving way, things will change. But someone has to start and lead by example. Mahatma Gandhi once said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
We can’t rely on anyone else to do this. We have to do these ourselves. It all begins with respect for self and your neighbour. Being selfless is a good progress, don’t stand your neighbour going hungry, sick or with no shelter. Creating equal opportunities for everyone and at the same time being equitable is a good progress towards a peaceful coexistence. The moment free, transparent, fair and credible processes are compromised, then peace will not prevail however aggressive we may try to advocate for it.
Acceptance, compassion, and tolerance are the foundation of peace.
Mahatma Gandhi showed that peace ends suffering and oppression, not by warring against an enemy but by bearing witness to wrongs and allowing sympathy and common humanity to do their patient work. Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa lived different aspects of peace, which was proven to be a viable way to achieve great things. It is possible to have a fake or plastic peace in a society, the dangers of this is that it is bound to fail because the anger, hatred and grief hidden deep down in the people is like a petrol bomb, just waiting for an ignition to explode, the aftermath will be catastrophic. So it’s important to own our past however dark it way be and not burry it, so as to learn and prevent a repeat of such vices. And also factor in accepting and solving the past injustices. This is the only way to achieve real reconciliation and a path to peace. Let’s not live under a pretext of peace which is not sustainable and healthyssss.
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” Jimi Hendrix: Think about it.
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