We are having the privilege of witnessing history today through the power of peaceful social transformation as group consciousness rises in need of social change conducive to facilitate the exploration of inner potential, a renewed sense of individual and group balance, an expansion of individual responsibility and commitment, and the opportunity for more fulfilling lives in pursuit of ideals.

     Mahatma Gandhi’s Prayer for Peace comes to mind in the context of recent social events, “I offer you peace.  I offer you love.  I offer you friendship.  I see your beauty.   I hear your need.  I feel your feelings.  My wisdom flows from the Highest Source.  I salute that Source in you.  Let us work together for unity and love.”

     During one of my recent trips, my husband and I spontaneously decided to attend a talk by Karen Armstrong at the Hall of Philosophy, erected in 1900, located on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution in the southwest corner of New York State, USA.

     Karen Armstrong is an original thinker on the role of religion in the modern world.  She is a former Roman Catholic nun who left a British convent to pursue a degree in modern literature at Oxford.  She has written more than 20 books about the common threads in Islam, Judaism and Christianity and shares her perspective about their effect on world events.  Karen founded the Charter for Compassion, a cooperative effort to restore compassionate thinking and compassionate action to the center of religious, moral and political life.

     The Charter for Compassion includes: “The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.  Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.”

     Karen Armstrong’s talk at the Chautauqua Institution was: “Empowering the Future: An exploration of the World’s Religions – The Mystery of Compassion” and I was deeply touched by the intensity of her belief system:

• “Make a place for the other in your mind and your heart.”
• “You must accept death as part of life.”
• “Build a world society that embraces all religions, living in peace and harmony.”
• “Feel compassion for yourself – love your neighbor as yourself.  Then understand everyone feels the same compassion for themselves.  As you do so, you become concerned for everyone, embracing everyone.”
• “Reach out to each other to learn to live with each other!”

     Karen closed her presentation by saying, “Shalom!” – which for the Jews means Peace, Wholeness and Completion.

During the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Severn Suzuki, a 13 year-old girl from Canada, spoke in front of the whole assembly in Rio de Janeiro.  Representing ECO (Environmental Children’s Organization), a small group of 12 and 13 year-olds working to make a difference, she gave a powerful speech about their core values and vision of the future.

Her memorable speech is posted on YouTube.

Suzuki silenced the world for 5 minutes.

Recently I watched a small movie (http://www.connectingamillionhearts.com/) that brought again to my attention an increasing trend to cooperate with each other for the well-being of our Planet.  I would like to share with you some of the highlights I found most meaningful: (more…)

Recently I discovered Cory Mitchell’s blog speaking about Oneness. The point is that many people believe that this is a philosophical concept that has nothing to do with the real world, and in reaction Cory reflects, “Oneness is in everything, oneness is what allows us to be here and now.” (http://elevatingthesoul.com/archives/489) (more…)

Sharing in the wonders of universal fellowship in peace is one of the joys of my life. In the last few days I have had the privilege of encountering through my various professional endeavors precious souls of people living in the United States, Holland, Mexico, England, Australia, Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica and Italy. (more…)

Silence is a resource that has been used from time immemorial to enter into the depths of our being. World religions have acknowledged its value through its various spiritual perspectives and practices as an integral part of the ideal service of spiritual worship. In Christianity, exists the silence of contemplative prayer. In Buddhism, allowing the mind to become silent relates with spiritual enlightenment. In Islam, the Sufis speak of the relevance of finding silence within. In Hinduism, including the teachings of Vedanta and the various paths of yoga, teachers speak of the meaning of silence for inner growth. In the Religious Society of Friends or Quakers, silence is part of their worship service and an opportunity for the divine to speak in the heart and mind of the individual. (more…)