February 13 is the day that began the new year of trees. Which is known as Tu Bishvat in Israel. It’s a time for planting seeds. Not only in the soil but in our lives. Mark 4:20 says, a seed sown in good soil can produce a crop some thirty, some sixty and some a hundred times what was sown.
I’ve always said, “Never underestimate the power of a seed planted in someone’s life.” But we also need to plant seeds within ourselves.
We may find ourselves in difficult times but throughout history, there has always been suffering. These days it seems like suffering is in our faces all the time. If we have an open heart, it’s hard to bear the tragedies that befall so many around the world. But the worst thing we can do is despair and feel hopeless.
We can become a powerful force of light and love in this world. The energy we put into this world is important.
First, we need to cultivate our intention toward peace in ourselves. Remember our words and actions matter. What do you see when we look into our shadow? Do you see violence, judgment, or anger in your life? What is happening in the world can be a reflection of what lives within each of us.
For someone to harm another, there is a part of the self that separates that person as “the other.” The offering happens through our judgments and stories we tell about someone else. We can make them out to be the enemy we place them within a hierarchy of importance. I look at where I do this in my life. It might be something as simple as being rude to a store clerk because they are taking too long or we are rude because we are having a “bad day.” In this situation, we have judged them as below us, and see ed ourselves as worthy of better service, therefore we treat them with anger.
We need to be careful of identifying with the “us vs them” mentality. This is a form of tribalism, and this can be where the war begins. The world is good at giving us a “us vs them” mentality, we see it every day on the news. It’s a way to demonize the other person or group, they want us to shut down any possibility of peace with each other. The anger churns in us, and it grows and ultimately robs us of our equanimity.
“The easiest way to control a group of people is to divide them. Once they are divided, they can be easily conquered.” -Malcolm X
Everyone is worthy of compassion and love -Everyone!
I see this in politics, families, and communities. We are called to love people. Each person’s perspective and ideas are a reflection of their collective life circumstances, just as my ideas are a culmination of my life experiences and influences. I have seen enough hate in the world, I choose love, it’s time to set our differences aside and have love and compassion for each other.
What would it be like to see everyone as a beloved child of God, worthy of compassion, patience, and kindness?
Remember, each of us is doing the best we can on our soul journey with the circumstances we have been given. Do not take someone else’s behavior personally, they are moving through their life difficulties the same as you.
This is how we begin to plant the seeds of peace within our. As we practice rooting out our judgment toward others, we might be able to see these seeds blossom in ourselves.
When we plant seeds we are setting intentions for personal growth. Consider what you want to grow, such as improved relationships, self-awareness, or reaching a goal.
Water your intentions with positive actions and thoughts, and nourish them with self-compassion and patience. And don’t forget to talk (pray) and ask for God’s help.
From Pity to Praise 