What image comes to mind when you think of the word, “peace?” For me, it was a generic peace sign accompanied by the phrase “love” and some other word (like “crabs” for Joe’s Crab Shack or greek letters for my sorority). Maybe it’s because when I was a kid I got a lot of stickers and various trinkets that had the saying on them, or maybe it is because we’re living in a society that overuses the word “peace.” Either way, I think it’s way more powerful than we tend to give it credit for.
The comedian Dane Cook has a sketch about the word “peace” in the Catholic mass. Growing up Catholic, I can definitely relate because there is a part of the mass where the priest just says peace a lot of times and then everyone wishes each other peace. Though it should be a great way to express well wishes, it has a tendency (at least for me) to become routine. The meaning behind the words and handshake is lost.
Everyone wants to have peace, whether they realize it or not. I mean, one person’s peace might be a relaxing weekend on the beach while someone else’s peace might be going to a party but regardless, everyone wants to have it.
In practicing mindfulness, the idea of peace becomes easier to scrutinize. Everyone wants to be happy; unfortunately a lot of people (everyone at some point) don’t realize how to cope with negativity and that translates into conflict. Keeping in mind that everyone wants to have peace is a great way to remind yourself to be empathetic. Working in the service industry, I sometimes get customers who are short or a little rude. I try to remind myself that they might just be having a bad day and that can most definitely translate in other interactions. Usually this helps if they’re especially rude (without cause on my part)!
Natalie Hope 