Beyond Polarization

From Peace Activists to Peace Activators

Polarities have become an inherent part of our world. Opposing views, conflicting ideologies, and divisive rhetoric bombard us. We often feel pressured to pick a side, to join one group or another.

When I speak with Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, many express their despair. The crisis seems never-ending. For some, it is harder to engage or even discuss peace activism right now. The focus is on survival. Peace activism can only come once the violence stops. As peace activists, they feel caught in the middle, refusing to choose a side. They are the targets and do not see a way out at the moment.

But what if there is a different way? What if we can move beyond polarization and find a path toward unity and understanding? What if this path is peace activation from within?

Peace activation is crucial now, at this very moment. We cannot fight for peace; we must embody it from within, and only then can it manifest in the external world.

To break free from this cycle of polarization and violence, we need to turn inward. We need to shift our focus from the outside world to our inner reality.

We have learned to focus on external stimuli. This prevents us from manifesting the world we desire.

We must embrace the paradox and the violence within ourselves. without aligning with one part or the other.

Peace activation refers to an inner process.

A process of promoting peace on an individual and then on the collective level. It involves taking proactive steps to foster peaceful relationships with oneself and others To resolve conflicts from within and create an environment conducive to harmony. To instill a sense of tranquility and understanding within communities and societies.

There is a fundamental difference between a peace activist and a peace activator. While both play crucial roles in promoting peace, their methods and areas of focus differ. They have different roles and approaches.

Peace activists are individuals who work towards promoting peace through various means. This can be protests, demonstrations, and advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts. They raise awareness about social, political, and environmental issues that contribute to violence. They fight to create a more peaceful world.

Peace activators are individuals who engage in peaceful living. They start peace-building initiatives in communities as an extension of themselves. They focus on fostering dialogue and implementing strategies to transform conflicts from within.

Peace activists fight for peace. While peace activators radiate peace.

Peace activists focus on changing the external reality. Peace activators focus on changing the internal reality.

Peace activists often face burnout, depression, and heartbreak because they are trying to change people and situations. Peace activators prioritize self-care, self-love, and compassionate self-forgiveness.

Peace activist’s commitment to fighting for peace can be fueled by a sense of injustice around them. This creates a division between "us" and "them." Peace activators know that the real challenge lies in finding peace amidst chaos and crisis. That there is no us vs them.

To become a peace activator, one must let go of the mindset of "againstness." We must cultivate peace within ourselves, even in the face of darkness.

The light of peace is infinite and unconditional, always present. But to tap into this light, we must release our judgments on the other. We must drop our righteousness and find serenity within ourselves.

One can only activate true peace when they find it within themselves. Unconditionally.

This is not to say that the drama and trauma of the world aren't significant. But we must let go of the Drama to heal the Trauma. This is the only way we can activate our power and peace around us.

To activate peace from within, there are several key aspects to consider. By practicing certain things, we can find inner peace and it will affect our external world.

Self-awareness is the first step towards peace activation. We observe and understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment.

Mindfulness and meditation practices help in calming the mind and cultivating inner peace.

Compassionate self-forgiveness and empathy towards the others

Gratitude and positive practices that promote emotional healing and self-care

Living in alignment with our core values and beliefs.

It is time for us to realize that the path to unity and understanding lies within us. We must transcend the limitations of polarization and embrace our interconnectedness.

By activating peace within ourselves, we can radiate it outward. We can create a world that reflects our inner reality.

It is a journey that requires courage and compassion. It requires a willingness to let go of the divisive narratives that surround us. Together, we can move beyond polarization and create a future rooted in unity and harmony.

Our weekly Peace activation meetings take place every Friday. Please visit our website www.peaceactivation.org to sign up and receive the Zoom link.

In Peace