May we love ever more.
May we motivate ourselves to committed love in Action.
May we motivate ourselves to live the life we wish to see in the world.
May we be the transformation we wish to see in the world.
From the inside out . . .
From the roots branching upwards . . .
From the heart
to thought
to word
to action.
Through life's trials and hardships
we can arise beautiful and free.

I carry this statement from Julia Butterfly Hill with me as a reminder that all change, all transformation, all causes, all actions, no matter if they be good or evil, begin with a commitment inside ourselves, at our soul-level, at the heart of our values and integrity.
Such was the calling for Julia. She sat in an ancient redwood tree for over two years to protest the irresponsible logging practices of the day. The result was that the forest was saved and a protection agreement established.

How many of us would or could make such a commitment? How many of us have a cause we believe in so strongly that we would stand in witness of that cause, that we would dedicate our life to that cause, that we would give up our comfort, our routine, even our fortune? And yet, that's how change always happens.

While we may be excited and expectant with regard to the recent elections, let us remember that real change, the real work in bringing about peace, is OUR responsibility. We cannot say "he or she will take care of it" and expect everything to be changed overnight, and everything will be okay. No, it requires the work and dedication and commitment from each and every one of us, WE are the agents of change, WE are the ones we have been waiting for. If we want peace in the world, just having a different leader or different government isn't going to make it happen. If we want peace in the world, then WE must be at peace. At some point, the collective consciousness will shift, people will recognize that there cannot be peace until each and every one of us resolves our own internal conflicts.

It is going to take a long time to undo thousands of years of violent behavior, of attempting to control and resolve conflicts by use of force. Sometimes we may think it is an overwhelming, impossible task, and be tempted to give up. But I have faith that eventually enough individuals in the world become committed to living their life in peace. And I have conviction that I can't wait for the rest of the world, I have to start now, regardless of what everyone else is doing. Each moment affords me, and you, the possibility of hatred, resentment, discord, or of compassion, harmony, tolerance, and love. Each time I choose the latter, I am promoting peace. I am not only living in integrity with what I want, I am being a model for my brothers and sisters. And that's our greatest challenge - not just talk it, but live it, model it, BE it - be the peace and love and harmony we want to see in others.

(first published Dallas Peace Times, November 2008. www.DallasPeaceCenter.org)