Macrobiotics for Peace

Of course here we are physically far from the heart of
the conflict in the middle east here in Australia but the ripples are felt throughout the globe.

Last year at my school reunion the security at the school was
noticeable. I remember there was always vigilence but the difference
was noticeable. I am sure it has been stepped up again. I remember in
1985 when i was in the third grade there was an evacutaion when a
package arrived that was unmarked. It turned out to be an anonymous
donation of sidurs.
That same year I went to israal for the first time with my parents. We
went to masada and jerusalem and drove through the west bank like it
was a scenic route - I remember my dad pointing out the road signs with
bullet holes in them - those are form the six day war he said at a time
when intense unrest was at a lull. Not long after that changed. I
remember seeing the beautiful sights at rosh hanikrah and sticking my
hands through the fence of the broder with lebanon. You couldnt do that
a few years ago my mother had said - they were at war then.
when i was at the Kushi Institute in Holland in 2002, Adelbert spoke of the coming
together of people - at the summer conference that had just been, there
was a participant from Ramallah who had risked a lot to get there and
he and another participant who had been in the Israeli army had eyed
each other with suspicion to begin with. By the second day of immersion
in the atmosphere and the specially focused relaxed mb meals - they
were dancing together.
And why not? When we see each other first and foremost as people and
not belonging to a group. Of course it is easy for me to talk not
living so close to the fear and mistrust and vigilence and blood shed.
And here on distant shores where the feelings are diluted it is easy
for me to form a different view. Yet we are all human first - we all
bleed the same, feel love and fear the same way, want peace for out
family and world in our heart of hearts.
Whenever we think of us and them in our hearts or voice those views we
take a little step closer to pain. When we put those thoughts aside and
wonder how we can treat anyone else in ways we would not want our
family, friends and ourselves to be treated we step closer to peace.
At the Art of Life school I shared a room with two japanese students
and a student from saudi arabia. It was a wonderful mix. To learn about
each other and how we lived our lives so differently and yet wanted the
same things. I watched in awe and respect as Eman donned a black outfit
for praying and faced mecca and did her praying, then took it off to
reveal a fully co-ordinated Esprit outfit and join me for Shiatsu
class.
Now, when my online friend in Kuwait tells me of her struggles to teach
macrobiotics there and of her difficulty  living as a palestinian there
I see we all have burdens. Who is really winning here? can anyone win?
She tells me of her 12 year old nephew who has a rubber bullet lodged
in his brain.
Yet look what 2 days of immersion in the atmosphere of peace could do
at the summer conference. We can all lament at how that is not possible
in the real world. But what would it take to make that happen?
There have been studies of people meditating or prayer for peace in a
region and it having a documented effect…
It doesnt take many - just a pivotal number to change mass
consciousness - dont think your own thoughts and heart felt longings
dont count - they do…

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