If you paged through the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper on New Year’s Day, you would have come upon the following headlines:
Two shot at Mall of America, sending shoppers scrambling
US and Russia face deep differences ahead of Ukraine talks
Colorado fire victims begin new year surveying destruction
Morning forecast: Dangerous sub-zero wind chills
There was one more rush in Minnesota stores last week—to return things
For all the difficulty he’s caused, for all he’ll yet cause, dump Cousins
Patrol searching for driver who fatally struck girl, 8, in Brooklyn Center
Last of 4 teens sought in Bryn Mawr Market robbery is arrested
Roseville boy found, two arrested in his disappearance
COVID concerns force Twin Cities restaurants to cut holiday season short
Repeat or revenge: Alabama vs. Georgia, again, for CFP title
How a data system glitch spiraled into a holiday crisis for Sun Country
After signs of retreat, COVID-19 roars back as 2022 begins
These headlines don’t even include the ongoing battles between political parties, news channels, as well as educators and parents. Yes, the year 2021 has ended, but the turmoil, anxiety, hatred, angst, fear, division, violence, and suffering that has characterized modern American life seems poised to continue. How is it possible with any seriousness to wish someone a ‘happy’ New Year?
Unfortunately, what we are dealing with is not a fictional cartoon. It’s not something we can respond to or fix by adding an emoji at the end of our emails or text messages.
If I could wish for anything for the world, it would be PEACE…peace within us and peace between us. The word peace originates from the word ‘pag’ which means to bind together or to unify. Peace is defined as a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there’s no fighting or war, everything coexisting in harmony and freedom. Although such a peace is totally unrealistic, it is an absolutely necessary goal to which we need to move toward.
“I don’t want the peace which passeth understanding,
I want the understanding which bringeth peace.”
–Helen Keller
For the next several weeks, Wellness Wednesday will focus on “the understanding which bringeth peace.” We will consider specific strategies and practices that can bind us together and move us towards greater harmony and freedom.
To make this more meaningful in your own life, take a moment each day to consider:
- How have I witnessed or been involved in peace making today?
- How have I witnessed or been involved in peace breaking today?
If you have any peace-making stories or practices that would benefit our Wellness Wednesday readers, please send them to us so we can share them with others and take small steps to create more…
From our Top 20 team…Kevin Brennan, Willow Sweeney, and Tom Cody…who will walk with you toward a more peaceful new year.
Paul Bernabei
Director
Top 20 Training
paul@top20training.com
