Inner peace: A path to global harmony

By: Sofia Valentina Alvarado Sandoval

For pursuing peace, Siddhārtha Gautama wisely proclaimed, “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it

without.” Inner peace radiates tranquility and harmony to the world around us, that’s why a positive and

peaceful mindset could change the way we navigate our lives. Throughout history, humanity has been

plagued by violence and peace has frequently slipped from our grasp because of absurdities such as

biased attitudes towards certain races or animosities rooted in social hierarchies based on caste, skin

color, religious beliefs, or gender. As an individual born in a world married to conflict, I can only imagine

what a peaceful word truly consists of. However, in this crazy fantasy of mine, I wholeheartedly believe it

is imperative for each person to discover peace within the depths of their being for a harmonious world to

come into existence.

First and foremost, it is undeniable that conflict in the world is rooted in individuals and their internal

struggles. According to Jim Dethmer, an author speaker, and coach, once we obtain the understanding

that every conflict commences and culminates within our own being, we gain the capacity to discern

between embarking upon or relinquishing such conflicts. This perspective is particularly relevant to the

pursuit of inner peace within oneself. When we reflect on our own internal conflicts, we discover that

they are often rooted in psychological factors like those influencing conflicts on a global scale. For

instance, inner struggles like unhappiness, anger, or fear are manifestations of unsatisfied needs and

underlying fears that shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. In addition, if we come to the

understanding that everything is impermanent, it will help alleviate worries and maintain inner strength.

By acknowledging the ever-changing nature of life, people can cultivate resilience and remain centered

amidst the ups and downs of existence.

This intuition is confirmed when we consider that harmonious coexistence is achieved through education,

an often overlooked yet vital aspect of our lives. Education enables individuals to develop self-awareness,

which can provide them with opportunities for self-reflection and introspection that can help to the better

understanding of their thoughts and emotions. Jwalin Patel's article highlights educational techniques such

as Learning to Live Together (LTLT) and related concepts that promote values of empathy, compassion,

and harmony, with the aim of fostering respect for others and their cultures. A tangible example of this

positive approach can be seen in the Modesto City School District, where elementary students have

access to a Peace Path, which is a marked surface enabling them to engage in a six-step process to address

and resolve conflicts. Through open dialogue, students identify their issues, express their emotions,

consider the other party’s perspective, and collaboratively work with adult guidance to find solutions and

establish a mutually agreeable plan for moving forward in harmony. As a result of this creative initiative,

students at that school now analyze a range of alternatives and consider potential consequences, enabling

them to make more thoughtful choices when confronted with problems or conflicts.

In conclusion, the pursuit of inner peace is a crucial catalyst for a more peaceful world. By addressing the

root cause of conflict within individuals, we recognize the transformative power of finding inner peace.

Education plays a vital role in this journey, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Peace Path in the

Modesto City School District. Our inward state has a profound impact on others, with inner peace

radiating tranquility and inspiring harmony. On the contrary, agitation can transmit unease and unrest.

Therefore, by cultivating inner peace, we can create a ripple effect of calm and harmony. Let's embrace

the challenge of nurturing inner peace and becoming agents of change, creating a more understanding,

compassionate, and harmonious world for us all.

Bibliography:

Dethmer, J. (2020, June 30). All Your Conflict is with Yourself. Conscious Leadership Group.

https://conscious.is/blogs/all-conflict-is-with-yourself

Nikunj, R. B. (2020, February 27). Why can’t we live in peace?. . . The New Indian Express.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/feb/27/why-cant-we-live-in-

peace-2108955.html#:~:text=The%20reason%20peace%20is%20absent,their

%20economic%20or%20political%20systems

Patel, J. (2021). Learning to Live Together Harmoniously: a conceptual framework. Cambridge

Journal of Education, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/0305764x.2021.1993791