Challenges, Harmony and Living in the “Great World House” Together
“We have inherited a big house, a great “world house” in which we have to live together – black and white, Easterners and Westerners, Gentiles and Jews, Catholics and Protestants, Moslem and Hindu, a family unduly separated in ideas, culture, and interests who, because we can never again live without each other, must learn, somehow, in this one big world, to live with each other.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I recently had a heated conversation with a dear friend about violence. She shared that sometimes, in the face of injustice, violence is a necessary means to an end.
I told her I disagree.
That morning, as we drank coffee and ate bagels together, I told her I will never advocate for violence. She had many valid points, and we’ve learned (over nearly 30 years of friendship) how to listen while the other shares their ideas and opinions, even if we disagree. This is one of the things I value most about our friendship.
This deliberate openness is also one of the things I value most about our culture at Growth By Design. Everyone’s voice is heard and appreciated, and we’re always invited to share our insights. If we disagree, we take the time to ask questions of one another, and listen to the answers. This kind of working relationship goes beyond simple inclusion. With mindful tending, it transforms into intentional co-creation and collaboration. Truly inclusive work (and leadership) has a unique kind of energy, the end result of which is always far greater than could have been achieved by working in a more “traditional” way.
This week, as I’ve intentionally focused my attention and awareness on a leader whom I consider to be one of the highest representatives of my nonviolent ideals, I feel very honored to be sharing a few of his words and vision with you.
In his 1964 Nobel Peace Lecture, Dr. King eloquently outlines his view of racial injustice, poverty, and war as the primary challenges of our modern society. He implores that we have the resources to get rid of poverty, facing only a “deficit in human will” as a barrier. On the topic of war, Dr. King shared “…we must fix our vision…upon the positive affirmation of peace.”
Peace is something I’ve had a hard time connecting with in the past few weeks. Maybe you have, too. From being tailgated while going just over the speed limit, to working through RAGE at the gross misuse of financial resources in America, peace is not something I’ve done a great job of embodying lately.
But - of course - Dr. King is right.
Without peace, we will not be able to stand up to injustice and prejudice.
Without peace, we will not have the nectar we need to sustain us, as we recommit day after day to the good work we have agreed to do.
Without peace, we cannot forgive - ourselves or others. To say, “it’s OK, this is really hard right now. I forgive you. I love you.”
These days, the world overwhelms us. We hear of tragedy upon tragedy, and are often so exhausted we can’t even look at the latest heartbreaking headline.
We may not always have the answers, but perhaps we can always allow ourselves to bend in the direction of peace. Of love. Of gentleness. And to view this stance not as one of passive ignorance, but one deeply rooted in awareness and empathy for our fellow humans. One where we see suffering, near and far, as something as real as our ability to address it. Even if all we do is simply acknowledge another’s pain, or sincerely attempt to understand someone whose life circumstances seem very different to ours.
Peace begins with us.
Meditation & Reflection
Take three minutes, when you can, to turn within. Silence your phone, lock your door.
Put a hand on your heart and ask it to stay present with you, in love, as you consider a real-life problem in your personal or work life. Maybe a loved one or a friend is struggling. Perhaps your organization or business is trying to find the best way to bridge the gap and help more people with your programs, services or other offerings. Whatever the challenge is, hold it in your heart with love.
Notice any words or sensations that come up for you. Observe any and all feelings. Spend at least half of this time feeling, noticing, breathing.
Then, staying present - connect to peace. Breathe in and out, and think of peace and love. Feel peace and love in your body. Let it ripple through you in strong waves from your head to your toes. See us, ALL of us, living in this great “world house” together, in harmony, and keep your heart and mind open to whatever comes next.
Gratitude to these leaders:
Bernice A. King, for recommending her father’s 1964 Nobel Peace Lecture as a point of study.
Susanna Barkataki, for “translating” Dr. King’s work with nonviolence into yoga philosophy.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for seeing (and sharing) the future.