Finding Peace Within

What a week!
 
Saturday was the "Meet the Vessel" podcast in the beautiful community of Kaslo, BC, in front of a small crowd. I was joined by Mahalia Michael and Zia F, I think we did great, however there were definitely some glitches. I did not want an itinerary or rehearsal as I thought the idea of "winging it" was more organic and would allow us to be vulnerable. I now see that the idea of being vulnerable allows for discomfort and this was to be the theme for the evening, Finding Comfort in Discomfort.
 
We pulled it off pretty well. We all realized there is hunger for the masculine and feminine unity, in a world divided on different understanding of the energy ("spirit" for those triggered) we carry in our natural bodies, so this meeting of the minds was incredibly effective. It was apparent that everyone has incredible passion for our respective lives journey with the wisdom and knowledge that we all possess. Working together to create unity through understanding differences is my main goal of prospective future pod-casting. Learning from others the ways of have the love of finding the truth within ourselves to make us a better person and the love for humanity to share, should be everyone's life mission. My take away from this podcast is respecting and understanding one another, finding inner peace, and maybe do an itinerary next time.
 
On Sunday, I left for the Lower Mainland, British Columbia's coast for anyone reading this post in Chile or Zimbabwe, which is approximately an eight hour drive. I spent the time reflecting on the previous nights highs and lows, and ebbs and flows, as my stereo in the car is not working. I had many revelations in my mind, with one being particularly strong: listening to peoples struggles is most important, without the urge to "fix" the problem. The only person that can fix any problem is the one who possesses the struggle.
 
On Monday morning, I phoned the organizer of the "No Peace Without God" event in Abbotsford. I learned about the event on Sunday evening from my daughter and was excited to get tickets for this event, if nothing else. I was more excited when the organizer accepted my offer to set up a table and sell my books. I had no idea what I had just committed to, and I certainly was feeling some discomfort of the unknown. As the afternoon wound down, I ventured to the event a bit early to see if there was anything I could do to help and get set up.
 
 The event was multi-religious with the intention of bridging the differences within the different religious creeds. The theme of No Peace Without God was intriguing, to say the least, as two nights previous Mahalia and I were podcasting with the same intention for understanding, unity and love. The panel of speakers was incredible, as the theme of peace is very evident within all the religions represented.
 
There were a few take-aways from the Multi-Religious event. One that is particularly concerning was the representation from the Christian Religion. I was sharing a table with the Mormon Sect, and the speaker on behalf of the Christian faith was from the Church of Latter Day Saints. I was constantly being asked if I was a Christian, and if I was representing the Book of Mormon. It has been difficult for on-lookers to understand the differences of the religion I had associated with for 25 years. The claims to a God can be very confusing within all the religions and different sects. There are also a lot of fantastic stories surrounding any religion's core belief about their leader, prophet, king, or God.  
 
Another concern was that the Jewish speaker was not present. I reflected on their absence as my conspiratorial mind took over. I wondered if the misrepresentation of the Christian faith and the lack of the Jewish presence was somehow purposefully orchestrated. I understand all to well from my indoctrination that Christians and Jews are the only way to God. 
 
The New Testament that the Christians take their teaching from state that: "No one comes to the father, except through Jesus Christ". The Jews take their teaching's from the mindset that they are "the chosen people of God". This mindset is so ingrained in their cranium's, that unfortunately everyone is missing the point. Jesus was considered by Christians the fulfillment of  the ancient scrolls laws and prophets, in which he was the "Prince of Peace". Jews are still looking for the "Prince of Peace". 
 
I now believe in my holy of holies, the heart, that without love, acceptance, respect, and understanding for all religions, peace will never exist. As long as any group claims to have the keys to the Universe, God, Allah, Creator, Kingdom, or Queendom we will continue to be agitated to an unpeaceful resolution.
 
 I have been throwing myself into the lions den this week. I am slowly coming to the realization that what I have signed up for is going to be difficult, but very rewarding. I have been learning to relax and remove myself from controversy. The latter has been difficult for me. At one point on Saturday's podcast Mahalia had to reel me in, as I was going off on my tangent. I learned for the Monday event that I need to remove myself from conversations that I know will trigger me into any appearance of an angry response.
 
I am still learning. I choose to be loving, kind, patient, joyful, peaceful, and above all things, faithful. I said that I was willing to be a vessel for change that the world so desperately requires, and it starts within each and everyone of us. Like I tell my kids, "Do the right thing, always".
 
 By a vessel, 
 William John. 

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