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TODAY'S TOPIC:
Three Wishes for
the New Year
by
Natalia J. Garland
Print Version
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Peace on earth might move forward in 2006 if my three wishes
became standards for self-awareness and self-expression. (1)
I wish everybody practiced objectivity. (2) I wish everybody
understood their belief system. (3) I wish everybody communicated
effectively. If we could balance the self-awareness involved in
(1) and (2), then we should be able to generate the
self-expression involved in (3).
(1) Objectivity
means looking at the facts, facing reality, analyzing and
evaluating the parts and the whole. We must think clearly.
Character defects such as self-centeredness, and defense
mechanisms such as denial, must be replaced with an insistence on
knowledge and truth. Objectivity is difficult because it is based
on honesty with self.
(2) We all have
some sort of belief system or explanation of the world. Our
belief system provides an interpretation of and gives meaning to
life. The acquisition of a belief system is a personal journey.
We must compare and contrast different systems, and find any
similarities in conscience that could promote unity among
peace-loving peoples.
(3) Objective
knowledge and personal belief must be compatible. For example,
everybody accepts that the earth is round. How the earth and
life-forms were created should be intelligently discussed in a
pure quest for knowledge and truth. Self-expression, therefore,
must be valued as an individual freedom, as well as utilized for
communication with others so that we can function together in a
peaceful society.
Thinking,
discovering, and communicating involve risk and creativity. Each
one of us needs to consider: this could be wrong. If you
are certain of correctness, then it is your option to teach and
role-model what you know or believe. We all have intellectual
rights. You are not incorrect just because others disagree.
The goal, however, should be enlightenment of others and not
forceful domination.
In our democracy,
we have the opportunity and an obligation to promote peace
wherever possible. Let's get a fresh start on this process in
2006, starting with our own families, schools, and workplaces.
Perhaps an old song could inspire the New Year:
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Let There Be Peace on Earth
by Sy Miller and Bill Jackson
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
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Realistically, peace
can be accomplished in relationships if the individuals desire it
and are willing to work for it. Spiritually, a belief system
that connects people within a family-like circle will sustain the
desire and the work. Proceeding in a moment-by-moment fashion,
self-awareness and self-expression are liberated into infinite
potential. We celebrate the New Year for an official new beginning
in this process and for a renewal of motivation.
(Written 01/02/06: bibliography available.)
Until we meet
again....... .......stay sane.
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