Peace is joy at rest. Joy is peace on its feet. – Anne Lamott
Can vigilantes be part of a healthy, flourishing society? For me, the answer is in Ahmaud Arbery’s story. His death reminds that a cure is needed for another kind of COVID-19, the self-appointed judges and juries who then execute other human beings based on verdicts reached in their own minds.
This Paths to Joy series has so far been built on values of simplicity, money, words, friendship and generosity. On the 6th Path, individuals can become cures for the Lynch Virus, the dis-ease killing the possibility of safe and harmonious communities.
Wouldn’t you agree that when people choose peace, light expands [rather than darkness, distrust and destruction]? Couldn’t a brighter world then grow when individuals approach each other with good will, opportunity-by-opportunity, as best we can.
How? Enjoy this beautiful video. Join the song. Sing along with Vince Gill.
This Post’s Featured Art, “Peace and Good Will,” A Visual Meditation
What do I like best about the picture?
The stars in the darkness.
Why do I like these things?
To me, the stars in the darkness are the presence of light, hope, peace and guidance through turmoil, chaos, danger and [blindness] the inability to see.
What does this picture teach me?
I can sow light, hope and peace like seeds.
How can these insights lead to joy?
There is the parable of one who wanted to change the world. Failing that, they tried to change their country, their community then their family. Finally, they understood the only change possible was themselves, so that by individual [my] choices and actions, one [I] can bring peace and good will into the world.
NOTE:
These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox.
For information and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
