SOLITUDE AND COMMUNITY
(A Passage from the book A HIDDEN WHOLENESS)

We have much to learn from within, but it is easy to get lost in the labyrinth of the inner life. We have much to learn from others, but it is easy to get lost in the confusion of the crowd. So we need solitude and community simultaneously: what we learn in one mode can check and balance what we learn in the other. Together, they make us whole, like breathing in and breathing out.

But exactly how solitude and community go together turns out to be trickier than breathing. When we say we are in solitude, we often bring other people with us: think of how often our solitude is interrupted by an interior conversation with someone who is not there! When we say we are in community, we often lose track of true self: think of how easily we can forget who we are when we get entangled in group dynamics.

If we are to hold solitude and community together as a true paradox, we need to deepen our understanding of both poles. Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self. It is not about the absence of other people; it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others. Community does not necessarily mean living face–to–face with others: rather, it means never losing the awareness that we are connected to each other. It is not about the presence of other people; it is about being fully open to the reality of relationship, whether or not we are alone. When we understand solitude and community in these ways, we also understand what it means to create a circle of trust; a space between us that is hospitable to the soul, a community of solitude where we can be alone together.

Parker Palmer


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

It is with our capacity of smiling, breathing, and being peace that we can make peace.
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

PLAY FOR PEACE GAMES NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR MOVEABLE PEACE WILL BE TUESDAY, JULY 12th AT UNITY OF LIVONIA!

Come to a fun evening of peace games and support Moveable Peace! The Citizens for Peace is sponsoring a games night with easy to learn games, refreshments and prizes.
Admission is $10. to help with the Budget Priorities Road Show that will be traveling around Michigan with a Penny Poll, video camera to tape residents sharing their ideas, and the petition calling for a Michigan Commission for Peace & Justice.
This is your opportunity to contribute to this peace effort while having a lot of fun!
For more information, call Colleen at 734-425-0079.
PEACE!!

See Me Beautiful
Look for the best in me.
That’s what I really am
And all I want to be.
It may take some time,
It may be hard to find,
But see me beautiful.

See me beautiful
Each and every day:
Could you find a way
To see me shinning through
In everything I do
And see me beautiful?

Kathy and Red Grammer

Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

“If you look deep within, you will find a brilliant light. To many, far too many, squint and turn away from the shine. Let your eyes adjust, and bathe in the radiance.”


Peace to You and Yours with Love
Jerry

The Earth Charter is the Topic of the June 14th Citizens for Peace Meeting

The Tuesday, June 14th meeting of the Citizens for Peace will have a presentation by Nancy Seubert, on the Democracy, Nonviolence and Peace Section of the Earth Charter. Nancy is the coordinator of the IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office.

The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-
being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations. It is a product of decade-long, worldwide, cross cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values.

The public is invited to the meeting at Unity of Livonia (Five Mile between Middlebelt & Inkster). The meeting begins at 7 pm.

For more information, call Tada Gunter at 734-425-0120.

ARLINGTON MICHIGAN

What an honor to be part of Arlington Michigan in Livonia this year!
The display was a powerful reminder of the true cost of war.
Thank you to the Veterans for Peace for making the display.
A special thank you to Steve Saelzler for devoting his entire Memorial Day to
this event. He said "Some people curse the darkness. We bring light to the world."
Thank you to all of the Citizens for Peace for volunteering to be at the exhibit
for the nine hours the display was up.
Many people drove or walked by and were reminded of the meaning of Memorial Day.
The people who came to spend time reflecting, praying, remembering loved ones, or thinking of all of our soldiers, were grateful for the opportunity.
Here's a link to some photos of the day. Peace, Colleen


http://www.flickr.com/photos/peacegal2010/sets/72157626850152182/.