Don't just pray for peace. Create it!

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Dont just pray for peace. Create it!

2024 has been intense. To say that it has been a year of global and domestic discord would be an understatement. There is growing animosity as wars escalate and political, social and economic strife deepens. I scroll and consume news on a daily basis the way others consume content via Instagram and TikTok. I have started to limit my news consumption since I began to be overwhelmed by the amount of suffering in the world. And I recognize the privilege of being able to make that choice.

As the number of crises escalate, I have noticed the frequency with which people express their desire for peace in the world. Whenever there is a tragedy, everyone is quick to state that they are praying for people. Praying for healing. Praying for peace. Is that sufficient? ??

Actions speak louder than words…

My intention is not to imply that prayer is not a worthy exercise. If that is part of your individual belief system, awesome! Go for it. I recognize that prayer is action. Rather, I do not believe that prayer is sufficient. I am challenging each person to do more. To actively create peace. What does “more” mean? “More” can be a slippery slope word. It can lead you down a never-ending rabbit hole. I think that defining your “more” can be a prudent exercise.

Personally, I believe that peace comes from the inside out. I wouldnt be able to do the work that I do if I didnt have my peace. I wouldnt be able to lead my team. I wouldn’t be able to serve my clients. My peace enables me to be grounded and keep a clear head amidst the evolving challenges of everyday life. What does peace actually look like in practice? It won’t look the same for every person.

I have mechanisms in place to support creating my peace. Examples:

1. There is enough drama in the world, so I dont watch other people’s drama on reality tv. (I don’t like seeing poor communication norms play out.) I know other people who watch those shows to relieve stress.
2. I don’t spend significant time with folks who compromise my peace. Do you have any people in your life like that? Possibly. (Let’s be real. Probably. ??) I know when to talk to those people and how much air time to give them. And if needed, I let them go..with peace and blessings, of course.
3. I have contemplative time each morning when I write in my journal to process my thoughts and feelings so I can celebrate my wins, figure out how to remove blockers and determine what is truly a priority for my day.
4. I design my schedule to align with my energy. Likely a privilege given my work and home environment. And you get to figure out how to “do you.”

Overall, my point is that there is not one right way.

Your peace will impact the peace of others. If something has gotten your hackles up, figure out what you need to do to address your feelings before you engage with other people. Feelings are contagious and you don’t want to spread your negative emotions to other people. Doing so will likely result in you getting back what you put out there, either in the moment or later on. I’m not referring to the concept of karma. I am talking about the fact that people remember how you treat them and they act accordingly.

If science is your jam, you know that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. ?? Make a list of one or two small actions that you can take to connect with what brings you peace or what you have to let go of that undermines it.

….And words matter too!

Language is powerful. Every word spoken is out there in the world to be consumed by someone, whether that is your intention or not. And those words can cause harm, again, whether that was your intention or not. In my experience, many people are not aware of the impact of their words. Words can hurt. Words can wound…or worse. They have weight and when you string them together, watch out! This also applies to the written word. If you have spent any time on social media platforms, particularly the platform formerly known as Twitter, this comes as no surprise to you. Think about what you are putting out there and what you are consuming.

Let’s remember that words can also inspire. Uplift. Empower.

I challenge you to be mindful of your words. Be thoughtful about what, when and how you want to communicate. Take a beat. Changing one word can significantly change how a communication can land. Think about your ideal outcome. Will your word choices move people forward in a way that will advance your outcome in a positive way?

We co-create the world

Just so we are on the same page. I am not advocating for being positive all the time or for toxic positivity. That is unrealistic and actually can cause harm. While we own our language and actions, we are operating within established systems and structures that may limit our ability to fully access the peace that we seek to create in ourselves, in others and in the world. That is a real thing that must be acknowledged and addressed. Determining how best to navigate those systems and structures while protecting our individual peace is a continual dance. Which brings me to another point that I want to share.

There is a distinction between being an activist and being an advocate. Activism is defined as a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. Advocacy is working on identifying solutions and inviting all parties to listen to each other’s problems. Advocates are more likely to incite sustainable, long-term change.1 Both have a place in society. It is important to recognize which is needed in a particular situation to challenge systems and structures that don’t align with the world we want to live in.

I argue that moving from activism to advocacy isnt just important for systemic change, it is important for our wellbeing and to create peace. Living in a constant activist state can be depleting and exhausting since it is often accompanied by deep empathy, which can involve embodying the suffering of others. Advocacy creates the opportunity to be compassionate - creating space to facilitate dialogue and solutions that are external to one self.

Advocacy leaves more space for peace within oneself. The fuel that can keep you going. The fortitude to know that how you are being directly impacts how others relate to you, which, in turn, impacts how they are being and how they relate to you and others. Whatever your worldview, we’re in this dance called life together. We are co-creating the world.

Final Thought

Many of you have heard the saying, “Be the change that you wish to see.” It may sound trite and it continues to live in the zeitgeist for a reason. You own your actions. You own your words.

You can be a Leadership R.e.i.g.nmaker, which is a leader whose positive influence and ability to inspire can initiate progress or ensure success.

You have the power to influence others with what you say and don’t say and with what you do and don’t do.

Be peace. Speak peace. Create peace. Choose peace - for yourself, for your family, for your community and for the world.

Bibliography:

1 - US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights

Shamis Pitts (she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Pitts Leadership Consulting (“PLC”), a human capital consulting company specializing in organizational health and employee wellbeing. We help organizations enhance work environments to drive employee retention, productivity and performance to amplify profitability and impact.PLC lives at the intersection of organizational development, professional development and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging-related services. We evaluate existing strategy and co-creates action plans to align people, purpose, process, outcomes and success metrics via advising, consulting, training and facilitation, and executive and leadership individual and group coaching. PLC also provides keynote speaking.Shamis has operated at the intersection of strategy, people management and leadership, and operations for 25 years within various industries. She is an ICF-Certified Professional Coach and a Society for Human Resource Management-Senior Certified Professional. Shamis received her MBA from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, concentrating in leadership and strategy, and her BA in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania.