“The most dangerous phrase in our language is ‘We’ve always done it this way!’ ”
I read this quote earlier today. It struck me as perhaps being at the root of much of the dissension currently happening in the USA and in various countries around our planet.
Definitely something to not only think about but also to act upon!
Have a great day,
~ Penny
We are all brothers and sisters. We are all human, born on Earth. The entire planet is our home yet we erect invisible borders, walls, and other means to separate us from each other based on beliefs and ideals.
No matter how hard we try to segment ourselves whether by government dictates, corporate mindsets, religious or ethnic perceived values, or any other differences, it doesn’t change the obvious fact that all of us, without exception, dwell on this one planet.
Each of us wishes to be individual, our own person. just as each of us desires to belong to groups who think and act as we do, yet beyond this lies a greater truth. Anytime we isolate ourselves or others by these seeming differences, we also diminish the potential for the healthy growth of life (including our individual selves) on our planet.
Each time we retreat, limit those we accept, consider and perform actions of hate, cruelty and greed we further diminish the life flow that energizes all life on this planet.
Each time we reach out to other groups, recognizing that these differences represent an awesome wealth of diversity that truly enriches our potential, then we are moving in the right direction.
The truest gifts humans were given were their intelligence and ability to love. Powerful acts can be achieved when the common goal is inclusive of all. There is no greater power than that of love. But just as there can be great love there can also be great hate. It is up to each of us to do our part to insure the well-being of ourselves and our planet secured through the power of peace – not death, destruction and killing.
It is wrong to solve a problem by the death of others. Perhaps the easy way seems to be through “violence” or killing. Savages certainly believe this to be true. And killing is savage, a wild way of denying humanity’s ability to grow and prosper. The hard but responsible way to solve a social and civil problem is through the sincere effort of coming together through peaceful resolution – no matter how difficult!
It is past time to just stand by and “discuss” our problems, pointing out who is “right” and who is “wrong”. It is time for “the many” on the sidelines to understand that all of us share in the responsibility, and need to act in a manner than engenders a safe and healthy future.
Which direction are you moving in? With all my heart I hope it’s the one the extends a helping hand to those in need, that cherishes the wealth all humanity offers, and treasures the priceless worth and value of the planet Earth. Let us all begin to protect – through love and positive action – our true home, Earth!
Thank you,
Penny L Howe, 2014
The Strongest Force of Nature – Love!
Whispered words when carried in the wind become an unstoppable raging,
thundering force of Nature – when you put the full weight of your emotions behind them!
“LOVE All Others as You Would Have Them Love You!”
Don’t give up! Believe!
Have faith in who we can be by caring with gentle thoughtfulness.
Believe in a better future.
Believe in the good we have within us.
Turn our loving whispers into roars – the time is now!
LOVE! HONOR! CHERISH! RESPECT and care for
… all life!
It is so precious, as are you!
WAR and KILLING go hand in hand – always!
~
Let our hand in hand be with one another, reaching beyond our differences where we can learn to honor and respect each other … all of us.
~
Love to you all, every single one of you wonderful amazing people who live on the planet Earth, our one and only home that we all share!
~ Penny
… are surely one of the most diverse group of people on this planet. As a result we are also highly innovative and creative due to the rich blending of ideologies, cultural heritages, ancestry, history, language, and so on.
Democracy Isn’t Easy, but it’s worth the Fight!
Of course, this diversity does come with it’s own set of parameters (and problems) regarding our perception of how we view things. Such as the governing of our mighty country and our people (all of us).
The tenets of our country (Declaration of Independence) proclaim loud and clear the very substance of our land that moves our democracy forward (‘lo these many years of alternating strife and prosperity) is the proclaiming and achieving of individual freedoms.
It hasn’t stopped or diminished. Just changed. We have freedom of speech in this country. This means we are a people accustomed to sharing our opinions, of airing our grievances – we aren’t afraid to say them. This in turn, generates (on any given time period) outrage, anger, distention and conversely hope, potential and ultimately, through discourse, resolution.
It is quite the amazing thing, if you think about it. The freedom to express our thoughts on any subject reins supreme. Chaotic, highly uncomfortable, and rife for potentially strong emotions to give rein.
There is never a smoothness to democracy. Being “fair” for everyone just doesn’t happen. But it’s a never ending goal with many balances and counter balances as we work our way to greater understanding and acceptance of changes in our lives.
Fundamentally what drives, (moves) us and our country forward is this exchange of opinions, ideas, concerns and desires. This is what makes our country the greatest on the planet. A heritage that all Americans share in.
And that means we are going to get it wrong, sometimes a lot, but we don’t stop working on getting it right.
Because we all have a “voice” democracy stays permutable, that is to say, a constant work in progress. No easy or permanent “fixing” of the whole.
Democracy isn’t easy. You better want it bad and you better be prepared to weather the storms of differing opinions that may not be your own. Just remember, It’s these differences that lead to change and further growth.
Right now we Americans and the entire planet are watching our democracy in action, perhaps at it’s worse but perhaps also at it’s best. As for us, we the people … be concerned – it’s important. Voice your opinion – it’s important, be engaged – it’s important, but never, ever stop being proud of being an American, of your Country, your home, your people. It’s yours and mine.
Thank you,
~ Penny
A follow-up to my last Rainbow post: Thank you Cat Forsley for reminding me of how we felt about rainbows when we were children. Let’s be children again and enjoy this Youtube *video by Hoopla Kidz:
~
*For kindle subscribers go to Youtube and search for Rainbow Colors Song.*
*
Stay Cool, and remember to view the potentials of life as prisms of colors – reflecting hope, like the rainbow!
~ Penny
Celebrate the new year with as much diversity in your life as you can!
It’s a very good thing!
Here are three extremely short videos made by people just like you and I.
The first two videos are by talented young people offering their own fresh approach to diversity.
I think we can learn from that too! Enjoy, learn and be inspired!
~
~
~
~
Happy New Year,
Penny
The Why About This 