Monday, November 3, 2014

Blog Blast for Peace

Tomorrow is the annual Blog Blast for Peace, but we're publishing a day early.

We'd like to share with you a few images... and then a few thoughts on where true peace begins. (Okay, and a cat. But forgive us, we're making you wait til the end today!)

The photos were from this weekend's morning walk.
We hope they bring you as much serenity as they did us when we experienced them:

• a leaf, drifting to the ground in the crisp October air
• the morning sun peeking through the trees, burning away the last wisps of fog
• a tree, resplendent with berries
• fresh pears, just harvested from our front yard
• pumpkins, resting against a tree trunk










Peace.

I once heard a Rabbi say blessings are given individually instead of to many, because a blessing must be tailor-made to the recipient.

Peace is one of the most important of all blessings one can receive. But does it really make sense that this peace be given individually? After all, the opposite of peace is quarrel. And that takes two.

It takes two people to have a disagreement. It takes two factions to start a riot. And two countries to go to war.

So why would it be said that peace must be given to one, and not many?
 "G-d knows where to start," said the rabbi. "He starts with the individual."

Once a person has inner peace, he can have peace with his spouse, peace with his family, his coworkers and peers... and ultimately peace with the world.

But the place where peace must begin is at Ground Zero: inside me.
Only then will I be shalom: whole and complete.




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Source:
Rav. Frand, Parshat Naso
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Oh, and yes, one kitty, sleeping peacefully. And for the moment, the house is at peace as well. (subject to change when he awakens)


28 comments:

  1. Lovely images. Have a marvellous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  2. Beautiful and peaceful images. Peace, like the subject-to-change kitty, is something to be enjoyed in the moment and treasured always.

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  3. Gorgeous photos and beautiful sentiment. I fear sometimes that there will never be Peace but then I remember that without hope there is nothing

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  4. That is beautiful, Lisa. Maybe one day this crazy world can achieve it.

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  5. What a wonderful way to start the week. Sometimes we just need to stop and look and listen to all the simple beauty that surrounds us. And then stare at a certain sleeping kitteh...until he wakes and catches me!

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  6. Beauty in your photography one has a sense of the serene. If only there could be world wide peace, if only.

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  7. My human envies you your pears - they do not grow very well in L.A. Anyhow, you are right about peace. This is my Blog Blast for Peace and I am looking forward to it!

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  8. Beutiful autumn pictures ♡♥♡
    You are so right about peace !
    Dalai Lama is saying the same as your Rabbi that peace have to start inside you.
    So now I guess you figure out that we are going to use a qoute by him tomorrow :)

    XOXO

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  9. We aren't familiar with the Blog for Peace. You sure achieved serenity. ♥

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  10. Those photos are beautiful. Very serene and peaceful for sure. As is that kitty photo!!

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  11. Beautiful ! CK lets us know the Blog Blast For Peace, but we aren't familiar with it. Thank your for your peaceful post, you showed us the way ! Purrs

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  12. Mum and I were thinking along the same lines. Thank you for the lovely pictures and the perfect sentiment :)

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  13. Lovely peaceful photos. There is so much beauty in nature if only mankind would stand back and enjoy it.

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  14. Such peaceful photos! We feel very serene and sleepy now!

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  15. I really REALLY like the idea that quarrels take two, but peace only one. Excellent and thought-provoking.

    Namaste.

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  16. Beautiful images and message. Mine will be up in the morning.

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  17. Luv yous sleepin' foto.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  18. Beautiful photos, message and post. Dona Nobis Pacem

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  19. Lovely photos, what an interesting point!

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  20. May peace be with all of you. It takes more than one sleeping cat at our house for there to peace, but we keep trying to all get along. Very good post. Your photos are gorgeous and your neighborhood is lovely. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

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  21. That's such a wonderful post, Lisa. It's true ... peace begins inside each one of us. Shalom.

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  22. What an incredible post. Thank you for sharing the Peace and the Wisdom.
    Peace
    Marty's Mom

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Coolio! A comment? For US?