From The Editor Archives: 4/27/03

Dave and I would like to share this open letter from Dr. Christiane Northrup. It's not specifically written from a Buddhist or Taoist perspective. But her ideas are really permeated by Buddhist and Taoist thinking, which show the universal appeal of these ancient yet, very relevant philosophies for living. We invite you to share your views too, with a Letter to the Editor, and with your own poems

People, particularly those in power, or even nations, could get caught up in thoughts and actions which could trap them, or yes, even us,in patterns of desire. These thoughts could manifest, with great destructive power, on those around them, and on ourselves. Enemies in battle, may each justify violence toward each other, or toward themselves as part of their battle. Each side may see itself as righteous. If the combatants further, wrap the banner of their god around themselves, they become even more entangled in justifying their fight.

In "campaigns" of non-violence, one is willing to suffer bodily injury for the sake of a greater good, not clinging to the comfort of one's body, nor to the idea or act of doing violence in return, One might "cling" to the ideal of the action, knowing however, that it might not be realized in one's lifetime, but believing it is the right thing to do, in the spirit of the highest aspiration of humanity. Such non-violent actions are done with compassion, in the ideal of compassionate service.

So, let us cleave to peace, and harmlessness toward ourselves and others, and collectively generate a great thought form of metta, of compassion. With good will and compassion, and with the Spirit of Peace, a great living being, let us transcend opposites and opposition, to create a current of peace which will permeate the planet. And may this peacefulness and compassion extend to all the beings on our planet, and to the earth, Gaia, a living and sacred being, who is ravaged in war.

May all beings be happy, peaceful and free from suffering.

Paul Dolinsky
Editor

-------------------------------------------------------------------
This helpful message from Dr. Northrup addresses the anxieties of the day, and reflects the feelings in many hearts across this planet....

Do not underestimate your own power.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,

The fear and anxiety caused by the possibility of war are the biggest health challenges we face right now. As a physician, I know full well that emotions such as fear and anger impede the healing process and, if held long enough, actually lock us into a vicious cycle that produces more pain, more fear, and more anxiety. This can wreak havoc on our minds, bodies, and spirits.
But this doesn't have to be the case.

There are very specific things each of us can do right now to help prevent war and at the same time create peace in our bodies, minds, and spirits. I was strongly reminded of this week. Both of my daughters called from their respective colleges with concerns and worries about what they've heard on the news about a possible terrorist attack. One wanted to know what I
thought about stockpiling cash, water, and canned goods. Her roommate's mother had sent them warnings. The other daughter wanted to know if I thought it was safe for her to go to NYC this weekend. I told them to go about their lives as usual, while paying attention to their inner guidance. I reassured them that they each had access to guidance from within that would lead them in the right direction if they paid attention. I also gave
them a way to think about the current global situation that leads to healing and peace, not further conflict, and shared with them my unshakable belief that each of us has the power, through our thoughts and emotions, to influence the energy of the planet in a way that helps prevent further conflict and also creates peace. Here's what you can do.

1. Use your thoughts wisely. Understand their power. Thoughts have a tendency to become their physical equivalent. This is one of the fundamental laws of the universe. Another one is the law of attraction, which states that "like attracts like." Because it is consciousness that creates reality, the kind of consciousness you hold-your vibration-actually creates the kind of life you're living. It's impossible to create peace and harmony if you're
pushing up against a war. It's impossible to create peace and harmony if you're condemning George Bush, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, etc. You don't have to agree with them, but realize that you'll be contributing to the energy that creates war if you assume an "embattled" mentality concerning them. The split in our nation right now about war is actually creating more of the energy of war. It's not possible to "fight" for peace without creating war.

2. To create peace, you have to be peaceful. The only way to stop war is to start from within yourself. You must do personal disarmament. The only way to get and stay peaceful is to concentrate on what brings you peace and resist the downward spiral of negative emotions that blames others for your lack of peace. Remember, that to which you give your attention expands. Although there is no denying that we're in a perilous and frightening position right now, that doesn't mean we are powerless to change it. But the only way to do so is by changing your thoughts and emotions from those of anger, hatred, and fear to those associated with compassion and peace.

Spend 30 seconds several times a day creating a "virtual" reality of what peace would look and feel like. Imagine that it's a year from now and the economy is flourishing. George Bush is radiantly healthy; the governments of the free world are all cooperating to ensure global harmony and peace. And Saddam and Bin Laden and their influence have disappeared from the planet. Imagine all our soldiers back home and reunited with their families. Imagine a global village in which all of us can travel freely and joyously and with understanding and acceptance of each other's cultures. When thinking about Iraq or North Korea, imagine the women and children. Send your energy and compassion to them. Don't try to change the men of these countries. In fact, don't even give them any thought lest you energize them. Withdraw your energy from them so that you will no longer be "feeding" them.

Dozens of studies have documented the fact that our thoughts can and do affect others in profound and measurable ways. When a critical mass of individuals (1 percent of the population) was brought together to practice Transcendental Meditation in various areas of the world, for example, there was a measurable decrease in the number of violent crimes, suicides,
terrorist attacks, and even international conflicts worldwide.
(Orme-Johnson, et al. (1988). International Peace Project in the Middle East: The effect of the Maharishi technology on the unified field. Journal of Conflict Resolution, vol. 32, (4), pp. 776-812.) There are also over 180 studies that have documented the positive effect of prayer on everything from other humans to yeast cells.

3. Imagine all the angels and non-physical beings who are working on the other side to protect and uplift all of us. Know that they can only do their work in an atmosphere of compassion, not condemnation. The energy of condemnation will prevent them from connecting with the hearts of those who
most need their inspiration and love.

4. Avoid watching the news and reading the newspapers. Headlines are designed to keep you afraid and disempowered so that you will buy more papers or watch more TV. Then you get "hooked" on the news because you're waiting for some official "guidance" that will keep you safe and secure. This simply can't happen, because it's not the way the media is set up. The media is designed to get you riled up, so that you remain tuned in to the "chain of pain." The only lasting safety and security come from the peace that you create within yourself. What's safe for one person will be dangerous for another. Remember all the hundreds of stories from September
11, about the people who were supposed to be at the World Trade Center but, for hundreds of different reasons, simply weren't there that day. Tune in to how you are feeling when you've severed the influence of the mass media. This will give you the guidance you're seeking.

5. Finally, know that when you are tuned into your heart, your Inner Wisdom, and God, then your energy lightens up and your vibration literally changes. You become a beacon of light and peace. You become an uplifter and a peacemaker. There's an old saying, "The rising tide lifts all boats. But it won't raise a stone." Stop looking at and thinking about the stones. Join me
in raising the tide. And remember the words of the great M. K. Gandhi, "When in despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won; there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall."

Warmly,

Christiane Northrup, M.D.