A Piece of Peace

Peace.  A word we say rather often, really, usually referring to our day, our home, our personal life. Peace of mind.  Peace and quiet.  Peaceful setting, peaceful retreat, peaceful respite, peaceful moments.  It all usually conveys the sense of tranquility, calmness, comfort and oneness.

Blogblast for Peace

Whenever we speak of Peace in the global sense – of peace on Earth – it tends to be a bit different.  What’s the first thought in your mind when you hear peace on earth?  Probably absence of war.  War is really but a symbol, an icon of our differences, our intolerances, our insistence on others to be and to think the same as we are.

If we step back for a moment, reflect on what it is that usually causes wars and strife, it takes on a different meaning than the usual phraseology our minds have been preconditioned to play out in our heads.  How often do we consider someone’s else’s war based on something foolish, or at least their motives not worthy of war?  How often do we look at the opposing factions, wondering why they consider their differences valuable enough to cost lives and ruin others?  How often do we look at our own opposing side, with little knowledge of the real beliefs they hold, viewing them with intolerance, superiority or just plain hatred?

Just as we need a peaceful home life and moments of respite or retreat, the world needs calm and sustaining premises.  Cats are the perfect model for this.  Watch a group of cats – they will maneuver for who ranks at what level in their group hierarchy, without injury or death, then each will claim their spot of retreat and home base, and enjoy their space, view, comfort and peace.  They respect each other and the territory of their fellow felines, and show tolerance in the way they avoid invading another’s space. Mutual respect allows them to know when another wants to play or cuddle with them or not. 
Respect.  Tolerance.  Understanding.

The world could learn a lot from cats about PEACE.

.