A great leader of our past spoke volumes about people and resolving the conflicts inherent in the human condition. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Imagine the world if we took hate and all things associated out of our lives and replaced those interactions with behaviors that emanate light and love. Though we will not be perfect, we can certainly head in that direction.

We know what the characteristics of love manifest as in each of us: Living honestly; giving; treating one another with respect; being kind; keeping our commitments; practicing ethics in all areas of our lives; helping others and truly caring for our fellow man/woman/child; being loyal to friends and loved ones; omitting greed; respecting others for their merit rather than their money; admitting our faults and working to correct them; and practicing gratitude consistently.

Conversely, hate breeds: Dishonesty; disloyalty; greed; treating others with disregard and disrespect (and standing by those actions); putting politics before ethics; using people; taking; cheating; habitually gossiping about others; stealing; causing others pain – to include hurting others unintentionally with no remorse, et cetera.

I don’t know about you, but I can see a little of myself in both lists. Like many, I have more work to do.

What if each of us were to shake the web we have woven by doing whatever we can to reach unity and peace? If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have stolen something, give it back. If you are struggling with a behavior (or several) that do not serve you or others well, make a commitment to get it resolved. Give. Give. Then, give some more. In the big picture, good actions benefit the people around us. Hence, we heal the world.

We could all use a good dose of widespread love and light right now. Even the most positive person cannot deny that if we do not turn things around, our collective legacies will be a dark planet. We cannot add light by continuing behaviors that are based on hurtful actions and hateful things.

Let us behave in such a way that begins to repair the messes we have made individually and as a whole human race. Only love can do that.

Be well,

Jana