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Health and Fitness
The Peaceful Mind
by John Pierre
We will never experience world peace unless we create peace within ourselves. This peace starts at home and spreads through our children--the next generation. It is our responsibility to raise children that will emulate a lifestyle that we practice and endorse.
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The way our children are raised today differs greatly from the way that we were raised. We did not have the same exposure to hatred and negativity that our children are faced with today. We were not inundated with a 24 hour media blitz of sexuality, violence and vulgarity either. When these outlets are used as babysitters, we are giving the role of raising our children to society. It is up to us to prevent this by serving as the gate keepers of children's minds and to keep the hateful, negative and violent thoughts out. We have the choice to take control of the programming of our children's minds by eliminating the avoidable sources of violence through the internet, music, television and video games.
Language provides another great opportunity to sow peace and compassion in children. Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can break someone's heart. Any time you witness your child (or partner) using a harmful word or phrase, immediately let them know that this is unacceptable and that this family uses kind and compassionate words. Expose your children to new words that express compassion and love and commend them every time that they use them. Remember that thoughts precede actions and that it is much harder to treat someone badly if we are always thinking about, speaking about and practicing love.
We must treat the mind like a fertile garden and plant the seeds of love, respect and compassion. Peace will have no choice but to spread and grow.
John Pierre is a nutrition and fitness consultant who lectures throughout the United States on the benefits of a plant-based diet. He speaks regularly at conferences and conducts fitness boot camps for groups and individuals. Visit his website at www.practicecompassion.com.
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