21 Ways of the Peaceful Warrior - Make that 22

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. ~ Kahlil Gibran

Peaceful Warrior. At first glance, it seems like an oxymoron to nestle the two terms together. There is a great paradox in the notion of fighting for peace, yet as we see the importance and hear the call to make way for peace we do find it possible to hold this juxtaposition of two opposing forces in our mind if we are willing to re-think our position. As we pause and reflect upon both terms, we see that each highlights the need for the counterbalancing of the other.

Courage, trust, belief, self-acceptance, self-esteem,  compassion, forgiveness, non-judgment, non-attachment and an open heart  lead to peace within. Yet we can take little direct action upon these things. Like peace itself, we must foster their emergence. And this is the way of the peaceful warrior. For when the decisive, disciplined part of our psyche can learn to do battle on behalf of that silent, still small voice within, we have truly become the hero of our own life.

Ways of the Peaceful Warrior

1) Breathes consciously
2) Eats consciously
3) Meditates regularly
4) Examines dreams
5) Journals frequently
6) Uses Visualization, visioning and quantum affirmations
7) Rests and sleeps appropriately
8) Identifies, commits and stays focused on important decisions
9) Surrounds with supportive community
10) Asks for help and receives it graciously
11) Makes Self-care a priority
12) Moves the body
13) Participates in soul enriching activities and practices
14) Engages in holistic healing
15) Engages in self discovery and creates personal boundaries
16) Says no, by saying yes to priorities
17) Uses ritual to communicate with unseen aspects of the self - such as  burning bowls for releasing, written intention ceremony, prayers and blessings, candles, incense/sage/holy wood, annointing with oil/balm,  altar  making, yantras/mantras/mandalas
18) Communes with nature and balances personal& environmental elements
19) Practices energy clearing and healing techniques
20) Becomes the Tracker - reads spiritual signs and symbols, uses divination
21) Sends and receives Light Consiously into the body, mind, heart and soul

We take up these practices not just because they physically calm us. But because they also energetically calm the cosmic anxiety of not knowing who and what we truly are…they put us in touch with our true nature. Understanding our true nature permanently anchors peace in our lives. Knowing thyself – doesn’t mean you do everything “right” – knowing thyself means you take into account what you understand about yourself, and the complexities of being human on this path and allows you to  come into acceptance of some of the things you have thought were your worst character defects…thus turning your base metal into precious gold.

I gave this as the Sunday Talk at Church of Spiritual Light on October 2, 2011. As I was reading it over again and preparing to publish it on this blog, I was given a new item for this list. It is one that is so important that I can barely comprehend how it didn't come with the other 21. But I think, this was on purpose so that I could see the message in the pattern. For 22 is the number of mastery...and if this last item had come before it wouldn't have been situated in the number 22 spot and I might have missed just how important this last piece is to the fortification and nurturing of the Peaceful Warrior. Message received! So here it is, perhaps the most important of them all:

22) Have fun! - Do things just for the sheer joy of it to keep the vibration of delight and enjoyment alive in your being.

Source: Rev. Renee Bledsoe 2011

Every Warrior of the Light has felt afraid of going into battle. 
Every Warrior of the Light has, at some time in the past, lied or betrayed someone.
Every Warrior of the Light has trodden a path that was not his.
Every Warrior of the Light has suffered for the most trivial of reasons. 
Every  Warrior of the Light has, at least once, believed he was not a Warrior of the  Light.
Every Warrior of the Light has failed in his spiritual duties.
Every Warrior of the Light has said 'yes' when he wanted to say 'no.'
Every Warrior of the Light has hurt someone he loved.
That is why he is a Warrior of the Light, because he has been through all this  and yet has never lost hope of being better than he is.
~ Paulo Coelho