practicing peace

I'm reading a beautiful little gift of a book,

Practicing Peace in Times of War, by Pema Chödrön. 

“A solid reinforcement on how to stop the reflexive and habitual emotional reaction to perceived hostility through patience, pausing, and breathing. It’s not easy, but it is simple.”—Publishers Weekly

"War and peace begin in the hearts of individuals," declares Pema Chödrön at the opening of this inspiring and accessible book. She goes on to offer practical techniques any of us can use to be peace in our own lives. We can soften our habits of thought and action. It's never too late, she tells us, to look within and discover a new way of living and transform not only our personal lives but our whole world.

The journey toward peace in the world begins with peace in our own lives. War begins when we harden our hearts, and we harden them easily... at first in minor ways and then in quite serious, major ways... such as judgement, hatred and prejudice.

Peace is softening what is ridged in our hearts. It's not easy, but it's simple.