Written by : Rtr. Aaysha Sufran

There comes a time, during the daily hustle and bustle of life, in between meeting deadlines and living up to the expectations of countless wagging tongues, when we are splashed with a dose of philosophy. When we stop to think,

 “Am I happy with where I am right now?

Am I content?

What can I do that’s different?’’

This is generally followed by a healthy dose of skepticism but soon, reality catches up with us and we are sucked back into the mundane, with these relegated to the recesses of our minds.

These were the thoughts that went through my mind as I sat down to pen a few words on this most important of days.

Generally, along with reminders of this day, what comes to mind would likely be the wars raging fiercely over the world, with lives being snuffed out even before they have a chance to bloom. While these are definitely causes for grave concern, what really frightens me is the mindsets of the initiators and the ones who work behind the scenes, pulling the strings and snipping them when they see fit. What thoughts run rampant through their heads I wonder, when they give the order to kill? Do they gain some sadistic pleasure through the process or are lives just a number to them, expendable for the so called “greater good’’?

In order to dream of world peace, one must first have the courage to find peace within oneself. To make peace with the ugly and broken parts of oneself as much as with the bright and shining parts. To make peace with apologies that never came (and probably never will) and to not let it control one’s own healing. Peace begins with our willingness to see beyond the surface and accept that while we can’t change circumstances, we can decide whether we respond to them or simply react. It is only when one embraces the idea of peace from within, that they gain the ability to make peace with the rest of the world.

Life doesn’t stop for anybody. While we may not have had any control about our beginnings, we can still choose where we go from here onwards. So, in a world where concepts like success and titles reign supreme, let us choose to embrace a life of fulfillment and contentment. And when death comes knocking one day, I hope we find an ending we deserve after all that we’ve been through. Until then, against all odds, against all logic, let us hope…

Graphic Design by : Rtr. Sandali Mendis