macrobiotics for peace

[Guest guest]

Of course here we are far from the heart of

the conflict physically but the ripples are felt throughout the globe.

Last year at my school reunion the security at the school was

noticeable. I remember there was always vigilence but the difference

was noticeable. I am sure it has been stepped up again. I remember in

1985 when i was in the third grade there was an evacutaion when a

package arrived that was unmarked. It turned out to be an anonymous

donation of sidurs.

that same year I went to israal for the first time with my parents. We

went to masada and jerusalem and drove through the west bank like it

was a scenic route - I remember my dad pointing out the road signs with

bullet holes in them - those are form the six day war he said at a time

when intense unrest was at a lull. Not long after that changed. I

remember seeing the beautiful sights at rosh hanikrah and sticking my

hands through the fence of the broder with lebanon. You couldnt do that

a few years ago my mother had said - they were at war then.

when i was at the KI in Holland in 2002, Adelbert spoke of the coming

together of people - at the summer conference that had just been, there

was a participant from Ramallah who had risked a lot to get there and

he and another participant who had been in the Israeli army had eyed

each other with suspicion to begin with. By the second day of immersion

in the atmosphere and the specially focused relaxed mb meals - they

were dancing together.

and why not? when we see each other first and foremost as people and

not belonging to a group. Of course it is easy for me to talk not

living so close to the fear and mistrust and vigilence and blood shed.

And here on distant shores where the feelings are diluted it is easy

for me to form a different view. Yet we are all human first - we all

bleed the same, feel love and fear the same way, want peace for out

family and world in our heart of hearts.

Whenever we think of us and them in our hearts or voice those views we

take a little step closer to pain. When we put those thoughts aside and

wonder how we can treat anyone else in ways we would not want our

family, friends and ourselves to be treated we step closer to peace.

At the Art of Life school I shared a room with two japanese students

and a student from saudi arabia. It was a wonderful mix. To learn about

each other and how we lived our lives so differently and yet wanted the

same things. I watched in awe and respect as Eman donned a black outfit

for praying and faced mecca and did her praying, then took it off to

reveal a fully co-ordinated Esprit outfit and join me for Shiatsu

class.

Now, when my online friend in Kuwait tells me of her struggles to teach

macrobiotics there and of her difficulty living as a palestinian there

I see we all have burdens. Who is really winning here? can anyone win?

She tells me of her 12 year old nephew who has a rubber bullet lodged

in his brain.

Yet look what 2 days of immersion in the atmosphere of peace could do

at the summer conference. We can all lament at how that is not possible

in the real world. But what would it take to make that happen?

there have been studies of people meditating or prayer for peace in a

region and it having a documented effect...

it doesnt take many - just a pivotal number to change mass

consciousness - dont think your own thoughts and heart felt longings

dont count - they do...

Ilanit Tof - Signature

Ilanit

Ms Ilanit Tof

B.A. (Psychophysiology/Psychology)

Advanced Diploma Healing with Wholefoods

PhD Holistic Nutrition (candidate)

Little Tree Oriental Healing Arts

Helping you grow to new heights of wellbeing

with Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition

ilanit@...

www.littletree.com.au