Connecting through my inner peace

by Jeanne Frost; Featured Contributor

Our current society can be stressful. This is especially true when it comes to relationships and conversations. Personally, I have a hard time relating to people who have let themselves fall victim to hate filled agendas. I've found that connecting from a place of peace is a great help.

As a vegan, I get plenty of practice dealing with angry confrontations. Surprisingly, many people object to me living a kind life. I don't taunt people. I live and let live. They just hear the word vegan and go off like firecrackers.

I don't know why me being a peaceful individual with peaceful intentions is so offensive to some but I refuse to feel bad about the fact that I'm a nice person. I also refuse to react to opposition with anger and violence. Because then, I defeat my own purpose.

Admittedly, it took me a while to realize this. Things got ugly sometimes. Live and learn as they say.

However, now when I encounter those who are openly angry, exclusionary, rude or violent toward me, I take a deep breath and react using my inner peace as a catalyst, rather than becoming defensive or vengeful.

Naturally, if my life/well-being or anyone elses is in danger, I will take protective measures.

However, I absolutely refuse to come from a place of hatred. We have enough of that in the world.

So, I summon up that little ball of love, peace and happiness growing inside me and lay it on whoever is projecting their hatred toward me. It is their hatred, after all, not mine. I have no use for it in my life.

Fire breathing dragons are largely ineffective at putting out fires so I choose not to be one.

It's pretty hard for people to be angry with someone who's been nothing but nice to them. Plus, I just plain feel better about myself when I'm kind to others. That's far more important than proving a point or “converting” people to my way of thinking.

Example has always been the best teacher anyway. What kind of example would I be if my actions didn't match my convictions?

Peace, love and happiness is always the best solution everyone. Spread it around.