Building Bridges to Peace

Peace seems like a lovely topic. People hold stereotypical mental images of everyone holding hands, smiling, all former hurts and pains conveniently forgotten, never to be mentioned. No "bad" feelings. Happy, happy, happy, for we are all the same.

 Here's the problem: We are not all the same. It is true that when you get right down to it, we are all energy. That makes us the same, yes. A Kemetic sage once said, "Man's delusion is that there is disunion among them. In truth, we are one." The Principles of Maat teach the interconnectedness of life. As such, our actions impact upon all. Therefore, it is our collective and individual responsibility to respect boundaries, yet know when to lend a hand.

Part of the boundary lines relate to gender, culture, and cultural attribution. We came here in different packages, with different life experiences resulting from the package. When a person says to me, "But when I see you I don't see color," it's really just a way for the person to "big himself up" to give the impression that he/she is so evolved, my skin tone doesn't matter. Actually, it's an insult. He's just told me that my life experiences are meaningless to him, and that he doesn't care to hear, know, or really see me. Start telling the "I-don't-see-color" person the harsh reality of your life as a person of color, and get ready to witness a meltdown - or, extreme anger for ruining his Eden. Or denial with minimizing. Either you're exaggerating, lying, or creating your own harsh reality.

How can you build a bridge with someone who refuses to see or hear you?

Our stories have value. We are here in different packages so we may learn from one another. And if we really want to talk peace, then we must deal with the package, like it or not. This is not only across cultural and gender lines, but also in families, personal relationships, and neighborhoods. Truthfully, the path to peace is about communication, which includes listening and validating another's experience (no matter how uncomfortable), working through the healing process, and finding common ground. There are understood rules of engagement, and hopefully, mutual respect for the differing parties. When all efforts fail, then the peace agreement becomes, "You stay over there, and I'll stay here."

 The most ideal way to build bridges to peace is to start by finding common ground. Most often we can find it if we sincerely try hard enough. Enjoying the same foods, movies, TV shows, clothing... how life is experienced through these activities. There is also commonality in sorrow. I always say, "There is no prejudice when it comes to affliction and addiction." An addict (drugs, food, etc.) does not care who supplies him with his fix. I've also visited addiction support groups that look like a rainbow connection. They tend to be comprised of diverse folks who valiantly share in the triumphs and tragedies of their recovery. Kinship. Healing. Together.

 Healing through and from physical and emotional challenges tend to unify people too. I remember when I was hospitalized for severe pneumonia in 2006. I shared a room with a Dominican woman who also had pneumonia, and spoke little English. I understand Spanish better than I speak it. However, my High School Spanish came in handy as, gasping for breath, we both shared our frustrations about our health, our doctors, and the hospital. The commonalities with affliction and addiction? For one, the knowledge that healing takes time, and cannot be rushed. There are those who wish to push the atrocities of abuse aside, or erase abusive acts by ignoring them - both impossible, and unhealthy. Oppression, past and present, leaves deep scars. The societal healing process must be honored through awareness, admission, eradication, and assistance. The other addiction/affliction commonalities? Vulnerability. Human frailty. Isn't it sad that we often must be forced into humility in order to reach out for another's hand, not caring whose hand it is? If I'm drowning, I'd be a fool to reject a ready, willing, and able rescuer who doesn't happen to look like me.

 As a performer, teacher, and lecturer, I travel a great deal, servicing diverse populations. It amazes me to find how many are wiling to share their stories with me. That's how I remember them too. The deeper blessing comes when we can forge a friendship. There is a Kemetic scripture in the Book of Ankhsheshonqi: "May I recognize my friends that I may share my goods with them. May I recognize my brother and sister that I may open my heart to them."

With open eyes, open hands, open mind, and open heart, may we work to build bridges to peace. May we work through and with the dissonances, knowing they will lead harmony. May we remember that Love is the greatest bridge of all.


Come join me on my retreat, "Mdw Mer: Love Language." Learn the Art of Positive Communication through words, body language, music, food, and art! Love yourself, Love your world. Draw positivity and success with the help of Ancient Kemetic Water Spirituality. Get in the FLOW!