Many people have asked for more details on the First Peace work I experienced in New Mexico ... so I thought I'd show rather than tell you. The venerable RainbowHawk has created a series of paintings that illustrate the Eight Universal Principles of the First Peace. These powerful images tell the story better than I ever could, and I've added some of the words that accompany each principle in the First Peace Circle Handbook.
But first, a little background; the concept of "First Peace" comes from a quote by Black Elk;
" The First Peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness, with the Universe and its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the Universe dwells Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, and that this center is everywhere, and it is within each of us. This is the real peace, and others are but reflections of this.
The second peace is that which is made by two individuals and the third is that which is made between nations.
But above all you should understand that there can never be peace between nations until there is known that true peace is within the souls of the people."
The Eight Universal Principles are the foundation for the consciousness of the First Peace, so by working with them in our own psyches we truly begin to seed lasting peace in the world.
"Spirit as Light Emanates Life Force"
With this universal principle is the call to realize that, as humans we are a manifestation of light in human form, a manifestation of the Divine, and as such we are called to develop this consciousness that has no restraint or boundary.
#2. Opening the Gateway: South East
"True Presence is the Doorway to the Great Mystery"
We are not separate from the Universe and the spirit in all things. When we open to the stillness of our deepest selves, we realize we are united with all creation.
#3. Transcending Ego: South
"Wholeness is Only Experienced through Diversity"
To begin it is important to realize that our natural state is one of openness and trust ... this supports our ability to be open to what comes our way knowing that we will meet it and respond in a way that is life-affirming.
#4. Remembering Sacred Path: SouthWest
"The Essence of Identity is Embedded in Cellular Memory"
We can direct our consciousness in many directions, and in our fast-paced world we can be filled with busyness and patterns of thought we are often unaware of. This principle reminds us to "remember" our true identity, our Divine nature, as who we really are.
#5. Honoring the Temple: West
"The Darkness in the Holy Womb of Life Contains All Light"
Physical manifestation is the divine container in which the sacred spirit resides. Honoring the temple means to honor our bodies, and the matter/mater/mother earth from which they are made. When we truly realize that the body is the home of spirit, a sacred container, we begin to see what is needed to care for it.
#6: Conscious Dreaming: NorthWest
"The Universal Relationship of Co-Creation Exists Through Cause and Effect"
As we are spirit, in connection with all spirit, we are in a constant dance of the dreamweave. Dreaming is not just what happens at night; it encompasses the thoughts, words and actions with which we create our lives.
Right Action becomes manifest when in harmony with universal truth. As we act we are in the state of creating our life. To walk the Beauty Way is a call for us to be connected with Universal Truth and to bring this consciousness into our daily life.
#8. Guarding the Spirit Fire: NorthEast
"All Things Are Born of Woman"
Respect for the sacredness of life enhances the life force which emanates from the divine. As we guard the sacred fire in ourselves we are developing a heightened consciousness of vitality and respect for our life energy. Our greatest power as humans is our capacity to send the power of love into the experiences of our lives, and especially to ourselves.
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So, this is just a taste of what this delicious work is about. If you want to explore more deeply I encourage you to buy the beautifully written and designed First Peace Circle Handbook, and start or join one of the First Peace Circles forming around the world (contact the Ehama Institute for details). Soon we will be offering a First Peace Circle in Second Life (contact me if you're interested in reserving your place around the fire).
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