Gunhild Archer, counselor

Can YOU show up, willingly, the the table; being at terms with YOU needing to change?

I literally cannot understand how we, us adults – grown up humans, those who are supposed to know what to do and how to do it… We have SO much knowledge on what works, what is needed to create health and sustainability… We have experts and a whole library of tools. We KNOW what to do. We know fighting doesn’t resolve conflict. Listening and empathizing works.

Yet we down apply it. We don’t reach for the tools. Not even when it comes to ourselves. Instead, we remain in conflict. If we made the decision to resolving conflicts solemnly within US, it would go a long way.

We talk about wanting peace though. We talk about equality, human rights, coexisting and the list goes on. The jargon often goes: “THEY should do x, y and z” or “If THEY just”… Everyone (or most) are pointing at others, waiting for someone or something to magically happen. Somehow, we are exempt from the equation. How does that work? How can you look to the president, or whomever rules wherever, and wait for THEM to sign a weapons treaty? As if war happens because ONE person chooses war. As if every single individual is not needed for a successful implementation of a peace treaty.

If you can’t create and maintain a healthy relationship within the micro; yourself, your partner or your kids, how do you think anything is going to be solved in the macro? A world leader is just a man. So am I, and so are you. He is a father, husband, and son – a human being, equal to you. He is his own friend or enemy, just like you. Do you really think he walks through the doors at the embassy and “bam, he knows how to solve conflict, he has healthy values now! Of course, he is willing to admit to his mistakes, to listen and learn – he is humble now”?

No.

He is just a man. His next in command is his equal. So am I. So are you. We all have opportunities to make a difference, in every now moment. Everyone has a responsibility to stay true to ourselves. If we cap it at the root, nothing will ever get as far as war.

Slow down. Pause. Observe. Investigate. Understand. Communicate your truth. Take into consideration. Find a way that works for everyone. Move.