Peace Talks

We have been talking a LOT about peace, peaceful choices, peaceful spaces, peaceful words, peaceful actions around here. This morning I encouraged the girls to sit together and discuss their idea of peace. What words they think are peaceful and what words they think take away from peace. What actions they think are peaceful and what actions they think take away from peace. How they plan to show peace to themselves, to others, to their home, to their community, to their friends, to the world.
Julia's answers as told by Charlotte
What is peace? Helping and kindness and love

How can you show peace in your life, your house, your community, your world? Do your chores, open the door for someone else, helping grandparents

What are peaceful words/language? I love you, love, God, heaven, helping can i help you, silence sometimes silence is the best way to be peaceful

What are non peaceful words/language? I hate you, get out of my life you suck

What are peaceful actions? Helping, hugging, kissing

What are non peaceful actions? Screaming, hitting, kicking


Oh and I totally forgot to share some super exciting news. Charlotte got her braces off!!! And she's got the most gorgeous smile!

Charlotte's answers as told by Julia
What is peace? Helpfulness, kindness, caring, not losing your temper

How can you show peace in your life, your house, your community, your world? Noticing when someone is in need and helping them before they have to ask for it, helping whenever possible, taking care of yourself

What are peaceful words/language? May I help you, Compliments that you mean to the heart not just saying it

What are non peaceful words/language? I hate you, get out of my life, compliments that you don't mean, insults, unkind or rude remarks

What are peaceful actions? helping, being kind to yourself, having patience, learning to control yourself

What are non peaceful actions? stomping, kicking, yelling, losing your temper, procrastinating, pushing your work on other people

This exercise was about more than just the answers. It was about listening to each other deeply enough that they understand and retained their words. It took three times for them to be able to explain the other person's thoughts on the questions. I want them to understand that asking questions is about more than asking...it's about LISTENING to and taking in the answer the other person responds with. It's about looking them in the eyes and truly caring about what they think. Our girls are amazing girls. They are thoughtful and caring to others in the world. As they get older they are losing their thoughtfulness towards one another. They are reading Heartsongs. I am hoping that the poetry of another kid will sink to their hearts. And inspire them to write their own poetry. Or inspire them in other ways. I am eager to see who our girls are going to grow in to!