By Arielle Angelique S. Cruz
Fourth Year – St Helena, St Scholastica’s Academy, Bacolod City
The world has always dreamt of peace. It is the one thing that people miles apart have longed for since the time they could think. The thought of a planet brought together in harmony and understanding is what urges those in power and wisdom to move and put it into solid reality.
Many plans have been announced, several ideas have been suggested, and numerous attempts have been tried. But after all of that, there is still no total peace. The world is still divided and broken. One would ask, ‘Why is this so? Are there not enough resources to make it work? Is there a misunderstanding among those who are assigned to do it?’ Peace should not be too difficult to create, so why is it not here yet?
Perhaps the reason is that the concept of peace itself is not clear. Its meaning may not have been grasped entirely. It is said that ‘One cannot achieve what one does not understand’. If this is why peace is absent in this physical world, clarifying it might make things much easier.
Peace is said to be a state of tranquility, as well as the absence of war. In a religious view, it is a deep connection with God and with all men. In this form of connection, there is no disturbance or blockade. Peace collectively is defined as a state of complete balance, harmony, and understanding between the Supreme Being, and every other human with each other.
Now that peace appears simpler and more possible than it had been earlier, it even looks easy enough for the young to make real. Since we, the youth, are the hope of the future, we can make a big difference. If we can materialize peace, we can save many lives. We can make a brighter tomorrow.
We can bring peace to life. It is quite simple to do. If we all conform, the world can become a better place. We do not need much to create it. There is no need for big conference rooms and expensive gifts. All we will need is an open mind and heart. We require a mind that can accept the thoughts and opinions of others. We need a heart that can love, forgive and empathize with anyone.
Little acts of kindness can become sparks that would spread the message of peace like wildfire. It sets examples for others to follow. Being able to get along with all kinds of people is another way to create it. There is a need for all of us to accept the differences of each individual. We need to give everyone an ear they can talk to, a shoulder to cry on, arms to receive hugs from, and a friend to support them. If all people receive these, conflict and suffering would greatly decrease. There would be less reason to fight and more reason to love.
Each person deserves respect. They have rights that allow them to live freely and safely. We are not supposed to violate them. In doing so, we also secure ourselves, knowing that others will not disregarded or ignored. Human dignity is another thing that we must respect. A person’s worth in this sense in inborn and it cannot be taken away. We should not treat anyone as if they are nothing and have no significance. God has given all of us dignity which means all have a purpose and importance. Knowing this, we should treat each other equally.
It is now clear that peace is achievable in very easy ways. Accepting, loving and respecting each person without exception are the best ways to bring peace to life. If all the people in the world would willingly do these, world peace would definitely become a reality. These simple, everyday acts could be done by anyone and their benefits will serve everyone.
Peace is a dream the world saw in their sleep. With hard work and determination, that dream will come true.