This is the first book in a series of books (reflections & poems) that represent my efforts to comprehend the language of peace. It’s clear to me that as a child, I didn’t acquire much fluency with peace as a first language. Thus, the first book of the series is entitled, Peace as a Second Language. Peace may never become my primary gestalt, but with enough study and patient practice, I may be able to make out the sound of its to-sense-worth clanking with consistency into the bottom of my cup.
As I understand it, the vocabulary of the language of peace consists of any and every situation where our big willingness to narrow meaning (and become exclusive) is transformed by a little willingness to broaden and deepen meaning (and become inclusive). The syntax of the language of peace is clarified with every and any effort we make to break down the mentalities that turn permeable or semi-permeable borders for exchange, into impermeable boundaries (thus the embargo reference in the subtitles).
We practice speaking the language of peace many moments of the day, through: listening to each other, making gestures of reconciliation, practicing forgiveness, speaking honestly, being mindful of our needs, being mindful of others’ needs, not being wasteful, maintaining our sense of humor, offering a helpful hand, working through our differences, appreciating our differences, sharing our gifts, receiving others’ gifts. The list goes on.
The problem is that we also practice speaking the languages of complacency and war, by neglecting to practice the language of peace, and by opposing its practice with dishonest and hurtful behavior.
I write these books to help myself focus on peace, to develop an appreciation for the nuances of its language, and to distinguish it from the languages of complacency and war, for their vocabularies are often similar. So much depends upon our intentions and the quality of our extensions.
I publish these books in hopes that they will help others to study peace and to practice peace as well. Who knows? Perhaps one day, our children, or our children’s children, will learn to speak peace fluently as a first language.
In Peace, Richard