There is old Sufi wisdom that tells us: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, there will be true peace."This is what we shall hold out for: the shift.

There must be a shift in our world. With such financial stress, with so many lives being affected by war and societies and youth weighed down by violence, we must turn to the true power of love and overcome all that is tearing down the fabric of our economic and social structures.

You readers are already embracing and expressing the power of love, I know this to be true. We have walked similar circles and have interacted for over 15 years on the topic of peace and principles of nonviolence and forgiveness.


And yet, the time is now for us to really get engaged, and join together in a purely proactive way. And why now? The times hold all the signs. Just as there has been an economic meltdown, there is a risk of a social meltdown. Times are really challenging.

I have seen this to be true, as someone who has regularly spoken in prisons, and to school children who live amidst gangs, violence and murder. School attendance is diminishing. Relations between students and teachers are getting worse. Education system budgets are being cut. Public education system is at risk. Unless we turn this thing around, we risk a social collapse. For our children's sake, we must not let this happen.

The success of every generation, since the Founding Fathers established this country, is measured by us leaving a better America than the one we inherited. This has not been true the  past couple of generations. Experiencing a downward spiral, the social fabric has been compromised, as mankind - focusing on its own needs through greed and avarice - has threatened the economic landscape. Next is our social landscape.

Our hope is that we all come forth and join together for a change. This will take all of us. All of us teachers. And you may ask if you are indeed a teacher. If you are reading these words, then the answer is yes. We are all teachers. I did not think I was a teacher before my son Tariq was murdered, but now I see how I am a teacher. A teacher is not necessarily someone with a certification, but ones who can lead others in a positive way. We need you - the teachers - now. 


We need you to do what?  To live by example, to do your own inner healing, forgiving enemies in your life, providing atonement for all we have harmed. To meditate and go within. And also - to take action and become the leaders and teachers of others who are looking for the solace and peace found in forgiveness and good works.

Working with TKF (www.TKF.org) is a good example of practicing good works, as it teaches principles of nonviolence, peacemaking and forgiveness, and as a result realizes positive results in school attendance, diminished acts of violence and children feeling safer in our community.

We can all find a way to do the good works that hold the context needed for a society torn apart and households crushed under economic pressure.

Knowing you are all teachers, I have created a three day program - July 16 - 18 in San Diego - which will "train the trainers" on the principles of forgiveness as they create not only peace ... but prosperity ... all types of prosperity. See below for details. There is room for 10 more so make sure you register soon. This weekend will be for you ... the teacher and trainers we are all needing.

Thank you readers for being the sort of person who would learn of the principles of peace and then share it for those you influence. I challenge you to keep reaching out, and learning and teaching. It is what we all need for the shift - from the love of power ... to the power of love.
  

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