Introduction to Maine Beyond War’s free online seminars on taking the first steps in a plan for world peace:

There are millions of groups and agencies world-wide working for peace. For the most part their goal is to end war. Certainly ending our current wars is a good thing. However, ending wars will not produce a peaceful world. All wars end eventually. Throughout history the period following the end of one war has been simply an interstice between wars. A culture of war exists and always has where the use of violence to resolve conflicts or to gain profit has been a preferred mode of goal achievement.

A culture of war is one in which materialism prevails, where there must be winners and losers, where fear is a prominent means of maintaining control of others. As long as that culture is allowed to persist, wars will persist.

Cultural change can occur as a response to a major crisis or it can occur as a result of planning. Given the mounting destructiveness of modern war with the risk of nuclear annihilation a real possibility, it makes sense to plan for change.

Change needs to begin with our attitudes, beliefs and values. If we can allow ourselves to be known, if we can be afraid only when we are in actual danger, if we can experience our uniqueness and find it good, then we may be at peace. If we can learn to trust, to forgive, to love and respect each other, then we may be at peace.

If we are at peace within ourselves it is easier to be at peace with others. Being at peace with our selves, others will be drawn to us and find comfort in our peace.

At peace, we can look at our culture and avoid its relentless drive for dominion over the earth’s human and physical resources. We can reject our knee-jerk choice of violence in favor of life enhancing human fellowship.

At peace, we can help build a world that is at peace. Starting with ourselves, we can take the first step in a plan for world peace.

Sample topics for Maine Beyond War’s Seminars in Inner Peace

Introduction to deep peace: the emotional basis of peace

The power of peace in daily life – hope is key

Safety – an emotional cycle: need for equilibrium, boredom, need for stimulation, reach a point of stress, need for equilibrium

Source of emotions and their effects

Emotions and the power therein – faith, compassion, mutuality, love, respect, forgiveness

Personal responsibility in a life of peace

Peaceful communication – Speaking from the heart

Family and community – mutually supportive networks

Making your personal peace public – advocacy

To register for the seminars:
e-mail Bert Kauffman at [email protected]

If you have questions about the program, contact Richard Beal at [email protected] or Bert Kauffman at [email protected]