Notes from the Path AJ Photo
Peace, Love & Heroes.
Alias Jones
One of the very enjoyable aspects of traveling and spending time in a given place is getting to witness,and be a part of,the local celebrations and getting an understanding of the importance of them to the local people. Last week featured one of them: Republic Day here in Turkey, marking the official transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey.
The hero of this event was, of course, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, known more simply as Ataturk, and who, best I can tell, is the most photographed man in the history of the world. Yeah, probably more than Madonna and Princess Di as well. And for all the grand statements that can be said of Ataturk and his legacy – and there are many - I think the thing that strikes me most is one of his most-quotable quotes,“Peace at home. Peace in the world.”
Peace.
What a noble statement.
Such a honorable intention...
...and a very natural disposition for us all.
At least a few readers are probably wondering, “What’s so natural about the concept of peace in this world?”, and that’s a pretty fair question for reasons that don’t even need to be recounted here, both current and historical. So while I understand the sentiment, I’m coming to believe that peace is our natural state. Perhaps we just forgot some things somewhere along the line.
What I’ve found in my experience is that people are people. We have our own customs and often our own societal influences that somewhat shape our behavior, but overwhelmingly, we care about the same things, and overwhelmingly, peace is part of that. But somehow we let our fears of other lands, other customs, and often, other religions separate us from each other. We allow these very superficial differences to convince us that we are different in some way.
Funny thing, but every mother I’ve ever met wants her son and daughter to have long, happy lives. With that simple wish there is a magnificent, implicit prayer for peace.
Peace in the world.
Peace at home.
Peace within ourselves.
Sure, society as it exists today does its best at times to teach us a very different lesson. But we see through that. We understand that we can create peace within ourselves and, when we do, that affects those around us. Suddenly, we live within a peaceful circle of friends (should we choose). Then, if we’re not careful, we have peaceful neighborhoods and villages. It spreads from there, but its not so much about spreading peace but rather experiencing our own peace, and letting work its own magic. It will, if we let it.
Somebody recently asked me who my heroes were. My response was everyone who lives with the intentions of peace and love for all people. I think even Mustafa Kemal Ataturk would be pleased to be counted among that group.
Alias Jones is a rat-racer-turned-vagabond and is frequently considered to be one of the luckiest guys in the world. He does not argue the point. In his travels, Jones is a frequent columnist for English speaking newspapers abroad, has hosted a Texas Blues/Rock radio show in Bodrum, Turkey & teaches Reiki healing. He is completing his book tentatively called: Would-Be-Super Heroes: An Official Training Guide - non-commercial project that is slated for free download in multiple languages early 2009.
More details on Jones & his travels can be found at his official website or you can write to him at: aj@aliasjones.com
November 24, 2008 by Network Abundance Publications
