In addition to the activism, so necessary to make a better world, we must also meditate or pray constantly so that we can pass through these times without becoming brutes ourselves. These are dangerous times, but it does not benefit us to live one minute out of our senses.Today, when our world is bombarded with images of fear and violence, whether we call it prayer, or meditation, or something else, it is vitally important to protect a place of peace within. These are septic conditions for the mind. Just as a poorly kept pond can only breed snakes and insects, so fearful hearts can only produce stunted and cruel thoughts and feelings.

It has never been more important to understand the art of inner peace as a gift to the whole world. We must join the countless people, religious or not, who whisper a blessing to our world. We must protect the sanctuary of our hearts from the poison of hatred and fear. When we feel ourselves taking in poisons, we must sit with our fear, bathing it with compassion. By healing our own hearts, we take an important first step to healing our world