Contirbution debate....

[Weena]

So I just saw a little debate on Facebook that started because of a photo being passed around (featuring two young men torturing a dog and flipping the bird). So obviously I tried to explain to the people passing the photo around that they are being had (does anyone else would think that the one who possess the photo in the first place is one of the people who tortured the dog? Can people on this planet think logically and use commonsense every now and then?).

So as I told them my theory and how they were being fooled one of them asked if i was Miss Detective and so on. So I tried my best to explain to him that bettering the world is made of "actions" not of "whining comments under photos" (i elaborated on ways to contribute of course).

Sorry for this intro, tried to keep it short... But it comes to this: who here would agree that turning this world into a peaceful one where everyone can have a chance for safe and decent life will only be achieved by actions? (The list can be long: sponsoring charities, giving away goods, praying, meditating, raising your children teaching them/showing them respect and solidarity...etc, etc).

[Angela]

Well, I don't understand what you're saying about the photo and the comments, but I do think that effectively generating peace in the world begins before action -- by resolving internal conflict and people BEING peace. Peaceful behavior is natural, easy, and effortless for people who practice generating peace in themselves.

[elucidate]

I agree with Angela. Finding peace within ourselves, amidst so much conflict and chaos in the external world is a very powerful force that ripples out into the world and affects everyone you meet.

It all starts within. Radiate Peace and the world will be peaceful.

I guess it also means our own internal conflicts need to be sorted out to get to that place though, and that's the challenging part.

[Weena]

Oh I don't see where the conflictual bit was (and the person then agreed with me, but said that the photos could first make people aware and motivate actions). My point was more about the actions being stronger than a whole heaps of people passing photos around and saying "this is disgusting". I think it's a very ineffective way to "contribute", it just feeds what needn't be fed.

[James Fletcher]

My point was more about the actions being stronger than a whole heaps of people passing photos around and saying "this is disgusting". I think it's a very ineffective way to "contribute", it just feeds what needn't be fed.

Couldn't agree more. I think with regard to online flame wars, and any ruckus rousing in general, peace can only be achieved by inaction. You can do your part to make the situation better by not contributing at all.

It was most likely the intention of whoever distributed the photo to enrage people, and since there are many out there who are so easily offended, I'm sure they succeeded. Best case scenario: some people get offended and express their anger, the originators get their jollies, then everybody settles down, forgets about it, and a week later it's buried.

[JHL]

Originally Posted by Weena

who here would agree that turning this world into a peaceful one where everyone can have a chance for safe and decent life will only be achieved by actions? (The list can be long: sponsoring charities, giving away goods, praying, meditating, raising your children teaching them/showing them respect and solidarity...etc, etc).

I concur. I also agree with Angela, but generally for a person to reach a place of enduring inner peace requires a lot of personal development work - or action.

[Cran]

If change isn't happening due to pictures that provoke outrage and anger, it isn't brought about by posting on forums trying to get validation for personal believes either.

[Weena]

James: I agree with all you have been saying in your post!
JHL, yes, and I think one of the ways to contribute can also be meditation and PD (as you mentioned) since when we raise our own vibes we thus raise the vibe of the whole humanity!
Cran, I see your point though if you knew me you'd probably know external validation is something I couldn't care less about . I was more interested in finding like minded people to talk about contribution and effective/less effective ways to create a better reality for everyone on this planet. But thank you for your participation, I appreciate it all the same .

[LostMyMap]

WEEEENA!
Your back!!!

Or just swooping in temporarily?

I agree with both you and Angela. Internal peace is a necessary thing. But all to often, I think people don't get around to the action part. Take a meaningful action, no matter how small.

[Weena]

LLM, I'm a little bit back . I check a couple of forums but i don't check it several times a day .

Absolutely, even tiny actions can help. I'm not saying we should all own a charitable organisation, but I personally like being open to help more often than not.

Sometimes i wonder at a "spiritual level" what the best way to help is. For example: what if the people have chosen to go through a certain struggle? But then again i play devil's advocate with myself "what if they have chosen a certain struggle in order to gain faith in humanity's love and compassion? So definitely am keen on being on the side of helpers. Of course if it comes to the "monetary help" part, I'd go for topics that I feel need more help and just hope other people might have different choices so that everyone gets to be helped. Do i even make sense? 6am, drinking my first cup of coffee...