"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips be careful to have it even more fully in your heart"

The essence of the quote is about the importance of aligning your words with your true feelings. It’s one thing to talk about peace, to say all the right things, but it’s another to genuinely feel it deep within. Imagine telling everyone around you that you’re calm and collected while inside, you’re a storm of anxiety and frustration. The idea is that for your declarations of peace to be genuine and impactful, they need to come from a place of true inner peace.

Historically, this quote has roots in spiritual or philosophical teachings, often attributed to the idea that true change starts from within. It’s not enough to present a façade of tranquility if we’re not working on our inner landscape. For instance, St. Francis of Assisi, a figure known for his deep spiritual wisdom, emphasized the importance of inner peace aligning with outward expressions. In times of conflict or stress, people often preach calmness and peace, but the real challenge is to embody that peace internally first.

Think about a workplace scenario. Picture a manager who always talks about the importance of a positive work environment. They send emails about teamwork, hang motivational posters, and even give speeches about the company culture. But if this manager is stressed, snapping at employees, and visibly overwhelmed, the message gets lost. The team senses the dissonance between the words and the actual atmosphere. However, if the manager genuinely cultivates a sense of calm, approaches problems with a cool head, and demonstrates kindness, the team naturally follows suit. The environment becomes what was spoken about, not because it was demanded, but because it was demonstrated.

So how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by being honest with yourself. If you’re advocating for peace – whether in a family dispute, at work, or within your community – ensure you’re also working on your inner peace. Take time for self-care, practice mindfulness, or engage in activities that help you manage stress. It’s like the safety instructions on an airplane: put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. You can’t genuinely promote peace if you’re not at peace yourself.

Here’s a relatable story: Imagine you’re part of a neighborhood committee trying to resolve a dispute about a new development project. Everyone’s heated, and as the chairperson, you keep saying, “Let’s keep this peaceful and respectful.” But you find yourself getting irritated, raising your voice, and feeling stressed about the outcome. One evening, you decide to take a walk in a nearby park before the meeting. You breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds of nature, and let go of the tension. When you arrive at the meeting, you’re calm and centered. As you speak, your genuine tranquility is contagious, and the group begins to mirror your demeanor. The meeting is more productive, and you realize it’s not just about saying the right words – it’s about feeling them.

So next time you’re in a situation where you need to advocate for peace or calm, remember this: your inner state sets the tone. Work on finding that peace within, and your words will carry the weight of authenticity. It’s a journey, but one worth taking.