If world peace can begin on a grassroots level, then the words we choose to speak on a daily basis matter.
It's easy to forget the impact of words. By uttering only a few syllables someone's heart can be crushed, spirits lifted, or reputation ruined. When it comes to grassroots peace making, words have just as much of an impact. If global peace is to begin on a local scale, then watching our words is as important as partaking in peace rallies and marches. It is our actions as individuals and collectively, that shape our world.
Bear in Mind Your Audience
When we talk about our peace making efforts to the unitiated, we choose our words carefully and speak in as simple terms as possible. We don't want to lose people in jargon, and we also don't want to over-politicize things. When we speak in public, such as at a rally, we also need to watch what we say - if we have a family audience, steering clear of vulgarities or overly-militant slogans might be considered.
Steer Clear of Insults
If our goal is to create a world full of peace and harmony, then we should treat each other with respect and dignity at all times. When we act out in agression with our words, we are hurting the other person, while lowering ourselves. We should especially be conscious of speech that insults, defames, or is prejudiced against another's race, religion, or culture.
Sometimes, such slurs are made out of ignorance rather than malice. One of my close friends used to refer to a cheap person as a "Jew" when he was younger, as did others in his peer group. Later on, when he met me, "Jew" suddenly had a face and a name, and he realized the error of his ways. If we encounter someone using words in this way and we are certain it is out of ignorance, compassion and kindness mixed with the firm message that speaking in such a way is wrong, should be enough to educate the person.
Share the Love
In general, as we live out our lives, we should treat others with kindness and respect. Perhaps this sounds rtaher goody-goody (and maybe it is), but it should also be common sense. When we treat others well, it creates a vibe of positive energy, and rubs off on the other person who in turn will act the same way to others -- one would hope. I find even being nice to those hard-to-be-nice-to types has a positive effect, because it gives the other person something to think about and allows me to retain the higher ground.
