13 ways to cultivate Peace and Luv in a Diverse World
Our actions are governed by our thoughts and the only way to effectively change the world to cultivate peace and love is to change the way we see each other. We treat people congruent to how we see them.
Do we want to stop destroying each other? We have been absorbing the recycled perceptions being passed down from generation to generation fed to us from our family, peers, education system, media, politics and religion. What have we trusted and accepted that keeps the destructive interactions we have with one another going? What have we agreed to that causes us to habitually despise one another because of our differences?
The truth is, we cannot force the KKK, Neo Nazis, and all other White Supremacist groups to start seeing People of Color as Human Beings and value our lives.
We cannot force anyone to accept us or Luv us.
The only way for people who are already infected with hatred, anger, fear, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and all intolerance towards those different from them is if they choose to clean out the toxins circulating in their minds, living in their veins, boiling in their blood.
Our actions are governed by our thoughts and the only way to effectively change the world to cultivate peace and Luv is to change the way we see each other. We treat people congruent to how we see them.
For those of us who can genuinely see each other as human beings let's do our part to stop breeding more hate and start creating more understanding, positive, and Luving environments.
13 Ways to Cultivate Peace and Luv (So much more can be added, but this is a start)
Do not be Color Blind. See everyone. See the diversity because there is nothing wrong with what people are. You can Luv yourself while still appreciating and respecting people different from you.
Raise your children around various cultures and travel outside of your neighborhood, community, state, and country. If your children are raised getting to know people who speak different from them, look different from them, and think different from them then they won't fear differences. They will have an opportunity to appreciate differences and see beauty in it.
Do not justify acts of discrimination. When validating the actions of the attacker you’re demeaning the life of the one attacked.
Avoid generalizing. The behavior or attitude of one or some, is not all.
Be educated on the contributions people from other cultures have achieved and provided.
Do not make assumptions about a person or individual group. Get to know people for who they are, not who you expect them to be.
Do not participate in comments or actions that appear to be derogatory or prejudicial to any individual group.
Speak up when witnessing someone being humiliated or discriminated against.
Be aware of how you speak and treat people. Are your words and actions uplifting or damaging?
Do not make decisions for another culture if they should not be offended when their culture has been disrespected or dehumanized. It is not for us to defend or condone any form of mistreatment against another that isn’t directed at us or our culture regardless how we would personally respond, react, or feel if in the same situation.
Be humble. Put your ego, assumptions, and views aside to genuinely reflect on another’s experience to avoid minimizing their experience or question the validity of their feelings.
Acknowledge that all people are human beings.
Value each other's lives.
Luv Mrk offers Impacting Perceptions an interactive workshop or presentation assessing our perceptions and treatment of people due to their gender, race, religion, politics, socio-economic status, sexuality, ability, and appearance in order to build positive relationships and enhance empathy. This workshop or presentation is for students, educators, employees, volunteers, leaders, and all others interested in building unity and having increased emotional intelligence/self-awareness to make a lasting positive impact in our professional and personal lives. This experience is great for diversity training, leadership seminars, team building workshops, orientations, community building events, retreats, enrichment/elective classes, after school programs, and speaker series events.
Stop Burning Wishes
You do not need to burn down other homes in order to keep your own home standing on a strong foundation. You do not have to crumble peace in the lives of others in order to use their rubble to build peace in yours.
There are individuals and groups doing what they can to stop wishes from coming true for others. If you are someone who has been a roadblock to others so they may not turn their dreams into reality, ask yourself why. Why do you believe you must create obstacles to prevent certain people from bettering their life?
You do not have to fear the progress of others. Have enough confidence in yourself where you won't feel the need to spend your time doing what you can to block people from attaining their goals because you fear it will take away from your accomplishments, your capacity to keep living the life you have, or be afraid it will somehow seize your opportunities from improving your life.
Instead of spending your time and energy on destroying others happiness, spend that energy and time on building your trust in your own abilities to keep or create the life you want for yourself. You do not need to burn down other homes in order to keep your own home standing on a strong foundation. You do not have to crumble peace in the lives of others in order to use their rubble to build peace in yours. You do not have to bind hands, silence lips, or devastate their lives for you to be able to create, speak, or be alive. Stop believing you have to blow out the light in others in order for you to shine. Realize what caused these thoughts to find a place in your mind, finding their way to take over your inner-peace and having you project this inner-battle into an outer war. In recognition of knowing the source, you are able to defeat it. At that moment you are able to choose what you want to do now. Do you want to destroy or build?
You want safety, so does everyone else. You want shelter, so does everyone else. You want happiness, so does everyone else. You want freedom, so does everyone else. You want Luv, so does everyone else.
Your fear and actions taken in regard to your need to stay on top is what is dimming your light. When others shine that is not a threat to you, we can all shine together. For our lives to be better, we have to be better. For our world to be more at peace, we have to be at peace. For Luv to exist, we have to allow it to live.
If you or someone you know needs to receive assistance in getting to the root of what has caused your fears, anger, sadness, lack of confidence, lack of love for self and others, emotional pain, and other damaging feelings holding you back from happiness, one on one coaching is available. Transformational tools are provided to replace language and thoughts that block progress to constructive words and beliefs opening you up to your capabilities. Recognize your ability to overcome battles and charge through obstacles. Stop having dreams and pursue goals. Take control of your life to live it for you and not by the expectations of others. Know your worth. Luv yourself. Luv others. Ultimately bring to surface the power, inner strength, and courage you have to be your authentic self. Contact us for more information.
Energize Yourself
What do you do when you get tired, stressed, bored, or grouchy? Identify, and then remember, the exact things you can do in order to restore your soul, energize your body, balance your day, and/or get back into a happier mood.
What do you do when you get tired, stressed, bored, or grouchy? Identify, and then remember, the exact things you can do in order to restore your soul, energize your body, balance your day, and/or get back into a happier mood. Go for a hike through the mountains, ride your bike, take a drive to where you haven't been before, take photos, draw or paint a picture, or pamper yourself and take a hot bath, sit in your favorite spot and listen to music, or dance to your favorite songs. Make a list of what activities work for you and schedule some of the events into your daily or weekly routine until they become a habit. Make time for yourself to do what you Luv; for yourself and because your happiness is felt by those around you.
If you or someone you know needs to receive assistance in getting to the root of what has caused your fears, anger, sadness, lack of confidence, lack of love for self and others, emotional pain, and other damaging feelings holding you back from happiness, one on one coaching is available. Transformational tools are provided to replace language and thoughts that block progress to constructive words and beliefs opening you up to your capabilities. Recognize your ability to overcome battles and charge through obstacles. Stop having dreams and pursue goals. Take control of your life to live it for you and not by the expectations of others. Know your worth. Luv yourself. Luv others. Ultimately bring to surface the power, inner strength, and courage you have to be your authentic self.
Sake of friendship
When people are arguing neither one is listening to the core of the problem between the spaces of their hurt and insecurities masked in anger. As the dispute escalates words may be said that cannot be unheard, actions may take place that cannot be undone.
When people are arguing neither one is listening to the core of the problem between the spaces of their hurt and insecurities masked in anger. As the dispute escalates words may be said that cannot be unheard, actions may take place that cannot be undone. When we work to be understanding, we're able to forgive others, and forgive ourselves.
So when we are embracing anger, instead of forgiveness; judgment, instead of understanding; pain, instead of healing; ego, instead of truth; take a breath, step back and remember that we are all functioning from our own level of consciousness. All of us are reacting from our life experienced-based interpretation of the given situation. When we take a moment to acknowledge this we can get ourselves back on track, for the sake of our friendship/relationships and also our own peace of mind.
We project what is within, which is why Luv Mrk offers Impacting Perceptions, a transformative workshop to explore our personal views and how these interpretations affect self and relationships with others. Discover how outside influences from our experiences and environment to the media shapes our perceptions which in turn inspire our choices and actions. When we identify the beneficial and/or destructive impact our beliefs have on our lives we can then consciously choose to evolve our approach to the way we treat ourselves and those around us in order to cultivate the peace and Luv we seek in the world.
Before the World Taught Us
Who were we when entering this world? Who were we before the world taught us?
Who were we when entering this world? Who were we before the world taught us?
As children we were taught how to speak, walk, tie our shoes, and all other necessary abilities to function in life. During this time we were also absorbing our surroundings, taking in the language and mannerisms of those around us. As we repeated what we heard or saw, our parents/guardians would commend the behavior they accepted or reprimanded the behavior they considered to be unacceptable. Depending on the treatment we wanted we would choose our conduct accordingly.
In addition to our parents we had several other teachers. Everyday we were fed the views of our family, peers, TV shows, movies, videos, music, magazines, books, billboards, and the news. What part of those views did we take in for our own? When did we realize if our thoughts are our own or recycled beliefs we were taught. When or how do we know if we are truly being our authentic self? If we are parents, what are we passing on to our children? If we are leaders what are we passing on to those who trust us?
This is not to say we are completely brainwashed individuals walking around as programmed robots. We developed our own personalities, have things we like or don't like rather anyone agrees with us or not; and have paths we choose to take whether certain people approve or don't. Don't worry, no one is taking away an identity you built for yourself. Yet, when you start to realize how much you are actually you and how much is a concoction of your teachings, it can really make you think how much of you is you.
This does not have to be a bad thing. Lessons and experiences have shaped us into the people we are today and we have all had our own different journeys. One journey doesn't need to be viewed as better or more right than another.
If you realize you are not walking on a path you paved for yourself, then make a conscious choice and effort to construct your own. On your path to waking up to the real you, know that others are walking a path paved for them as well, or they are paving a different road that is more fitting for them. There is not one road that we need to follow. This awareness can minimize the judgments that can turn into fear, anger, and altercations and increase understandings that can turn into peace.
We're in this world together wanting happiness, safety, peace, freedom, and Luv. Know yourself. Be yourself. Luv yourself. Understand others. Coexist with others. Luv others.
We project what is within, which is why Luv Mrk offers Impacting Perceptions, a transformative workshop to explore our personal views and how these interpretations affect self and relationships with others. Discover how outside influences from our experiences and environment to the media shapes our perceptions which in turn inspire our choices and actions. When we identify the beneficial and/or destructive impact our beliefs have on our lives we can then consciously choose to evolve our approach to the way we treat ourselves and those around us in order to cultivate the peace and Luv we seek in the world.
Allow Yourself to Have Fun
Release what you cannot control and fix what you can. You deserve inner-peace.
There is so much going on in the world where life can get you down. Anger and sorrow will not bring a better tomorrow. Allow yourself to feel your emotions to go through the healing process, yet do not stay in the pain and hurt. Release what you cannot control and fix what you can. However, if there is a problem that should not be ignored and it appears to be deeply rooted beyond what you can fix, keep doing what you can, because any steps in improving an issue, get's you to reaching the solution.
In the meantime, you deserve inner-peace. Allow yourself to release the weight of the world for awhile. Have fun. Let your heart feel the genuine bellows of laughter and your soul the warmth of a smile. Take some time to travel into the innocent minds of the youth where earth is a playground, everyday is an adventure, and life is whatever you decide it to be. In this moment you will be in peace.
If you or someone you know needs to receive assistance in getting to the root of what has caused your fears, anger, sadness, lack of confidence, lack of love for self and others, emotional pain, and other damaging feelings holding you back from happiness, one on one coaching is available. Transformational tools are provided to replace language and thoughts that block progress to constructive words and beliefs opening you up to your capabilities. Recognize your ability to overcome battles and charge through obstacles. Stop having dreams and pursue goals. Take control of your life to live it for you and not by the expectations of others. Know your worth. Luv yourself. Luv others. Ultimately bring to surface the power, inner strength, and courage you have to be your authentic self. Contact us for more information.
What Are You Creating?
Realize the power you have and decide what life you are building for yourself.
Everyday the thoughts we have and the words we speak are paving our path. Everything we see, how we see it and what we decide to do about it is creating our journey. Realize the power you have and decide what life you are building for yourself.
If you or someone you know needs to receive assistance in getting to the root of what has caused your fears, anger, sadness, lack of confidence, lack of love for self and others, emotional pain, and other damaging feelings holding you back from happiness, one on one coaching is available. Transformational tools are provided to replace language and thoughts that block progress to constructive words and beliefs opening you up to your capabilities. Recognize your ability to overcome battles and charge through obstacles. Stop having dreams and pursue goals. Take control of your life to live it for you and not by the expectations of others. Know your worth. Luv yourself. Luv others. Ultimately bring to surface the power, inner strength, and courage you have to be your authentic self. Contact us for more information.
Are You Happy?
If there are areas you would like to improve on ask yourself what is holding you back. Are you having dreams or setting goals? Are you making excuses or making plans? Are you competing to be better than others or doing what you can to be better than the person you were yesterday?
If you're not happy and you want to know why not, you can find out by assessing where you are at in this point of your life. How satisfied are you with your career, relationships, health, and life engagement? Is it easy for you to maintain friendships? Are you pleased with your professional position? Do you have enough time you dedicate to just yourself to do something you enjoy?
If there are areas you would like to improve on ask yourself what is holding you back. Are you having dreams or setting goals? Are you making excuses or making plans? Are you competing to be better than others or doing what you can to be better than the person you were yesterday? Are you comparing where you are at in this stage of your life to others or focusing on your own path? Are you saying can't more than can? If it's career related are you trusting your abilities? If it's relationship related are you knowing your worth? Pay attention to your thoughts and actions, if they aren't serving you then it's time to make a change.
Once you know what areas you need to work on, you actually need to do the work to better your situation. If you know what career you want then take the steps to get there. Do you need training? Obtain a certification? Whatever is required to attain the desired profession, believe in yourself, know you can do it, stay determined, and actively do the work. Any obstacles come in your way, look at them as an opportunity to find an alternative solution. Every time you keep pushing forward your are becoming more prepared and will gain confidence.
Allow yourself to learn and grow from any setbacks or struggles you face in any area of your life because when you work through the hard times you can become stronger and wiser. Not the stronger that turns you into being a hard shell, but stronger in your belief in yourself and knowing that when things become challenging and even heart breaking, you will get through it and come out better.
When it comes to improving any areas in your life, evaluate how you got there so you won’t allow it to be an impediment any longer. Set achievable steps to reach your goals and follow through. Know you deserve to live a fulfilled life and start living it.
If you or someone you know needs to receive assistance in getting to the root of what has caused your fears, anger, sadness, lack of confidence, lack of love for self and others, emotional pain, and other damaging feelings holding you back from happiness, one on one coaching is available. Transformational tools are provided to replace language and thoughts that block progress to constructive words and beliefs opening you up to your capabilities. Recognize your ability to overcome battles and charge through obstacles. Stop having dreams and pursue goals. Take control of your life to live it for you and not by the expectations of others. Know your worth. Luv yourself. Luv others. Ultimately bring to surface the power, inner strength, and courage you have to be your authentic self. Contact us for more information.
Perception
How do your perceptions affect your life? Don't worry this isn’t about looking at your perceptions as being right or wrong. I get it, once we grasp our own understanding of how life works, we customarily hold onto our viewpoints and defend them when we feel someone is trying to have us see through a lens we aren’t accustomed to or have no desire to look through.
Definition: The recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli based chiefly off memory; a single unified awareness derived from sensory processes while a stimulus is present; the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses; a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression; the neurophysiological processes, including memory, by which an organism becomes aware of and interprets external stimuli...
How do your perceptions affect your life? Don't worry this isn’t about looking at your perceptions as being right or wrong. I get it, once we grasp our own understanding of how life works, we customarily hold onto our viewpoints and defend them when we feel someone is trying to have us see through a lens we aren’t accustomed to or have no desire to look through. We feel they are trying to shred the fabric that makes up our being in order to change us or tell us we’re wrong. Don't get caught up on right or wrong, just acknowledge how your views impact you and your relationship with others.
We treat ourselves and others congruent to how we view ourselves and others. For instance, if you see someone as a kind and loving person, then you may in return treat them with kindness. That is, if you like compassionate people. What about how you treat yourself? Are you living how you want to be living right now? If so, it's because you see yourself as capable of living the life you want. If you see yourself as intelligent, skilled, business savvy, and innovative then you'll have enough confidence to start that business you have been thinking of, or apply for that position in the career field of your choice. If you see yourself as attractive, then you'll have the confidence to ask that person you're interested in on a date. If you see yourself as strong, you know you have that drive to push through and overcome challenges life throws at you. If you see yourself as an adventurous traveler, you explore.
Our actions are governed by our thoughts stemmed from our perceptions. When we take a moment to be more aware of how we perceive ourselves, others, and events, we can identify the beneficial and/or destructive impact our interpretations are having in our lives and at that point decide if we want or need to do something about it. If you want to get that job, get that promotion, have better friends, if there is anything you want, pay attention to how you see yourself and what you're telling yourself. That is the driving force that can take you where you want to go or keep you on the same road you keep telling yourself is right for you.
Knowledge is vital, accountability and action is power.
We project what is within, which is why Luv Mrk offers Impacting Perceptions, a transformative workshop consisting of brain teaser exercises, illusions, videos and activities used to explore our personal views and how these interpretations affect self and relationships with others. Discover how outside influences from our experiences and environment to the media shapes our perceptions which in turn inspire our choices and actions. When we identify the beneficial and/or destructive impact our beliefs have on our lives we can then consciously choose to evolve our approach to the way we treat ourselves and those around us in order to cultivate the peace and Luv we seek in the world.