I can't give you peace.

No one can. Not Buddha. Not Mohammed. Not even Jesus.

Their godliness may have made them deserving vessels into which we deposited our faith and belief in something more than the struggle of the moment, from which we can draw hope, strength and direction through life's storms.

But they could not wave a magic wand and have peace suddenly spread across the land or fill the hearts and minds of men (or women).

Today I hope you will allow me to share some thoughts on a topic that is quite elusive to many of us – peace. I am not referring to the peace of nations, though the cloud of international strife hangs over our world, threatening to grow darker with each passing moment. No, the peace of which I speak is that which pervades us all, if we will but call upon it to come into our lives.

Peace. Pax. Pas. By so many names it is known around the world. Yet so few of us truly know peace. Yes, we have periods without personal conflict, but truly, is that peace? Do those times mean we are at peace within ourselves? Or are those moments we think of as peace just temporary lulls in the storms of the outer world?

Thomas Jefferson was a guy who also talked about individual self-determination as the key to creating a better world.

He espoused the idea all men were endowed by God with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Too bad he left slaves off that list. He didn't say much about women, either. I guess he wanted to leave some work for the rest of us.

“To have love and peace in your heart is a good thing but it is a far better thing to share them with someone else. Thank you.”

- Abram

I AM deeply touched by the un-
speakable nature of your work.
It's the realm of mystics and poets,
painters and Blake, Saint-Germain, and
Saint-Marie too, for that matter.

I am listening to Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door', as my mind is drawn to the brave people in Iran who are struggling for their freedom, and who must feel Heaven's Door very close at hand.

“When you are looking at the abilities you have, always celebrate yourself for having those abilities.

Never discount yourself. Always raise yourself up into being a celebration every day. And with that, celebrate every day.

Thank you.”

(c) Copyright 2008, 2009 Tom Massari. All Rights Reserved.

Occasionally an issue or topic will stir some emotion or passion. I've realized that just writing a few lines can help integrate the energy and settle uneasiness. So, I will avail myself of the opportunity to express some thoughts from time to time, seeking primarily my own sense of ease.

"I understand that these cuts are very painful and they affect real lives. This is the harsh reality and the reality that we face. Sacramento is not Washington -- we cannot print our own money. We can only spend what we have."

- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger quoted in Time, May 22, 2009

Christmas comes early, Governor. You can print your own money. Fiscally solvent North Dakota is doing it...and so can California. Now!