The Human Spirit: A Reflection on Peace, Empathy, and Hope

On Instagram, I see tattooed prisoners at The Center for Confinement of Terrorist (CECOT) in El Salvador. Young men in the prime of their lives, dead ended in a harsh prison where there is no hope of escape, no future. Men born into poverty and a world of violence. Then, the next post flips to a stark contrast, middle class people in suburban America stealing packages off the front porch, then becoming indignant when the package blows up spraying paint on them. Both groups are either committing or accused of committing criminal acts.

In New York City, I was robbed and attacked twice, not a fun feeling. Now, with over eight billion people on this planet, it becomes a challenge to live peacefully. I don’t like watching the news, when I see the inhumanity humans inflict on each other, the natural disasters that devastate people’s lives, it’s sad. But is there a limit to generosity? I often wish I were a millionaire so I could relieve people’s suffering. I’m hoping my lottery tickets will pay out some day. I don’t need a fancy car, just another pair of walking shoes.

Generosity is not measured by quantity, but by sincerity. A shared meal, a kind gesture, or time spent with someone in need is an honorable act of humanity. Compassion toward the helpless is the purest form of strength. I was walking down a hill the other day and I woman was pushing a heavy-set man in a wheelchair, up the hill. I offered to help push; she declined with a smile and a sweaty brow. However, humanity begins when we recognize the shared essence in everyone. Humanity demands courage and to go beyond yourself and to put yourself out there. What’s to lose? After all, we all have about 28,000 days to live, if we’re lucky. Each day is an opportunity to add light to the world. Add your flame. Add your light. We all are on the path of life.

When I see all the tattooed-up prisoners at CECOT, they look calm. Yet, beneath that thin veneer, violence lurks. Violence is often the outburst of fear, insecurity or ignorance disguised as power. Violence always promises quick results but delivers lasting wounds. Violence and hatred shatters trust, divides families and scars generations. Peace, is slower and quieter, but heals. It rebuilds what anger has broken. It restores faith in humanity. When I was a Federal Investigator I strove for peace, but peace demands the courage to confront wrongs through dialogue, fairness and wisdom. Peace and compromise can never be settled with the barrel of a gun aimed at you. It is the higher path that seeks solutions without hatred, intimidation or force. Then in the Marine Corps, I learned that there is always that 10% of the population that will mess up your day (mess is my word).

When guided by conscience, peace is not weakness … it’s moral power in its purest form. Peace is not distant. It begins now, wherever you are, in every act of patience, kindness, and forgiveness. I truly believe that when enough hearts choose peace over violence, the world itself will begin to heal. Is it possible? Well, there is a ripple effect at work. Each conversation, each reaction, each decision is an opportunity to turn away from harm and toward harmony. It’s a learning process or unlearning of old thinking habits. I noticed that families rooted in understanding flourish; individuals guided by inner calm bring light wherever they go. My dad was a quiet, cool guy. I saw him angry once: when I broke the car window of his friend’s new car. Whoops. The Human Spirit

If humans can choose peace over violence, the ripple effect could be universal. I believe there is more goodness than hate. Peace leaves footprints in the soul of humanity. A calm mind and a compassionate heart are not easily maintained in a troubled world. But peace begins with self-control: the ability to recognize anger before it turns into aggression and to choose understanding over retaliation. Dispute your negative thoughts. Ask for feedback. Think 180-degrees differently, aka Rational Emotive Therapy.

The moment we see another person’s humanity; violence loses its hold. The neighbor, the stranger, the rival, all share the same longing to be safe, respected and loved. From empathy, peace grows. To live peacefully requires inner discipline. Fear cannot coexist with understanding. The moment we see another person’s humanity; violence loses its hold. The neighbor, the stranger, the rival, all share the same longing to be safe, respected and loved. From empathy, peace grows. Well, maybe not for the person stealing your Amazon box from your porch. Live today. Not in sorrow. Be grateful for what you have and what you had. Life, like the planet, is constantly moving and shifting. Move with it. Flow with it. Release yourself from pain, regret, anger and frustration. All humans experience what you are experiencing. When is it time to let all that baggage go? Free yourself!

About the Author:

Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email (InstantInsights@hotmail.com). Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.

 You can Follow Us: YouTube        Facebook          LinkedIn