Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of achieving “peace through strength.” |
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“Speak softly and carry a big stick.” An approach to international relations made famous by Teddy Roosevelt. Few would disagree with the wisdom of the advice. Yet, while we typically think of this principle in relation to foreign affairs, the truth is that it is a useful approach to apply in our own personal lives. In other words, if we can develop a rock-solid inner strength and faith, we can, in fact, enjoy peace even in the most challenging and difficult of situations.
Back in the early 1980s, President Reagan introduced a doctrine into American foreign policy that would help bring about the end of the Cold War known as “Peace through Strength.” The idea being that the more we invested in presenting a strong, unified front against the threat posed by communism and the Soviet Union, the more likely it was that we could guarantee peace between the two major powers. With the events of the past week, this doctrine seems all too relevant once again.
In times of crisis or uncertainty, it can be disheartening to have to repeatedly muster up the energy to find a sense of peace or balance. Over the last few years, each and every one of us has in some way, shape, or form had to find ways to not only cope, but persevere, through what seems to be a never-ending series of life-changing events. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself how it’s possible to find a continued sense of purpose, or even a sense of stability when surrounded by so many unknowns. Oddly enough, this idea of “Peace through Strength” put forward by President Reagan as an element of his foreign policy features some lessons that can be applied to our own personal lives when looking for peace.
In moments of uncertainty we sometimes feel we lack control over our own narrative. What do I mean by this? It means that the picture we’ve painted of our own lives doesn’t fit within the scope of events that exist outside of our control. This can understandably cause panic, fear, or insecurity. We may make rash decisions or project our fear onto others, often creating more unpredictability. But instead of trying to escape or fight from what we can’t control, we can choose instead to take action and invest in what we can control.
Dr. Rich Hanson is a psychologist and neuroscience expert who has written extensively on the subject of how we as individuals achieve peace during a crisis. He notes that by investing in ourselves regularly by practicing mindfulness, compassion, and gratitude, we can become more resilient in times of difficulty. By taking up practices like meditation or exercise, we focus our mind and create mental fortitude. By practicing kindness, we not only accept others for who they are, we find internal peace by accepting ourselves. And by practicing gratitude, we find calm through the acknowledgment that what we have right in front of us is enough. The end result being that we’re simply fortifying parts of ourselves that already exist, and which allow us to evolve into stronger individuals, physically, mentally, or both. In doing so, we are able to discover our own sense of peace through our own personal strength and faith.
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Rebirth of the Old Newport Mill |
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Greater Meredith Program – Sunshine Initiative Goes on the Road |
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Positive Profile of the Week: Governor John H Sununu |
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This week we are delighted to profile a great leader who is arguably New Hampshire’s most prominent citizen, a great friend, former Governor John H. Sununu.
Without a doubt, no one exemplifies New Hampshire’s unique sense of civic responsibility and political participation more than Governor John H Sununu. The son of an immigrant mother, Governor Sununu would rise to prominence out of Salem, New Hampshire eventually being elected to the ‘Corner Office’ three consecutive times before being named President H.W. Bush’s Chief of Staff. His accomplishments were truly significant. He led our Granite State, initially at a time when we were struggling through a recession, and by the time, he left office six years later, New Hampshire had emerged as the economic leader in the northeastern United States on multiple dimensions. In so doing, he showed courage, determination and an intellect second to none.
In 1988, his influence was also on display on the national stage. As the Republican Presidential Primary was unfolding – and essentially coming down to a ‘head to head’ contest between George Bush and Bob Dole – Governor Sununu entered the fray on the side of the Bush team. Senator Dole had just won the caucuses in Iowa and as the campaign moved on to New Hampshire, it appeared that a Dole victory in the Granite State, would give Dole the critical boost of momentum to carry him on to the nomination. However, this was not to be. Governor Sununu – knowing that New Hampshire Republicans steadfastly oppose higher taxes, successfully helped position Bush as the anti-tax candidate and Dole as a supporter of tax increases. As a result, Bush, of course, went on to win the Presidency, and the rest is history, as they say. All made possible by the sage advice and leadership of Governor Sununu.
Meanwhile, he has also created a legacy and lasting impact on how New Hampshire politics are conducted. In fact, one of Governor Sununu’s most famous political expression to his own Party is “talk, talk, talk.” In the New England sense of the term, this means do not be afraid to voice your opinion. Talk to your neighbors, talk to the people you work with and try to spread the word about what is happening, who you are supporting and why – and most important, advise them on what they should do and who to vote for. This sort of constant political engagement is what has earned politics the title of “New Hampshire’s Unofficial Sport.” And anyone who has met the good Governor knows that he is not shy about expressing himself and does so quite convincingly and with great conviction.
We are indeed blessed to have Governor John H. Sununu as a leader in our Granite State and are thankful for his many important contributions.
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“Nothing external to you has any power over you.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
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