FACING THE BATTLEFIELD

     I'm a pacifist from way back. I don't like combat or confrontation. I believe in the powers of communication and compramise to resolve most issues. But that approach pre-supposes a desire for peace on both sides of the argument, and that is not always the case. Some people feed on conflict and warfare and live to push their weight around just to see how far they can push it. And there's no question that bullies have to be stopped.
     So how do we negotiate our world when we are attacked and when all attempts at reasonable resolution are rejected? I suppose we have to assess each situation and measure the relative costs. There is a cost for action and a cost for doing nothing. We must find the path that most honors our values and our truth, but above all, we must not thrust forward into battle without consideration. We must engage with great care so as to keep our integrity intact. We cannot be explosive and reactive and expect to walk away feeling good. We have to know what we are about, and assert our position with firm clarity and grace. If we stoop to recklessness and vengence we lose before we have begun. Nobility is more about maintaining boundaries than sacking the innocent masses.
     In our hearts we know what's right, and what's right action, and the difference between being assertive and being belligerent. Doing the one thing we sleep well at night, and doing the other we lay awake fretting and trying to justify our misdeeds.

I don't automatically lash back when I am attacked. I take a considered approach and evaluate the costs. When I choose to move forward, it is with assurance and a great state of calm.