Can World Peace Ever Be Achievable?

Many countries today form goals to have World Peace by a certain date or period in time. But is this really realistic? We can sense that it is extremely hard to attain complete peace with everyone meditating at their homes and leading austere lifestyles. This requires every single individual to maintain a peaceful mind and lifestyle. Which is nearly impossible.

Some factors that hinder us from reaching 100% peace are stated below :

1. Violence and Discrimination

Violence and discrimination is the result of emotions such as jealousy, hatred, and anger. Many feel the urge to hurt others due to lack of education and the environment that they are exposed to. In order to reach out to as many is through education. Education is the key to bringing values and helping those who lack a supportive environment. Topics such as bullying, depression, hatred, violence, and discrimination should be topics that should be discussed at school.

2. Poverty

Poverty is an issue that many are concerned about around the world. There has been a lot of talk considering zero poverty by 2020. Which has not happened, but it has improved due to the initiatives made by countries. As stated earlier, the United Nations (UN) has directed its attention towards Africa and Southeastern countries in Asia. Many organizations have persistently fundraised and there has been improvements. 42% of population in Sub-Saharan Africa still lies in poverty, so countries are making aggressive approaches to make a significant change by 2030.

3. War

Many leaders have tried to avoid war, but it can never be completely impossible to not have war due to conflict and the leader’s decisions. As said by Dr. Lickerman MD, war is not between the countries as a whole. It’s really between the leaders. Furthermore, not everyone in the country possesses the same viewpoints as their leader. Therefore, having a leader that represents everyone in the country is extremely difficult due to the vast amount of differences and ideas. Many countries are discussing ways and have found organizations to prevent war, such as the United Nations. This is one step toward bringing alliance between countries and supporting each other.

Since many organizations and foundations, involving the leaders discuss this issue, how can we, as citizens, promote world peace and contribute to this goal?

1. Meditate/Yoga

Before trying to spread peace outside, it is important to first find it within yourself. In our society today, it is very hard to find self love within due to social media and the internet. Some excellent ways in relaxing and developing this sense of love is through meditation and yoga. These activities are wonderful approaches in finding peace and appreciation for yourself. Even doing yoga every week or a day can truly make yourself calm and relaxed.

2. Smile!

This is one of the smallest things you can do to help promote love, happiness, and peace! It may seem insignificant, but a smile can really make someone feel happy and carry that spirit that you gifted them. Some may not care, but you never know who actually needs that gift.

3. Try to look at the bright side

Finding what you can learn and the bright side to things not only help you stay positive and strong, but also allows you to spend less time on worrying and stressing. Not only do you stay calm, but it creates a calm atmosphere around you. In fact, it can change your way of conducting things into a calmer and happier way!

4. When someone needs help or feels lost, provide some help.

A gesture to help someone with their groceries, or provide directions can provide satisfaction within and spread love. This is also another way educating others and letting others learn from your actions.

5. Reflect

Reflecting is a key point in self-evaluation and improving oneself. This habit allows us to sit down and learn from ourselves, mistakes, and experiences. It could be as simple as how someone opening the door for you made you feel. These thoughts and analyses of our thoughts helps us to relax, save time, and stay effective.

In a busy world today, we fail to recollect our thoughts, emotions, and actions. We sometimes forget to cherish the beauties of what we have rather than what we don’t have. We neglect people and things until they are gone. When we are so caught up with our day-to-day lives, we forget about our bodies and how we really are. If we can learn to prioritize ourselves and practice self love, kindness will connect us all.

To reiterate, world peace cannot be 100% achieved. There will always be a portion of people that produce hate and discrimination, but if a majority of people follow these practices, we can live in a more peaceful world.

Editors: The Eureka Journal Committee