We are not makers of history. We are made by history. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s important to understand where we come from in order to be more present in the moment and passionate about the future.

I am conflicted about the recent ‘win’ in America.

In practice, there is negotiation between the energies that make up conflictions within, a war or tug between the you that is gentle and the you that is forceful.

Whatever your opinion about the current history we are living, I suggest the idea of peaceful victory as our collective intention - softening into postures of strengh, engaging deeper into poses of repose and ultimately easing the mind with breath over frustration.

We can chose peaceful resolution everyday starting with the resolution within making conflicts outside ourselves easier to manage.

There are victories in each fall, failure, break in concentration or posture. We can find the growth in it. It is only when we get frustrated or unkind with the conflict whether it’s outside of us or within - in thoughts or in actions, that we are stunting our progress. So, as we journey through our practice, let’s search for peaceful victory in the commitment and dedication to our truth whether that means resting or giving it that extra effort we need to progress.

World within or the world at large, be in the moment, witness it peacefully and act accordingly.

“Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't murder hate. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. I have decided to stick to love. For I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems. - MLK Jr. Where Do We Go From Here

"The next message you need is right where you are." ~Ram Dass

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Victory without danger is a triumph without glory. Pierre Corneille

Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. George S. Patton

Every action we take, everything we do, is either a victory or defeat in the struggle to become what we want to be. Ninon de L'Enclos (Anne de Lenclos/Ninon)

Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory. Frederick William Faber

The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world." Lao-Tzu

The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give. Howard Cosell

People (Men) talk as if victory were something fortunate. Work is victory. Ralph Waldo Emerson

I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose! Woodrow T. Wilson

One may know how to gain a victory, and know not how to use it. Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival. Winston Churchill

If we stand firm, we shall not fail…Mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later, the victory is sure to come. Abraham Lincoln

Let’s not do it your way or my way; let’s do it the best way. Greg Anderson

There is no time left for anything but to make peace work a dimension of our every waking activity. Elise Boulding

Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom. Buddha

Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. William Ellery Channing

Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. Dwight D. Eisenhower

The god of Victory is said to be one-handed, but Peace gives victory to both sides. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love. Mohandas Gandhi

Forgiveness does not overlook the deed. It rises above it. Pumla Go bo do-Madik izela

A balance of interests…a search for compromise and concord and respect for equality…are the elements which can provide the groundwork for world progress…Mikhail Gorbachev

You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need. Mick Jagger & Keith Richards

We can work it out. Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend. John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Though we all have the fear and the seeds of anger within us, we must learn not to water those seeds and instead nourish our positive qualities – those of compassion, understanding, and loving kindness. Thich Nhat Hanh

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. Thomas Paine.

This is the way of peace: Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love. Peace Pilgrim

We must cultivate the science of human relationships - the ability of all peoples, of all kinds, to live together, in the same world at peace. Franklin D. Roosevelt

For love of domination we must substitute equality; for love of victory we must substitute justice; for brutality we must substitute intelligence; for competition we must substitute cooperation. We must learn to think of the human race as one family. Bertrand Russell

His resolve is not to seem the bravest, but to be. Aeschylus

Do not rejoice when your enemies fall and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble. Proverbs 24:17

Make me an instrument of peace, where there is hatred, let me sow love. Prayer of St. Francis

I will not play at tug o'war. I'd rather play at hug o'war, Where everyone hugs, Instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles, And rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, And everyone grins, And everyone cuddles, And everyone wins. Shel Silverstein

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,

Lady