On “How to be a Peacemaker,” asked on FB

Even writing about all the peacemaking interventions possible would take several lifetimes. I also suspect that far more work toward world peace is accomplished by cab drivers, musicians, bricklayers, medical providers, hospice workers, factory workers, you name it, than professional "world changers." That's because leaders can't lead unless others follow, and the followers do most of the work that the leader talks about doing. Big name prominent leaders are wholly dependent on the discernment of every day people, particularly those who others look to for counsel. In other words those individuals who are part of small groups - families, co-workers, local organizations, etc.

How common is it that people look to prominent and/or charismatic leaders and say to themselves, "Sure, I can emulate that person's behavior?" The sphere of influence of "great leaders" is therefore diluted by other folk's limited ability to relate to them. The person next to you is sure to have a far greater influence on your attitude, level of compassion, and desire to be a peace maker.

Considering "the butterfly effect," something to the effect that the beating of a butterfly's wings can provide sufficient air movement, however insignificant in itself, to trigger a cascade of atmospheric reactions that eventually produce a cyclone in a distant part of the planet.

Every act of kindness, loving gesture or example is pretty sure to have at least equal and likely far greater influence on the planet than the precious and delicate butterfly.

It's possible to say there's no way of knowing which act of kindness will change the course of human history for the better. You can be dead broke and do it anyway. Yet I think it's more of a cumulative thing. In that case, all acts of kindness depend on all others, in order to bring about this wonderful change. I remember when many lives were affected, apparently in a very positive way by an organizational vote, which was decided by a single vote. So, slightly more than half the people felt personally responsible for this momentous decision. In any moment, we are able to "vote" through expression of our most honorable intentions. This may manifest in some cases through taking out the trash without being asked, or by conspicuous heroism. Who's to say which is more heroic, a single brave act, or a lifetime commitment to doing the right thing, or doing mundane chores cheerfully?

Is it possible that the most effective peacemaker is one who is at peace with self, also with their current circumstances, and shares the best of themselves always? In the moment mindfulness has a lot to do with it. Always be aware of opportunities to share positive energy, whether remembering to use your turn signal, clean an elderly person's toilet, participate in political movements, being someone's source of comfort, or as mentioned at the start of this, there are more opportunities to share the good stuff than can be written about in several lifetimes.