To the Editor:
“Peace” and “happiness” are two powerful words that in today’s troubled world seem to be overlooked throughout our society. Over the years, there have been numerous inspirational quotes describing these two desirable words:
“Peace begins with a smile,” said Mother Teresa.
“Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding,” said Albert Einstein.
“Happiness is a choice, peace is a state of mind, both are free.”
So, why don’t we do a better job living them?
The World Health Report points to the rising negative feelings, particularly in the U.S., due to an epidemic of addictions, including technology, alcohol, food, work, drugs, gambling, exercise, shopping and sex. Conclusion: We don’t get happiness as a society gets richer because we chose the wrong things.
A Psychology Today article indicated you don’t find happiness, you create it; further, a simple way to increase one’s happiness is to en-gage in acts of kindness. It goes on to say that the key ingredients to national happiness is income, life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity.
The Mayo Clinic describes achieving inner peace and happiness by directing more time to family and friends, appreciating what you have, maintaining an optimistic outlook, and feeling a sense of purpose while living in the moment.
Personally, a basic element that contributes to my happiness stems from being married to my high school sweetheart these past 66 years.
How about you? Are you happy, experiencing an inner peace that brings happiness to you and those around you? No? Start now!
Earle Everett
Moss Creek
To the Editor:
When I write a letter to the editor, I never know if anyone finds any value in it, or if anyone really cares. I have been writing to newspapers for well over 10 years on a variety of subjects.
But there is one topic that is most important to me: Spirituality. It’s not usually talked about during everyday conversation. Yet without a clear understanding of the Laws that the Creator put into existence (like the Law of Sowing and Reaping that determines our fates), humanity scratches its head over the root causes for so much chaos, disharmony and destruction on earth today.
Our system of justice holds that “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” Should our Creator’s form of Justice be held to a lesser standard?
There are sources available for spiritual knowledge that provide an understanding of what the Creator expects of us. The Holy Bible is one of them – but not the only one. Jesus also promised a Counselor/Comforter who “will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
It was my good fortune to come across a book that gave me a clear understanding of this Counselor (i.e., the Spirit of Truth). I mentioned the name of this book in a letter that I wrote in the past and, for the last time, will I mention it here once again: “In the Light of Truth – The Grail Message” (grailmessage.com).
Gene Ceccarelli
Bluffton
