Q: What does peace mean to you as an individual, within your family, and in your community? A: Peace is the absence of conflict, both inner and outer. When we can foster inner peace in our own lives, it helps us to be more compassionate to others.
Q: How do you practice peace in your daily life? A: I practice peace through meditation, yoga, reading and discussion. I try to be conscious of how negative emotions and actions can affect others. When in turmoil it is best to settle ourselves before interacting with those around us.
Q: What is your favorite peace quote? A: “We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” –Maria Montessori
Q: Why is peace an important part of your life? A: Peace is important to strive for because it won’t just happen otherwise. When we make it a priority in our lives, it can have the same accumulative effect on our mental and emotional well-being as physical exercise can have on our health. If we ignore this aspect of life, it becomes difficult to allow events to happen without becoming annoyed or angry. This in turn makes our relationships with others suffer as well.
Q: What advice can you give to those that are seeking peace? A: Try to do something every day to foster peace, whether that means reading someone’s views on how to obtain peace, meditating, or engaging in other activities that bring peace to you. Practice gratitude. Acknowledging things in our lives that bring us joy will increase those things in our lives. Also, being physically healthy makes this whole process easier. It’s hard to be happy when you’re not feeling well.
Q: How did you get the nickname “Mr. Peace?” A: I’ve tried to make peace a focus of my teaching role. I lead my students in yoga and meditation and talk to them about the practical benefits of practicing inner peace.