01/24/2026
"SOFTER THAN A FLOWER WHEN IT COMES TO KINDNESS; STRONGER THAN THE THUNDER WHEN IT COMES TO PRINCIPLES."
I've thought a lot about this Paramahansa Yogananda's quote. We've been hearing a lot about the words peace, loving kindness, grasping, compassion and Unity especially with the Walk of Peace the Buddhist monks have been taking which seems to be capturing the attention of many. The question is how do we lay the foundation for developing it in our lives. I would offer it is our Principles. The definition for a principle is a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning. This can be on a collective and personal level. When our principles are not rooted in wisdom and in peace, they can become a source of conflict, anger and even hatred. "STRONGER THAN THE THUNDER WHEN IT COMES TO PRINCIPLES" can be so misunderstood when the roots of our principles are not based on higher values. And we have all been guilty of thinking that in order to create peace and stand up for our principles and ideologies we must use our voice and actions in anger. We have arguments with those who disagree with our principles. We yell, get aggressive, we insult because our ideologies translate into ego-driven principles and opinions. With social media it is even more intense. I have been guilty of this same thinking misunderstanding that being "stronger than thunder when it came to my principles" meant I had to stand up voicing my opinions loudly. I never stopped to consider where these principles were stemming from. I misinterpreted the words. This does not bring about change or peace. It's grasping onto a principle or ideology that we believe everyone should adopt. It stems from ego rather than wisdom or kindness. Ghandi once said: "BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD." The principles of a peaceful life are those of respect and kindness for they are what become the foundation of our actions, words and thoughts. I believe that what Yogananda was saying is stronger than thunder when our principles are rooted in kindness and peace and to stand up for higher virtues rather than ego-driven ideologies. At some point in our lives, either a person or an event comes into our lives that helps us to recognize ourselves and examine what it is we are truly spreading, how we are contributing to being the change in the world or to peace. This Walk of Peace is one of those moments giving us an opportunity to stop, examine the foundation of our principles and how we are living them. And currently, we have two opposite ends of the country expressing opposite understandings of principles and how to stand for them. So here is your opportunity to ask yourself, do I have peace in my life based on my values and principles, or am I antagonized and fighting people? Is the foundation of my principles based on higher virtues of peace and kindness within myself? What personal principles am I grasping on to that is causing unrest, anxiousness? Be still; be mindful; examine how it is you wish to contribute to peace. We've just entered the season of Aquarius which is about humanity, visions, hope and progress. Perfect timing! Peace unto us all; peace unto our country; peace unto the world.
