Our daughter for now only knows that she’s a perfect mix of mommy and daddy. She’s an artist, so we talk of skin color as we do mixing paint. We do our best to teach her about both of our cultures. She’s been to Nigeria twice so far. She’s got friends of all races. She’s enrolled in an African summer camp. And she’s going to a Waldorf Kindergarten next year. She will grow up and simply be seen in the world as black. I want her to grow up in a world where she’s celebrated for her skin color, not discriminated against.

Those of you who’ve known me for a while know that I have been deeply moved by my many experiences in South Africa. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is one of the most incredible things in the world. A model I would love for us to adapt here in the US. In short, it’s where families of victims and the people who murdered them come together in one room and the murderers apologize to the families. And the families forgive them!

Forgiveness – so important.

So needed right now.

Forgive your parents, your grandparents, and your ancestors for the ways they may have mistreated others who were different from them.

Forgive your oppressors for the ways they contributed to your pain.

When you do some soul searching, you may find you are the one who needs forgiveness.

Forgive yourself for the ways in which you’ve been continuing a thread of racism or xenophobia which started before you were born.

It’s subtle, but perhaps it’s still there beneath the surface.

When you read this, understand it comes from a loving place. You might have a tendency to get defensive. But this is a time to look within.

And then decide how you want to show up in the world.

If you want to manifest peace, it starts within.

Love yourself.

And let the love spread out to those around you – to the people who you meet on the street, to your family members, friends, your local community, and to the world.

In understanding both perspectives, we can begin to heal. We are in this together. And if you haven’t been taking part in this discussion, please do. This is a great time of transformation and healing.

You get to be a part of the change.‬

There ARE things you can do now.

YES, we need to spread love and light and pray for peace.
Please, keep doing that. It’s necessary for all of our mindsets.

But that isn’t enough.
We must do more.
And it starts with you!

As much as I advocate staying in a positive headspace, we must ALSO take positive action.

ALL of us.

Think of that vision board you made but not much has happened yet that’s on it. It’s because setting a positive intention is only step 1 in the manifestation process.

If you’re outraged by the killing of innocent people (and I hope you are), and you want to help.. start with a few of these steps.

Have conversations about racism with your friends and family. It’s OKAY to talk about racism. It’s a good thing to get comfortable in being uncomfortable. That leads to change. Change is good.

Invite people of other races over to get to know their stories. The more you can get to know people who are different from you, the more you will see that we are all the same.

I am privileged to have been able to travel all around the world and to have spent time with people from many different continents and religions. I’ve been to people’s homes in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.. Those experiences have made me a better person.

We truly all want the same things: Freedom, love, and happiness.

What the world needs now is more love.

And more people working for change.

Be open to other people’s feelings and opinions. They are all valid. Everyone has a story and we are all coming from our own personal frame of reference.

See everyone as a spiritual being first.

See their spirit. You’ll recognize the universal love that flows between all of us.

You get to be on the right side of history.
You get to tell your children what you did to help.
You get to make new friends in the process.
You get to know yourself better.
You get to feel good about who you are and what you stand for.
You get to feel in alignment.
You get to feel empowered.
You get to help.

It starts with each of us.

How can you reach out to someone on the other side?
How can we learn to embrace our differences?

Seek out a diverse group of friends.
Invite them over for dinner.

If you’re in business and you’re hosting an event, conference, or workshop, seek out speakers from diverse backgrounds. Seek out participants from diverse backgrounds.

Volunteer for a local cause.
Write your politicians.
Be an advocate for change.

Connect with people from your local community.
Share stories about where you come from without judgement.
Everyone has a right for their story to be told.

It’s in sharing and understanding each other’s experiences that we begin to see that we are all one. We are all a part of the transformation happening on this planet right now.

The illusions that appear to be dividing us, can in fact, unite us. Those can be the very things that inspire action.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi.

As with anything, we’re way more effective when we do things together.

Think about your business…
Ever tried doing everything yourself?
How did that go?

We’re way more powerful when we join forces as one.

This is a great time of healing.
Use your gifts to inspire change.
Take action with love.

And let this be your new mantra:

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

Now I’d love to hear from you!

How can you be the change in the world? What random act of kindness, letter to a politician, local cause or organization can you take part in? How can you help shift in this new era of peace? Share in the comments below what you are doing. Your ideas will inspire others to make the commitment to peace.

Manifesting peace is possible.

Have a friend who could use this message?

Share it with them!

Manifesting peace? It’s possible, says @jenmazer, the Queen of Manifestation
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Here’s to manifesting a life that you love and peace around the world!