ShantiRasa.

Seems like you said it all. And really well, too. I read something written by a First Nations woman - she said that one of the roles of the feminine is to temper the masculine by adding the wisdom of the peaceful energy you talk so well about. I agree.

I like your question Alan. I don't know what to think about that. Off hand I would say, Yes, taking a more active stance would be counter. Certainly being active to the point of screaming and shouting would be counter. But the stillness could have overtones (or undertones) of the old feminine error of "you should know what I want - I shouldn't have to tell you."

Don't know. Have to think about it.

Hi ShantiRasa, I appreciate your describing the importance of a feminine presence, and specific actions women can take toward that end.

Do you think women can or should take a less passive and more active stance? Would doing so be counter to the feminine benefits you describe?

It's interesting to contemplate how to reconcile the seeming paradox of actively bringing forth a more passive stance (and, to be sure, I don't mean passive in a derogatory way...I think our modern culture views passivity as generally negative, unless we're mindlessly consuming television ads, at which point being passive is a positive!)

Women have an essential role to offer in bringing about peace through negotiation - in the Middle East, or anywhere. Just having feminine energy present in the room/at the table will make a difference. At the very least, women can hold the space for peaceful conversation and negotiation - and more actively, women bring a heart and life-centered perspective to the process. What the feminine brings to the table that is not already there is: silence and stillness ... a capacity for deep listening, reflection ... a greater ease in seeking common ground, looking for the way to relate to the other, rather than separate from the other ... a trust in the hidden and unspoken guidance that waits to be revealed in every heart ... a preference to put embracing life and well being for all ahead of being right, in control, in power ...

If the women cannot yet get into the negotiating room, then they should gather in peaceful silence in the hall outside that room. If they cannot get into the hall, they should gather in peaceful silence in the lobby .. or on the steps outside the building ... or on the street outside where the negotiations are occurring ... the women should gather to support the peace process as close to it as they can get - and keep gathering and keep holding a highest intention for it in their gathering, until they are welcomed into the process. Not to gather and shout slogans, or make speeches ... gather in all the beautiful power of Feminine presence and stillness ... their energy will begin to make a difference ... change will be birthed from their collective offering of their attention and intention.

"The path to a peaceful humanity lies through the hearts of women. We must show the way."
- vesselsofpeace.com