Harmony

All the tragedy in the world,

in the individual and in the

multitude, comes from lack

of harmony.  And harmony

is best given by producing

harmony in one's own life.

HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN

So many scenarios come to mind when viewing the word harmony.  I can hear a Bartender Quartet in perfect harmony or a church choir.   I can view the harmony of hues in a painting or the sun setting in the sky.  While walking, there is a harmony communing with nature ... the birds, the trees, the flowers, and the wind.  Chicken and noodles, fresh baked bread, and pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting bring sensations of harmony as I breathe in my kitchen.  And let's not forget the taste of the perfect harmony of spices in the best chili ever!

Friendships have harmony as well although they may ebb and flow.  Most lessons are learned through relationships, so there must be challenges experienced within the harmony.  Communication, boundaries, respect and compatability all figure in while creating a balance for meeting the needs of all folks involved.  So then that would mean compromise, give and take, sharing, and speaking truth.  There seems to be a lot of opportunity for discord while maintaining harmony in relationship!

Perhaps we could best establish harmony in any individual relationship just as we find harmony in a sunset.  Maybe if we sat still and observed the other person, noticing the light shining from them, seeing the gracefulness in behavior, reserving judgment, and by being still and present, we could develop harmony. 

It is best to develop harmony within our self, so we can better see harmony in all that surrounds us.  When we carry peace and calm within us, we actually bring it out into the world for others to experience.  If we could all establish a personal balance with peace and calm, communities could come together and begin to harmonize.