Peace Begins Within: A Path to Global Harmony

By Dr. Grace Selover

Our current environment is characterized by rapid technological advancement, extensive cultural diversity, and an overwhelming abundance of information. These developments, however, coexist with significant ethical challenges and persistent conflicts, from interpersonal disputes within families to large-scale global crises, such as the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has claimed countless lives. Amid these complexities, questions arise: Where does peace reside? How can society foster peace, and how can individuals cultivate a peaceful state of mind in daily life? More practically, can hope for a harmonious and prosperous future be sustained at the personal, family, and national levels?

Despite the remarkable benefits of technological progress, including unprecedented access to knowledge and global connectivity, our world remains fraught with discord and instability. In times of turmoil, there is a common tendency to externalize responsibility for conflict by blaming others. This phenomenon is evident across various domains of society. However, adopting a stance of personal accountability can be considered as an essential step toward resolution.

Peace, therefore, must begin with the individual. While one cannot transform the entire world, cultivating personal peace can profoundly influence interactions with others. This principle underlines the transformative potential inherent in self-reflection and intentional action. By fostering inner tranquility, individuals contribute to the creation of a more harmonious environment, thus demonstrating that each person possesses the capacity to achieve meaningful change.

Even if the world were perfectly harmonious, an individual lacking inner peace would remain disconnected from that environment. Thus, the journey toward peace begins within. Envisioning a world steeped in peace may evoke images of community—kindness, reduced societal divisions, and greater ease in daily life. Yet these ideals are only achievable through collective efforts grounded in individual transformation.

Throughout history, notable peacemakers have emphasized the importance of inner cultivation as a foundation

for global harmony. Mother Teresa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi have inspired countless individuals to pursue peace through deliberate acts of compassion, justice, and commitment to shared well-being. Similarly, Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon have mobilized peace movements spanning continents, promoting unity and the ideal of a "world as one family under God." Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, praised as the "Mother of Peace," has dedicated her life to fostering interfaith dialogue, cultural integration, and a global environment of harmony. These leaders demonstrate that the pursuit of peace is both a spiritual journey and a practical endeavor, requiring sustained effort and moral courage.

At an individual level, cultivating values such as love, compassion, justice, spirituality, and forgiveness is essential for achieving inner peace. Among these, love is particularly transformative. It encompasses not only affection for neighbors but also the capacity to extend compassion to adversaries, thereby overcoming the pain inflicted by others. As articulated in 1 Corinthians 13:7, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Such love empowers individuals to release grudges, let go of resentment, and embrace reconciliation, thereby fostering both personal and communal harmony.

In a world rife with suffering, division, and strife, the need for love, forgiveness, and mutual understanding is more urgent than ever. By prioritizing self-improvement and embodying the principle that "peace begins with me," individuals can initiate meaningful change. A collective commitment to this ideal can pave the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Dr. Grace Selover grew up in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States to pursue her academic and spiritual journey. She earned her master’s degree at the Unification Theological Seminary in New York and later obtained her doctoral degree from SunHak Universal Peace Graduate University in Korea, where she completed a dissertation relating to “Emerging Women’s Pastoral Leadership.” Her scholarly work reflects a deep commitment to understanding and advancing the role of women in ministry.

Her passion for women’s ministry is informed by her intrinsic maternal empathy and her Pentecostal background, which underscores the vital role of spiritual nurturing, cultivation of maternal strength, and dedication to service for the common good. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is a devoted wife, mother of two adult sons, and proud grandmother of two.

Currently, Dr. Grace Selover serves as the Executive Secretary of the Professors World Peace Association International, where she supports the Peace Starts With Me initiative.