Choose Peace

Occasionally I like to rework a painting when I feel it did not quite convey the message that inspired it.

This is one of those paintings. My intent was to illustrate the message to not fear what at times, appears as “darkness” but to realize, as I am trying to understand, that the darkness is only the truth that has yet to be brought to light.
I reflect upon each time I have chosen peace over conflict, or peace instead of an immediate reaction.  Ultimately the moment always passes, and I am glad that I did not react and escalate the drama, or the misunderstanding and lack of the whole truth in the moment, and remained true to myself. This saves me from later regret and embarrassment.

Two quotes are among the inspirations for this painting.

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” ~ The Dalai Lama
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
— Peace Out