VoPP would like to welcome Brynneth as our Featured Pagan Pacifist for Samhain! Brynneth is a Druid and folk enthusiast, as well as an author of fantasy fiction, erotica, and graphic novels. She co-owns the Pagan writers’ blog The Pagan and The Pen, where she writes daily for her column, “Brynneth’s Druid Life.”
VoPP: What is your philosophy of peacemaking? Are there principles that you hold to, or that you think should be universally upheld?
Brynneth: I feel that making peace is a choice that we make in every word and deed. It’s a conscious way of being, moment to moment. I think in terms of being at peace with myself, and with the world around me, and when there is conflict, I try and work towards harmonious solutions. Peace goes hand in hand with honour and justice — and cannot exist without them. Respect and patience are the foundations of peace in ordinary life.
VoPP: How long have you held these beliefs? Was there a particular incident or event that set you on this path?
Brynneth: My philosophy evolves all the time, as I learn from others, ponder and test my ideas in actual life. I can’t point at any pivotal moments. I feel increasingly that it’s better to view life as a process, not as big events. So much of the important stuff happens in little shifts and is played out in small details. I have become increasingly dedicated to peace as a cause, and a way of life, and my experiences of conflict have pushed me further in this direction.
VoPP: How tightly are your religious beliefs interwoven with your beliefs about peace? How are they related?
Brynneth: My spirituality and my attitude to peace are one and the same, there is no separating them out. I respect life, I see all life as sacred, and in that context all violence becomes abhorrent. I recognise that there will be conflicts between people, but working towards peaceful resolution is an expression of my spirituality.
VoPP: In what ways do your beliefs about peace inform or inspire your activities and habits? How do you express your philosophy?
Brynneth: When life is quiet and easy, being peaceful doesn’t take much effort. What is hard, is trying to find peaceful responses to aggressive and threatening situations. I would never advocate a ‘turn the other cheek’ approach that leaves people open to being abused, but to meet rage with calm, to speak quietly to someone who shouts at you, to try and understand the perspective of someone who angers you… these things are difficult. To be peaceful does not mean tolerating wrongs or being passive in the face of danger, but it does call for finding the least harmful way through. By speaking gently when there is rage, it’s possible to reduce escalation, to soothe situations and enable rational discourse. But as a feeling human being, to do so when angry and frightened is very difficult. To be strong, and firm, without attacking… it’s an aspiration inspiring me on a daily basis, and I’m always looking to see where I can do better.
VoPP: Have your peacemaking philosophy or activities caused social friction or difficulty with family, friends, or authorities? If so, how have you navigated these difficulties? If not, how have you avoided them?
Brynneth: I’ve been accused of being patronising for speaking calmly to someone who was shouting at me, but that’s about it. I think people who are angry can find others being calm very threatening. But for the greater part, trying to be peaceful does actually get the right responses, and the vast majority of people respond peacefully in turn and become more co-operative. There are people who are so full of rage and pain, or who get a kick out of making others lose control, so that anything peaceable just winds them up further. But they are the exception. Most people, if given them a little time, become calmer and more co-operative once they realise they are being heard, and not being attacked. It’s so important to listen to others, to show respect — and the vast majority of people when given that, become a lot less aggressive themselves.
VoPP: For those who wish to work for peace and encourage the growth of peace in the world, do you have any words of advice?
Brynneth: Peace isn’t something you can force on people. You can’t make anyone live peacefully. Any move that tries to force peace, undermines it. This has to be about individual choice and action, because true peace depends on people actively engaging with it. Forced peace is tyranny wearing a pretty mask. So I feel that however we work for peace, whatever sphere we move in, we need not only to speak of it, and why it matters, but also to demonstrate it in every speech, every action. We have show those around us why being peaceful works. It’s not a weak choice, it doesn’t leave you powerless and ripe for abuse. Nor is peace about stagnation and inactivity. It’s not the dull option. Anyone can contribute to this process, and draw others in. We are not going to achieve peace by shouting but we can inspire and inform creating a culture shift.
For more thoughts from Brynneth, check out her article “Peace in Ritual and Daily Life“.
