Episode 129 - Peacebuilding with Patrick Mason
In a world often divided by conflict, how can we cultivate peace in our daily lives? Dr. Patrick Mason, professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University, shares profound insights on peace building that start not with grand global gestures, but with the quiet work of inner transformation.
Understanding True Peace
"Peace isn't about the absence of conflict," Dr. Mason explains. "It's about learning to engage with differences constructively." As chair of the Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture and a teacher at Utah State's Peace Institute, Mason brings both academic expertise and practical wisdom to this vital topic.
Rather than viewing peace as eliminating all tension, Mason suggests embracing the natural diversity in our world. "God introduced diversity and difference into the world because it's beautiful," he notes. "If everything was the same color, if everybody spoke the same language, the world would be boring."
The Foundation: Inner Peace
Drawing from Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings, Mason emphasizes that peace building must begin within. "If we want to share peace, we have to cultivate peace in ourselves first," he shares. This internal work isn't about achieving perfection before engaging with others, but rather developing what Mason calls "that still deep water inside of us" that enables sustained peace building efforts.
Practical Peace Building in Daily Life
Mason offers several key insights for cultivating peace:
Start Where You Are: The most important peace building often happens in our immediate relationships - with spouses, children, colleagues, and neighbors.
Transform Rather Than Resolve: Instead of trying to eliminate all conflicts, focus on transforming them into constructive engagement.
See the Person, Not the Problem: When conflicts arise, remember to view others as complex human beings rather than obstacles or enemies.
Practice Patience: As Mason notes, "It usually takes at least as long to transform a conflict as you've been in the conflict."
Real-Life Application
Mason shares a touching example from his own family life, describing a recent conflict with his eight-year-old daughter over attending a sibling's piano recital. By stepping back, breathing, and seeing his daughter's need for independence rather than just focusing on the immediate conflict, he was able to transform the situation completely.
A New Perspective on Peace Building
For those who might feel that peace building is something that happens on a global stage, Mason offers this perspective: "God loves my eight-year-old child as much as he loves the person in Ukraine who's suffering... My relationships with my family are just as important, maybe even more so because that's who God has put immediately into my sphere."
Key Takeaways for Daily Peace Building:
Focus on inner work before trying to change others
Approach conflicts with curiosity rather than judgment
Remember that meaningful change takes time
Value the everyday opportunities for peace building
See relationships as sacred, even in their mundane moments
The Path Forward
As we navigate an increasingly complex world, Mason's insights remind us that peace building isn't just for international diplomats or global leaders. It's a daily practice that begins with our own hearts and extends to our closest relationships.
Whether you're dealing with family tensions, workplace conflicts, or community divisions, remember that true peace building starts with the internal work of seeing others' humanity and approaching differences with an open heart and patient spirit.
Learn more about some of Dr. Mason's books:
Proclaim Peace by Patrick Q. Mason (Author), J. David Pulsipher (Author)
Restoration: God's Call to the 21st-Century World by Patrick Q Mason (Author)
Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt by Patrick Q Mason
Mentioned in the podcast:
Season of Light: 12 Days of Relationship Renewal
Keywords: peace building, conflict resolution, inner peace, relationship building, family relationships, conflict transformation, Dr. Patrick Mason, peace studies, personal growth, spiritual development
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