Have been having this conversation a lot lately.  I was brought up to believe there is no difference.  We are of the Earth and Stewards of the Earth.  To be unconcerned for the environment that we live in and live with is to dishonor the life that runs through all of us. 

Just last month Omega broke ground for it's Center for Sustainable Living.  The Center itself will have zero carbon impact and will provide our community and schools with the opportunity to watch a living waste water treatment center offer new life without stripping the environment.  I just feel really proud to be able to watch it unfold since it reflects things that are important to me.  It is nice to see the spiritual commitment to growth be reflected in the physical attention to the care of our Earth.

Pure and Simple Ego displaces peace.  I cannot find an example of when that is not the case.  When we seek outside ourselves to define who we are or what we're valued at.... we disturb the peace.  When we invite in fear.... we are no longer at peace. 

I wrote this for my book, and it is too fitting to replicate, so I will simply quote myself.  LOL

"I believe that peace is best held in the absence of fear. Not as a focused presence, but rather the necessary spaces in between things. Much like an indescribably beautiful symphony can only be held in rapture through the use of silence. The notes would have no impact if the silence between the notes didn't punctuate the possibilities. I do not believe that peace is the note. I believe it is the silence that allows the notes to be impactful. To be moving. And sacred. Peace is best held in the absence of the wretched noise of fear that disturbs our being. And if peace, is in fact, held through the absence of fear... it cannot be found. It cannot be conjured. Peace simply takes form when we boldly lay our fears to rest."

C) 2006 Jillianne Simpson