Flags are flying at half-mast around the country for the 26 Sandy Hook Elementary School children and teachers who were killed by the gunman who also took his own life. People around the world are grieving for the families who have lost loved ones. The thought of someone killing innocent children is almost unbearable, and we can almost feel the universal outpouring of love rushing to that little town in Connecticut. Empathy and love grow out of events such as this which seem to becoming increasingly common, but fear also grows in the hearts and minds of many.

Meanwhile, the long awaited end of the Mayan calendar is quickly approaching . This is amplifying fear and a feeling of doom in many people. However, Mayan and Toltec myths both propose that human beings can save themselves and the world by transforming into new beings . In Peace to All Beings I call our new selves "Homo Ahimsa," a nonviolent, loving, cooperative creature who can create heaven on earth.

In our thoughts and prayers during this coming week of both escalating fear and hope, let us keep our hearts open and "burning with love for the whole creation" as St. Isaac the Syrian put it. Now, more than ever, while violence toward innocent children and animals seems to be never ending, we must know and see the truth-that the true nonviolent nature of human beings is being revealed and set in place more and more every day. The transformation is taking place. Love is overcoming fear. Our work is to know this deeply, visualize it, believe it, and help others who are fearful to understand. The temptation to live in fear is strong, but we can and must hold to the high vision--of our species transforming and creating a world of peace for all children, all animals, all life everywhere.

With Love, peace, and gratitude from Judy; and Will, Madeleine, and the Circle of Compassion team