To whomever finds my message:
I have filled this bottle with Love, Peace, Patience, Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Beauty, Forgiveness and Kindness.
I believe that when we sow the seed of these ideas with words and plant them in the soil of life and add water and sunlight, we can grow Peace. Peace is the trunk of the Tree of Life.
If, every day, every person performed one Peaceful act, shared beauty with one other person, shared forgiveness with one who needs it, then we would have the beginnings of the Peace we need.
Everyday that you touch someone else with kindness, with compassion and peace, you make an imprint on their heart and on their soul that will gradual help them find their way to a life lived in peaceful harmony with everyone in the world.
This could erase racism, sexism, ageism, all forms of bigotry and the violence that comes from it.
There are people who are haters, and bullies. These people need our kindness and empathy perhaps more than other people, because bullying comes from insecurity and troubled minds and the inability to know how to be kind.
Statistically, 97% of American families are dysfunctional to some degree. But what I know and have experienced is that with self-compassion, self-understanding, self-love, everyone can learn to grow beyond what traumatized or hurt them, and continue on their way to a life filled with kindness and peace.
You may know someone who has had a very difficult life, and you can make a difference in their life by living your peace, your empathy, your forgiveness, your gratitude, and they can learn from your example and from living within the light of your being.
After a while, someone who carries darkness and hatred and negativity and violence within themselves can be changed by the daily dose of gratitude, love, acceptance, peace, empathy, and kindness that touches their heart and soul even if they don’t want it to. These gifts are much stronger than the negativity within any soul.
Please open my bottle and spread the contents around. You won’t be sorry.
May peace fill all of your lives.
Namaste,
Barbara
Bottle floating on the Ocean. Charcoal drawing by Barbara Mattio Copyright 2009
Artists4Peace
idealisticrebel 
Reblogged this on Iamforchange's Blog and commented:
I would like to share the message shared with me in a bottle. Barbara has shared much kindness and love with many of us as well as from us as she re posts those blog posts that touch many. Barbara’s message in the bottle resonates with my heart and I would like to say Thank you Barbara for sharing such a wonderful message in a bottle for us all to find! Hugs!
Thank you so much. I was hoping to mix the art and words to touch people. You are kind. Many blessings and hugs to you Joe. Barbara
Namaste, dear Barbara!
Thank you my friend. You honor me. Hugs, Barbara
Dear Barbara – you have such unique, beautiful words – you deserve it!
oh, thank you. You are the one who sings like an angel. I am so glad we are friends. I am honored. Hugs, Barbara
Thank you Barbara – I am honored!
Those bottles will float in the ocean of love and compassion and communicate its contents to receptive minds and hearts everywhere…. U are a gem Barbara….my virtual hugs to u…raj
This is a beautiful post. A wonderful idea to plant a bottle and grow peace.
Thank you so much. peace and healing this world is so important. Hugs, Barbara
I love EVERYTHING about this succinct, spot-on, & oh-so-timely post!!! Thank you for sharing your perceptively beautiful insight. A genuine smile and kind word can go so far, and everyone comes away from the interaction with a fuller heart! 💞
Thank you Barbara for your beautifully words in a very important message. I just had to reblog and share. Hugs to you!!!
Reblogged this on scrapperjudedesigns and commented:
A blog friend’s beautiful and important message and deserves to be shared.
Lovely message that I wish to find in everyone heart and minds..Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts! ❤
Beautiful!
Reblogged this on SHERRI OF PALM SPRINGS.