Channeling Horror Into Hope

Shock waves triggered by the Sandy Hook shootings continue to reverberate.  Through this horrific incident, the atrocities and pain endemic throughout the world have erupted in a place, and in a way, that slices through the sense of distance and safety that once was felt.

Humbled by vulnerability, we seek reassurance from tougher laws and tighter security.  But is this the extent of the change we hope for and need?  

The part of humanity that longs for peace has been awakened.  Connecting with this yearning, might we transform this tragedy into a catalyst for societal change?  A "slumbering humanity" has been aroused by the tremendous suffering caused by the present devaluation of life in all its forms.  The devastation that surrounds us can reduce us to despair or compel us towards meaningful action. 

Rereading Dr. Montessori’s work, as well as  Molly O’Shaughnessy’s paper, The Century Forward: A Vision of the Montessori Movement for the Next Century, offers comfort and inspiration, and establishes Dr. Montessori’s vision of education and peace to be as relevant and necessary as ever.  

On this winter solstice, as I reflect upon the closing of one year, and prepare to greet the possibilities of the next, I notice an inner shift ... from horror to hope.   Dr. Montessori believed that mankind must organize to achieve "the universal cooperation required of humanity for continued progress". (Education & Peace, xii)   Looking back at 2012, the unprecedented collaborative efforts to make Dr. Montessori's vision of education and peace a reality, signify that mobilization is underway; glimpsing ahead, I realize its potential is unlimited!