As I join the world in mourning the passing of the incomparable Michael Jackson, I can’t help but take notice of his friends’ and fans’ condolences, sympathies and public affection – all conveying a similar message: “Rest in Peace”.

“Rest in Peace” (commonly used in Europe from the Latin phrase, “Requiescat in pace”)  is said to have gained its popularity during the Black Death (or Black Plague) – one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350.  It was believed that someone who died in agony from the Black Death would not rest peacefully. Therefore, “Rest in Peace” was a prayer for him or her to rest peacefully in death or the after-life.

After considerable reflection on Mr. Jackson’s tremendously gifted but somewhat troubled life, the thought (with all due respect, of course) came to me: “Why must we die to ‘Rest in Peace?”

With the proliferation of technology, we are continuously disrupted. We tweet in ten-minute intervals for nearly 12 hours per day, seven days per week to over 500 friends and strangers while (depending on the generation) simultaneously listening to our iTouch/iPods, watching HDTV and IM’ing those in our inner circles. 

Everything is scheduled. Our handy iPhones and Blackberries remind us when to wake up, have lunch, pick-up dry cleaning, order groceries; walk the dog, pay bills, work out, and (dare I venture to mention) have sex.  We work 80 hours per week – 30 hours at a brick and mortar, the other 50 virtually.  We sleep less and eat more.  We are hyper-engaged, hyper-connected and hyper-active as well as over-tired, over-burdened and over-wrought.

Fully aware of the consistency and pace of disruption and its effects on us, we nevertheless surrender to its call…subconsciously, seeking ways to escape.  More and more of us are taking yoga and mediation classes, going away on spiritual excursions, attending mega churches; and DVR’ing Oprah and Dr. Phil in search of inner peace.

Certainly not one to ignore the heed of disruption’s call myself (especially on this Sunday morning at 2:07am), I do believe, however, that there are additional ways we can all “Rest in Peace” now.

• Define “peace”.  Like success, love and/or beauty, “peace” is subjective.  What it means and how it is manifested completely depends on you and your needs.  Identify what gives you inner contentment, then seek it out (add it to your calendar if you must.)

• Count your blessings.  There is a certain unrest that accompanies worry and anxiety.  Worrying about what could happen or what you don’t have can cause untold stress. Spend time being thankful and grateful.  Take inventory of your life and your assets.  You just might be surprised at how much you actually have.

• Get perspective.  Even in our poverty, we are still rich – rich in love, will and spirit.  Too many material things can distort our view of happiness. By focusing less on ourselves and more on others, we can find the joy we seek. (FYI, “peace” usually accompanies “joy” and “happiness”).

• Live in the moment.  Life happens. Stop living as if you are waiting for the “other shoe to drop”.  If we spend all our time focused on negative things that we predict will happen, then we’ll never see the positive that has already occurred.

• Take down to build up.  Every now and then, it’s okay to unplug (whether it be unplugging from technology, work and/or people). You have to recharge.  Burning the proverbial candlestick at both ends only hurts you.  You can’t contribute 100% to anyone or anything if you’re operating at 50% capacity.

• Life creates its own problems; you don’t need to add to them.  In the age of The Patriot Act, nothing is private or sacred.  However, it’s one thing to be wire-tapped; it’s another to post your personal business on every social medium.  Sharing too much information provides fodder for gossipers, trash-talkers and all around nosey folks.  It can also cause unwanted drama for you.  Consider the phrase, “less is more” and use it when sharing pieces of you with the world.

Mr. Jackson (Ms. Fawcett and Mr. McMahon, too), I am deeply sorry that peace alluded you for so long.  I celebrate, along others, your much needed rest and hope that in death you will teach us all how to live and to “Rest in Peace”.

FINAL THOUGHT
Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us:  avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride.  If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.  ~Francesco Petrarch