"Closed in Peace"
How a Simple Phrase Encompasses Universal Virtues and Guides Us Toward a More Purposeful Approach to Life
Before the gavel sounds, the Master’s words resonate throughout the lodge room:
"Our work (labours) has begun in order, is to be conducted in harmony, and closed in peace."
In Freemasonry, this solemn declaration sets the tone for everything to follow.
Yet, its echoes reach far beyond the walls of the lodge. What might we learn from Freemasonry, and how might we apply it to our everyday lives?
Inside the sacred geometry of the lodge, our Masonic ceremonies start with three things:
a purpose - “our work (labours)”
a promise - “be conducted in harmony”
an expectation - “closed in peace”
The guiding phrase "closed in peace" symbolizes not only the goal of harmony but also a commitment to working with respect and integrity.
This isn't just about rituals in a Masonic lodge; it's a reflection of life's broader journey.
Starting "in order" signifies the rules and structure; conducting "in harmony" underlines cooperation; and closing "in peace" is the culmination of unity and tranquillity.
The aspiration is universal, transcending the lodge and touching our personal lives, our families, and our society.
The Concepts, Principles & Lessons
In the underlying principle of closing in peace, various facets of intention and process come to the fore.
It's not just about the "what" of our endeavors; the "how" and "why" are equally pivotal. By emphasizing values like peace over mere metrics, we foster an environment that cherishes integrity and collaboration.
This principle transcends the immediate moment, promoting sustainability and building relationships and trust that can endure well beyond a single project or goal.
It's about shifting our focus from mere productivity to a more compassionate and human-centred approach, recognizing the human needs and emotions that are always at play.
Success in our Masonic tradition is not solely about achieving the end goal. Relationships, personal growth, and the positive impact we make on others are equally vital.
Even the handling of disagreements becomes an opportunity for growth, as setting the stage for respectful discourse aligns with our values and provides a guide for challenging decisions.
Our Masonic principles are not limited to the lodge; they apply universally to personal relationships and self-development, helping us navigate life's ever-changing landscape.
By emphasizing values over rigid goals, we create space for greater flexibility and adaptability, allowing us to respond to change with grace and wisdom.
Why it’s Important
These principles aren't just quaint traditions; they're a living, breathing philosophy. Setting an intention for peace promotes harmony and unity, acting as a moral compass for our interactions.
Whether we're working on a community project, navigating family dynamics, or seeking personal growth, these principles offer a guiding star to a more fulfilling life.
What happens if we don’t apply this lesson?
Failure to apply these principles can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, short-term thinking, erosion of trust, ethical compromises, and damaged relationships.
Without an overarching aim like "closing in peace," endeavours may become fraught with tension and divisiveness, hindering success.
In the absence of these guiding principles, we risk losing sight of what truly matters in life.
Why we should apply the lesson?
The underlying lessons of closing in peace extend beyond Masonic halls.
They are an invitation to set intentional values, to focus on the manner in which we pursue our goals, and to enrich our understanding of success.
By weaving these principles into our daily lives, we create a more compassionate, adaptable, and human-centred approach to work, relationships, and self-growth.
How we can apply this lesson in our daily lives
Identify Core Values:
Before embarking on a project or making significant life decisions, it's essential to understand what matters most to you. Identifying your core values helps align your actions and goals with what genuinely resonates with you, providing clarity and direction.Involve Stakeholders:
Whether in a personal project or organizational strategy, engaging all relevant parties in the conversation ensures a collaborative and inclusive environment. By involving stakeholders, you build a shared understanding and foster collective ownership.Create a Clear Statement:
To ensure alignment with your values, it's vital to articulate them clearly. Writing down your values and intentions crystallizes your understanding and communicates them to others, enabling a shared vision.Communicate and Reinforce:
Values are not just static concepts; they need to be regularly reminded and embodied. This includes ongoing communication, constant reinforcement, and making sure that these values are woven into the fabric of daily operations.Incorporate into Decision-Making:
Your values should serve as a compass, guiding your choices at both big and small crossroads. By allowing your values to steer your decisions, you ensure that your actions are congruent with what you believe.Model the Values:
To create a culture or personal habit around values, you must lead by example. Living these values daily, both in your actions and words, inspires others to follow suit and makes the values tangible.Provide Training and Resources:
Supporting others in understanding and internalizing these principles is key. This might include training sessions, workshops, or resources that elucidate the values and how to enact them.Review and Reflect:
Regular assessment of how well the values are being upheld is crucial for ongoing alignment. Reflection enables you to identify areas for improvement, reaffirm what's working, and adjust as needed.Celebrate Alignment:
Acknowledging and celebrating when actions align with values not only reinforces the importance of those values but also builds a sense of achievement and encourage further alignment.Adapt as Needed:
The world and our understanding of it are constantly evolving, and so must our approach to values. Being open to change and personal connections means that your values remain relevant and adaptive to new insights and circumstances.Incorporate into Assessments: Beyond guiding actions and decisions, values should be integral to the way performance is evaluated. Including values in evaluations and performance, assessments ensure that they are not just aspirational but are practical measures of success.
Conclusion
The Masonic tradition of "closing in peace" offers profound wisdom that extends beyond the ceremonial and into the essence of human interaction.
By embracing these principles, we move beyond mere metrics and short-term goals to a richer, more meaningful, and more harmonious way of living.
In a world where divisiveness often seems to reign, the timeless virtue of peace calls us to a higher standard, urging us to begin in order, conduct in harmony, and close in peace.
The gavel has sounded; the call has been made. How will we respond?