Although I like to think that 24 period can be a day of peace, the official website  for The International Day of Peace offers:

“The International  Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations  and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was  established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening  of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.

In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent  date for the International Day of Peace.

By  creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to  worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this  goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:

“Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating  and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and  peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization,  with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and  should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing  bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or  differences of any kind, is to peace.”

They suggest that people  gather together at events that honor peace. The website has all kinds of ideas and invite new and creative ideas.

I firmly believe that peace without, begins within. There have been many times in my life (even now) when I have been at war with myself and battling inclinations. While there is nothing wrong with honest disagreeement, there are moments when I have held thoughts that do damage to my soul and perhaps those of others. As Rosh Hashanah is approaching on September 28th, I am engaging in what 12 step programs refer to as Step Four:  “a searching and fearless moral inventory”.  Where have I been warrior-like, in a destructive manner, not just tenacious in dissolving and resolving conflict?  Where have I wielded a sword that has cut through hearts and not just illusion?  Where have I held on to resentment about things said and those not said…of perceived rejection and disapproval?  Those are weapons of mass destruction as well. The thoughts I hold about myself and others can implode and explode, scattering emotional shrapnel.

They go on to encourage people to declare a cease fire, not only between countries, but individuals as well. Our relationships can be sanctuaries or battle grounds; the choice is ours. A Course in Miracles offers this wisdom:  “The holiest of all the spots on earth is where an ancient hatred has become a present love.”  Another intention I have is to ‘come clean’ with a few people in my life…sharing from the heart, some things I have held onto that have been holding on to me, keeping me stuck in slogged down mucky mud. When I have done so over the years, I have found great freedom…some from as far back as childhood when a boy I had a crush on used to tease me(:   A few years ago we reconnected via Classmates.com  and I shared (half jokingly) that after all these years, I had finally ‘gotten over it’. He apologized and said “I’m sorry if I caused you any angst. In my family, we teased each other.”  It’s kinda like dipping a little girl’s pigtails in the proverbial inkwell.

One of my favorite bumper stickers reads Visualize Whirled Peas.  Imagine a planet on which we could all enjoy Peace Soup, rather than Conflict Chili…a much yummier and nourishing dish.

www.internationaldayofpeace.org

www.thetimehascomeforpeace.com  My friends Deb Chamberlin and Robert Wynn wrote an amazing peace anthem  called The Time Has Come, that features Philly local performers such as

Phil Roy – www.philroy.com
Jim Boggia – www.jimboggia.com
Lauren Hart – www.laurenhart.com
Mutlu – www.mutlusounds.com
Caryn Lin – www.carynlin.com
Chinua Hawk – www.chinuahawk.com
John Francis – www.johnfrancismusic.com
Melody Gardot – www.melodygardot.com
Deb Chamberlin – www.debchamberlin.com
John Ferenzik – www.ferenzik.com
Robert Wynn – www.robertwynnproductions.com
Members of THE COW PROJECT – www.thecowproject.com