“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”-Albert Einstein
“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”-Francis of Assisi
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”-Buddha
PEACE ON EARTH— These lovely words merely scratch the surface for what is possible in a world of infinite possibility. There are some who, in their cynicism say that peace will never reign supreme. Led by fear, rather than love, that doubt may indeed feed the collective soup pot to which we all contribute and from which we all symbolically turn to for nourishment. That’s why I choose to look for ways to create peace in my own life.
It truly begins within as the ‘warring factions’ in my mind that tell me I will always be at odds with certain people because their beliefs vary from mine. Those who harbor hatred need love even more, to heal those rifts in their hearts that created intolerance in the first place. If I notice myself contracting in resistance to them, I take a breath and send out love. I may never know the impact I will have on anyone whose path I cross. I can only set intent and then follow through as my conscience dictates.
For that reason, I chose to take part in a global event called International Day of Peace which, according to their site:
“Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Furthering the Day’s mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt resolution 55/282 establishing 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease- fire.”
The organization encourages people to pray, meditate, march, use art, dance and speak out in support of unity rather than divisiveness. On this day, in addition to carrying peace filled thoughts, I will be joining friends on the streets of Doylestown, PA for an event called International Day of Peace FREE HUGS Stroll. My contention is that with our arms around each other, we can’t be fighting each other. I call the crew who offer love in this way ‘Hugmobsters armed with love’. The name originated when we did a FREE Hugs Flashmob at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia in 2013. All are welcome to join us!
No matter where you are, I encourage you to create peace in your hearts, community and world. What if we were just one hug away from peace on Earth? Imagine that. I do, every day.
Read Previous Post
