September 21 of each year is celebrated as International Day of Peace.
We have such a great way to go to establish meaningful peace, and yet we can’t allow ourselves to be discouraged, or stop looking for ways to reflect peace in our individual lives.
“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.” ~ Carlos Santana
Here are some things others are doing that I find interesting.
- The Culture of Peace Initiative is running Peace Day TV. Today they’re streaming live peace celebrations from across the world, but yearlong they also broadcast events for peace building organizations working to create a culture of peace. Here’s a link that takes you to the IDP (International Day of Peace) page, but then from there you have to click on “culture of peace initiative” to be taken to the livestream.
- In 2012 the United Nations hosted a contest for kids to create art “imaging the world free from nuclear weapons.” Here’s the Art for Peace 2012 page which showcases some of the work submitted.
- W-AFPIAAP is the acronym for Worldwide Artists for Peace International Art Action Project, which is an artist initiative and non-profit organization for art and peace. Do poke around their site, but here’s a direct link to their Wall for Peace which showcases art by lots of artists across the world.
- Artists for World Peace is another non-profit organization I really love. They are artists and activists, with the goal of feeding the hungry, housing the poor, and encouraging peace throughout the world, working one person, one family, one community at a time.
Check out the peace belt project, which was created from former European currency when the Euro was adopted. The artist, Wendy Black-Nasta, created this as a symbol of peaceful unity and it now contains coins and gems representing 115 countries.
- I’ve long been a fan of peace poles and you can read more about them here.
Here’s a picture of mine today. It’s a tabletop-sized one (probably about 18 inches tall) and I move it around my house as the whim strikes. But I really like the metaphor of planting peace.
What about you? Have a peace resource to share? A piece of peace to celebrate? Do tell, you know I love to hear.
I know about the International Day of Peace! Thank you for bringing even more awareness to a cause that is very close to my heart, Deborah. World Peace will only become a reality when we each find peace within ourselves. True peace comes from peaceful people and that happens one soul at a time! Love ya Deborah! <3
It’s such an empowering perspective to know that we’re all important contributors to the collective experience and our actions and beliefs make a difference.
While I’m a little late to the party here, I so appreciate your peace resources. I was mindful of that day and creating peace for myself and also aware that peace is an ongoing process. Thank you.
I’m glad we have the opportunity of ongoing practice!