Today, September 21, is celebrated annually as the International Day of Peace. The United Nations declares this day as devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people.
There are all kinds of ways to participate, from the very personal individual observation to more communal events. I’ve gathered a few resources that perhaps will inspire your own celebration.
The Peace One Day Organization’s website can be a great place to start as they have lots of videos to explore including live celebrations, along with lots of other resources.
The Peace Alliance organization is another U.S.-based peace advocacy organization worth checking out.
There are lots of artistic and creative expressions to check out as well. I encourage you to visit The Worldwide Artists for Peace International Art Action Project and click on their wall for peace. Lots of wonderful art and artists to check out.
Another project I like is the International Peace Belt which was created by artist Wendy Black-Nasta. It was created as a symbol of peaceful unity and contains former European currency used prior to the Euro.
I’m a strong believer that we each have power and we’re responsible for creating what we want. And I love finding examples of that very personal action. Like this personal Flags for Peace Project blog. I love her new piece – more of a peace wheel than a flag that spins out the energy of peace. Yes to that!
And if you’re in the mood to make something yourself today, why not consider Jane Goodall Institute‘s peace dove puppet.
Perhaps like me, you’ll want to include some poetry in your day. One of my favorite poems about peace is by Ellen Bass. You can read it here.
So there you have it. A bunch of ideas to celebrate International Peace Day. Have some of your own to share? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
Thanks for this post. I read it after we had a whirlwind of cat chaos storm through our house. Two cat fights, a spilled drink, and a spilled water bowl. I was huffing-puffing mad. Your post reminded me to slow down and let go. Who will I make peace with today? My favorite fur friends….even when they drive me a bit batty! Peace starts at home!
Perfect! And the best things about kitty krazies is in the next moment they can be all purring tranquility. So much to learn from our feline friends.
This last year, what have done to increase peace is to continue removing words and phrases from my vocabulary that hurt people and lead to wrath, and to encourage other people to do likewise. There are those who believe it is the fault of the people who are hurt by words that conflict arises, but it takes me very little out of my way to not be cruel.
Kudos to you – I think that’s an excellent action!