International Day of Peace, established by United Nations resolution is 1981, is celebrated each year on September 21.
It feels like we have such a long way to go as a species to move into a state of peace, and it can be so discouraging sometimes. But I think, especially in times when anger is so near the surface in our world; when fear is the prevalent foundation on which so much is built, we must commit even more resolutely to working towards strong peace.
When I think about peace, and I do often, I frequently call to mind the words of Mother Teresa:
“If we have no peace, it is because we have
forgotten that we belong to each other.”
I believe that. If we were all to slip ourselves out of the yoke of separation consciousness, I don’t see how we could have anything but peace.
I always spend some time reflecting as one season ends and we transition into the next. Today I was thinking about doves. The dove according to the Pancha Pakshi Bird Zodiac of India is considered the zodiacal bird for the sign Virgo. We’re transitioning out of Virgo into Libra soon, and so it felt appropriate to spend some time honoring Dove before we move into the new energies.
We have a beautiful pair of mourning doves that hang out underneath the lilac bush in our yard. I love seeing them, and listening to their calls. Today I wondered if their mournful cries were a reminder of how far from peace we seem to be collectively.
One of the first linoleum block prints I ever created was this dove of peace. I’ve printed it a number of times over the years, but this one remains my favorite, done on handmade, hand-dyed paper.
Some time ago I did a series of mailings over the course of a year that I called Piecemeal Peace. It was my way of saying I/we needed to keep peace frontmost in our minds. Lately I’ve been thinking of ways I might reprise that idea, I think I’ll be playing in the month-long October blogging challenge Write 31 Days, and I’m thinking about writing about peace and pronoia, and celebrating feel-good news. That feels like a hopeful, and hopefully useful, focus to move into autumn with.
In the meantime, tonight I’m going to light a candle and read aloud one of my favorite poem/prayers about peace by Ellen Bass. You can read it online here.
I hope you take time to observe International Peace Day, and notice all the places you can be an advocate for peace and make this world a kinder, gentler place for all of us.
Blogging about peace and pronoia…. a wonderful idea….. even though October is aleady feeling full of plans, friends and fun….. I bet the opportunity to focus of something good everyday would be a marvelous boost to peace.
I’m starting it off with a small celebration for the hummingbird that waits patiently for me to bring out the feeder each morning. Sometimes he sits on the bracket until I notice and remember. He knows blessings arrive because he is present.
Blessings to all who are present….
Oh how lovely Corky – lucky you, lucky hummingbird – all perfect!
And I agree with you, October is most definitely feeling full of plans – may they unfold with great ease and joy for all of us.
Hi Deborah – World Peace Day – I’ve seen reminders … but then forget about blogging it. We definitely need to remove the barriers of culture, language, colour … we are all humans and we should hopefully remember that we are part of this world and we need the world – others and all that make up the earth … we cannot survive without other people and all have much to offer.
Here’s to a butterfly spread of Peace on Earth and Goodwill for all … Hilary
I love that image of a butterfly spread Hilary. May we always keep our hearts and feet on the peace path.
Thank you for this lovely post about peace, Deborah! I love the title, Pieces of Peace! If only we each will do our part, every day, a small gesture of peace, we can make a difference. I may borrow your idea and do some daily posts about peace on my new facebook page. So glad you shared the quote by Mother Teresa:) What an example she was of peace in action, words and deeds!
I absolutely agree Nancy – I think we can all contribute to upping the peace quotient in our world. I love your idea of FB posts – I look forward to following them.
As a pacifist, this post was so meaningful for me. Would you believe it’s the only post for the day of peace that I saw? Thank you.
I’m glad I made it onto your radar Carol. May you always have peace to celebrate.
My workplace choir went out onto the street – well, the steps outside our building – and sang ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ as part of the One Day One Choir project (http://www.onedayonechoir.org/). Pieces of peace, as you say.
Oh Kathleen, how wonderful! That’s a perfect piece of peace. I’d not heard of the One Day One Choir project – I’m so glad you shared the information.
Thank you for this peace-full post and for sharing your thoughts on peace with us all. The block print you have created of the dove is just stunning! It would make a lovely book cover centerpiece =)
I’m inspired by your suggestion Monica!
Wishing you a most wonderful autumn, filled with abundance and golden light.
YES! I just wrote a post for tomorrow about our shared humanity and how any divisions only cause strife. I so agree.
I look forward to reading you piece Naomi.