September 21, 2022: INTERNATIONAL PEACE Day

A new September 21^st arrived, reminding us that today is the International Peace Day (also known as the “World Peace Day”), which constitutes another inspiring occasion for all to celebrate PEACE. The chosen theme for this year is: "End racism. Build peace." Let's give PEACE a new chance!

"It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace." (Aristotle)

● Historical background info:

“The International Day of Peace, also officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The day was first celebrated in 1981 and is kept by many nations, political groups, military groups, and people.” (Source: Encyclopedia)

● Excerpt (UNITED NATIONS – International Peace Day 2022):

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.

But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms.  It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race.

As Secretary-General António Guterres has said: 
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments, and… the linkages between racism and gender inequality are unmistakable.”
The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.

● My previous post on the same theme: INTERNATIONAL PEACE Day – 2021

Alice’s Book Club – SUMMER session of 2022

Before the warm season of the year reached its completion, on Friday (September 16’22), we had the summer session of my book club series, this time analyzing the book called “Stillness Speaks” (written by Eckhart Tolle).

On this occasion, our online gathering was of a reasonable size and the atmosphere was abundantly filled with such a good cheer (in our midst), fact which brought along a pleasant sense of harmony, ease and joy.

Now, briefly speaking about this book: Eckhart Tolle (the author, who is a German-born resident of Canada, is also a teacher and an entrepreneur) shows “how to become your true self by embracing stillness and silence”. He also says: “When we are no longer limited by our thinking mind, suffering and pain disappear and we are able to move forward towards a new understanding of our relationships, of nature and of the profound wisdom that is to be found in stillness.”

The personal perspectives presented this evening were interesting, varied and filled with lots of insights.

For your reference, here are few concepts from the book, which might get your attention:

- “The equivalent of external noise is the inner noise of thinking. The equivalent of external silence is inner stillness.”

- “When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world.”

- “Most people spend their entire life imprisoned within the confines of their own thoughts. They never go beyond a narrow, mind-made, personalized sense of self that is conditioned by the past.”

- “What it doesn't say — but only points to — is more important than what it says.”

- “For most things in life, you need time: to learn a new skill, build a house, become an expert, make a cup of tea. . . . Time is useless, however, for the most essential thing in life, the one thing that really matters: self-realization, which means knowing who you are beyond the surface self — beyond your name, your physical form, your history, your story.”

- “You cannot find yourself in the past or future. The only place where you can find yourself is in the Now.” ...and so on....

As usual, time was flying by fast & we wrapped up the evening in a very enjoyable manner, committed to continue with our reading as well as sharing in this setting.

Also, once again, much appreciation to those who were able & willing to join me this evening….their on going support motivates me to prepare for the next project.

Until next time, my best regards to each of you!

Alice

“When you make friends with the present moment, you feel at home no matter where you are.”

“The DESIDERATA of Happiness”

“Desiderata” – an inspirational writing at its finest, meant to remind us to listen to our inner voice, in a non-judgmental manner, seeking to find a lasting inner peace.

Amid the noise, always remember to stay true to yourself!

“Desiderata”
(short video clip)