Calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hahn
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
― Dalai Lama XIV
Walk for Peace is the theme for the September 2016 Sunrise Walks
In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared an International Day of Peace. This is otherwise known as World Peace Day. The official day is September 21. All over the world and in our own country, there are events to bring community together dedicated to commemorating and strengthening ideals of peace.
In our three days of Sunrise Walks, September 20-22, we will meet each morning with a different emphasis on how we can turn towards Peace. Below are a series of steps that you can reflect on as we approach this week and this day. What better way to find change in our selves as the natural world moves towards changing to Autumn.
On September 21st, we will be joined by Maddison Vernon and Benjamin Mertz. Maddison will speak about the importance of Peace in the World and will share a prayer that Desmond Tutu wrote specifically for her and her group when they visited South Africa. The focus of her trip was on reconciliation – and how to get here. Benjamin, founder and director of Joyful Noise! Gospel Singers will lead us in beautiful South African chants.
Practice Peace Within
In Gandhi’s March to the Sea, he first wanted people to find personal transformation. What path have you been on? Walking on such a path is an emptying. How do you find peace within yourself? Can this peace stay with you as you walk?
Practice Peace in your Community
The Dalai Lama speaks of kindness as a basic daily action we can all practice. Each day, we have the chance to greet our family, neighbors, and others in our community, finding a place of common goals, goodwill and understanding. Can you walk holding this peace for your community?
Practice Peace in the World
Desmond Tutu speaks of the great action of forgiveness for those who injured you. Can your walk recognize the hurt and the forgiveness of both your personal needs and of the larger world? Is it possible to walk the walk of Desmond Tutu and embrace these difficult situations?
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
~ Desmond Tutu
Let’s do a little bit of good and Walk for Peace
Let your feet on the earth be the imprint of your intention for Peace. Let’s walk together and send the message of Peace to All.
Please join us for our walks at the Laguna de Santa Rosa on three mornings: September 20 – 22, 2016. Register and find out more about the walk here. Remember that Peace can be in every step. Each day, you will be given details on how to focus your body and awareness to deepen the intention of Peace in your walk.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Peace in Every Step,
Liza
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