This Sunday, my daughter and I attended a ceremony for International Day of Peace. I admit it was at the request of a good friend who had organized a small celebration and I did it largely to support her. All I can say is thank you so much Karen! It was beautiful, intimate and and an invaluable moment to share with my daughter.
Karen taped 192 flags to tooth picks. We gathered in a circle and each of us were given a flag. We recited together a prayer for peace and when that country was mentioned that person would place the flag on a center piece in the middle of the circle. That made it especially fun for the kids and as there weren't many of us they were able to go up several times.
A final blessing was presented by a special guest from India, a woman named Maa Shyama who is the spiritual leader of a school in Delhi called Maitreey Preksha Seva Mission. I honestly know very little about this woman but there was no denying that she was a beautiful person full of love,kindness and wisdom. She preceded her Sanskrit blessing by acknowledging what we had done with each country was wonderful but she pointed out that defining peace by countries is still about borders, about differences, about boundaries so she dedicated her prayer to the air we all share, to the Earth's vegetation we all share and to the Universe; everything and everyone is connected. I loved that and I have no idea of what my daughter will retain but I am sure a seed has been planted.
So feeling inspired by Karen and her efforts I decided to actually write my MP about a few issues like funding cuts to the National Training in Film and Video Sector to the use of styrofoam cups on Family Day at the Beach. I have never been active this way before(usually I just complain) and I know it is a small action but I thought it was time to act like a role model instead of talking about it. Democracy is important and the actions of individuals matter. This link will help you find your MP's contact information.
Why do I have tears in my eyes? I remember the Lanterns for Peace activism years ago when the girls were small, and we thought (or rather hoped) when the wall came down, our work was done. But it was the blessing of the earth and air which has moved me so deeply. Thank you for this memory and call to gentle but persistent action where we can.
Sue
Posted by: sue | September 24, 2008 at 02:26 PM