100 Seeds of Peace

Much of the time the research, writing, and reading that I do here and elsewhere, cause me anxiety, rage, and grief. So, while "peace" is the theme of our photo banner it is a joy to post, as with Sadako's story and the worldwide awareness that came from it, some small words and thoughts on the subject of peace. I have had this list for a while, although I don't read it nearly as often as I should.

It's from Waging Peace, the website of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. I've been a cynic most of my life; it was something my father thought was important to teach his kids, thought it would make us tough, protect us from those out to hoodwink us. It can be hard to overcome that mindset, not see a list like this as simplistic claptrap. However, the more I read it and think about it, the more I see the truth and wisdom in this list of ideas to help bring peace into this weary strife-torn world. It is anything but simplistic. As the introduction tells us:

Creating world peace takes many forms, but surely it begins with individuals.Here are 100 ideas for creating a more peaceful world. I encourage you to play your part in creating peace. It continues to be the most significant challenge of humankind, and requires the efforts of each of us.

100 Ideas for Creating a More Peaceful World - by David Kreiger

Be generous with your smiles.

Be kind.

Respect the Earth.

Walk in a forest.

Plant a tree.

Contemplate a mountain.

Protect the Earth.

Live simply.

Help feed the hungry.

Erase a border in your mind.

Teach peace to children.

Read Chief Seattle's Letter to the President.

Be honest.

Demand honesty from your government.

Think about consequences.

Commit yourself to nonviolence.

Support nonviolent solutions to global problems.

Speak up for a healthy planet.

Demand reductions in military expenditures.

Be fair.

Pledge allegiance to the Earth and to its varied life forms.

Think for yourself.

Ask questions.

Recognize your unique potential.

Join an organization working for peace.

Be less materialistic.

Be more loving.

Empower others to work for peace.

Oppose all weapons of mass destruction.

Support equality.

Speak out for a nuclear weapons-free world.

Support a Department of Peace.

Listen to your heart.

Help the poor.

Fight against militarism.

Study the lives of peace heroes.

Help create a community peace park or garden.

Commemorate the International Day of Peace.

Help strengthen the United Nations.

Support the International Criminal Court.

Read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Advance the rights of future generations.

Be a voice for the voiceless.

Join an action alert network.

Be forgiving.

Laugh more.

Play with a child.

Support education and the arts over weapons.

Help educate the next generation to be compassionate.

Take personal responsibility for creating a better world.

Sing.

Write a poem.

Organize a church service on the theme of peace.

Learn about another culture.

Help someone.

Support the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Oppose the arms trade.

Clear your mind.

Breathe deeply.

Sip tea.

Express your views on peace to government officials.

Fight for the environment.

Celebrate Earth Day.

Think like an astronaut, recognizing that we have only one Earth.

Be constructive.

Let someone else go first.

Plant seeds of peace.

Work in a garden.

Change a potential enemy into a friend.

Be positive.

Share.

Be a good neighbor.

Send a note of appreciation.

Tell your friends how much they matter.

Say "I love you" more.

Don't tolerate prejudice.

Demand more from your elected officials.

Walk by the ocean, a river, or a lake.

Recognize that all humans have the right to peace.

Respect the dignity of each person.

Be a leader in the struggle for human decency.

Be a friend.

Send sunflowers to world leaders, and call for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Oppose technologies that harm the environment.

Lose an argument to a loved one.

Value diversity.

Walk softly on the Earth.

Appreciate the power of the sun.

Speak out for global disarmament.

Support a democratic order.

Teach non-violence by example.

Remember that "No man is an Island."

Spend time in nature.

Boycott war toys.

Be thankful for the miracle of life.

Seek harmony with nature.

Remind your leaders that peace matters.

Oppose violence in television programming for children.

Listen to Beethoven's Ode to Joy.

Celebrate peace.

I have added links to some of these ideas, making them not only suggestions but possibilities. Enjoy, and pax vobiscum.

posted at 3:53:00 PM by marigolds2

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