ARTICLE WORLD PEACE DAY
FRIDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2012 by Cathy Towers
When my colleague, Jacqueline, came into our clinic saying “It's World Peace Day soon – we ought to do something”, little did I know what would unfold. Together with our next-door neighbours, The Hub on the Green, we found out more and our plan for a small step into active involvement is taking shape....
The aim of the main movement is a day of ceasefire and non-violence globally. Sometimes we have to start with a little step to show what is truly possible. At a previous World Peace Day, even the Taliban agreed not to block access to, or harm, health workers. The result was 10,000 health workers went into Afghanistan on the 21st September for the day. The United Nations in Afganistan reported a 70% reduction in violent incidents on this day. What a phenomenal achievement from a movement started by one person having an idea. By combining efforts we can create peace. Maybe at the moment only for a day but it shows us what is possible.
So what could we three colleagues do? First thing is it is clear that three is not enough so we put out an invitation to many other people we know who might be interested in the power of the collective. Our workplaces are just behind Princesshay Shopping Centre. I am fond of saying that we take people through our front door from the bustle of the materialistic city, work our magic in helping them de-stress and feel better, then send them out of our back door which opens onto the lovely cathedral green for them to follow a spiritual path!
This time it is different – instead of straddling consumerism and cathedral, we will be stepping right into the lion's den of Princesshay Square to mark World Peace Day and bring a taste of awareness to the crowds of shoppers and the business environment.
Joey Lee from The Hub on the Green is inspiring the community and craft groups there to prepare tokens to support the day. Friends, colleagues and performers will be taking slots throughout the day to do what they do best in the name of PEACE. Yoga, dance, tai chi, drumming, meditation, singing will all be making an appearance. This oscillation between inward attention and outward expression mirrors what is necessary to effect change. We hope to bring a few minutes interruption and contemplation to busy people while they watch, or even join in with our offerings. We are following up on the day after with a social 'tea and cake' event at the Hub where people will be able to choose to join a peace meditation, a global healing group or mini sessions at Exeter Mind and Body Clinic.
Maybe some of this magazine's readers will come into the centre of Exeter to enjoy the days with us and help magnify a spiritual and humanitarian message. If you wish to be involved in any way, as a helper or as part of a performing group, we would love to hear from you. We also hope our tiny contribution may encourage others to take what action they can in their local area.
Peace One Day is an organisation committed to making the world a better place, starting London & South East Connection - August/November 2012
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