Volume 11, Issue 9 | September 2022

Greetings!


Hi! I trust this finds you well.


For me, this September has included recognition of some significant dates and occasions: International Day of Peace on September 21 and the autumnal equinox occurring on September 22.


The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. Achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms—it requires the building of societies where all members feel they can blossom and it involves creating a world in which people are treated equally regardless of race, gender, age, religion, etc.


We know that what shows up on the outside reflects what’s going on inside. True peace comes from within, and looking at the outer world these days—division, separation, poor health, natural disasters, etc.—signals to me how ill at ease and lacking in joy and fulfillment people are, lacking in peace within. Since true peace is an inside job and our thoughts create things, by us changing our thinking we change our individual lives for the better, impacting others for the better.


The first day of autumn, often called fall, is when the sun shines directly on the celestial equator passing from north to south and the length of day and night are almost the same. This is referred to as astronomical autumn or the September equinox. 


As we move into this natural cycle of change, and make our way towards hibernating in winter, I find myself slowing down a bit from the summer days (and just as I was revving up after the isolative days of the pandemic!). With pausing, it’s a bit easier to relax and feel peace within.


These two occurrences—peace and seasonal change—were celebrated together at the Dances of Universal Peace Prescott Autumn Equinox Celebration on the 24th. The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, multi-cultural circle dances. They use movements, music, and sacred phrases from many traditions to help us touch and deepen the spiritual essence within ourselves and to experience spiritual harmony with others. With our intention of sending the vibration of peace out into the world, we danced and sang in the cool beauty of the pine forest at the Groom Creek School House here in Prescott, AZ. It was also a reunion for me as I got to see folks from my days of living in Sedona, where I'd first started participating in the Dances, as well as from the Phoenix area, whom I’d not seem in several years. You can learn more about Dances of Universal Peace on their international website.

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One of the things I love about writing my monthly newsletter is that, in doing so, I am propelled to expand my horizons in numerous ways. In searching for a song about peace that was new to me, I came upon Ajeet Kaur and her song “Peace.” The opening lyrics are simple and the melody tranquil, as one might expect:

Peace within me

Peace surrounding me

Peace from me

By thy grace, let there be peace.


Enjoy the music and video!

"Peace" - sacred chant artist Ajeet Kaur
Blessings,



Inspiration and Contemplation

Peace comes from...

Spirituality

Peace as a Spiritual Practice

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, founders of Spirituality & Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys write that practicing peace enhances serenity and equanimity and balances anger, violence, and worry.


"Peace is built on the foundations of other spiritual practices: connections, compassion, justice, unity. It is a goal of all spiritual people. Peace is an inner state of well-being and calm. It is also an outer project of promoting nonviolence, conflict resolution, and cooperation in the world. The root of the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," means "whole" and points to this twofold meaning: peace within oneself and peace between people.


"Practice peace by refusing to participate in violence either directly or indirectly. Try to stay composed no matter how agitated the people around you become. Meet conflict with equanimity. Disarm yourself—lower your guard—as a first step in disarming the world."


     — Excerpt from Spiritual Practices: Peace

People Making a Difference

Planting Peace

Planting Peace is a global nonprofit organization founded by Aaron Jackson for the purpose of spreading peace in a hurting world.


When Jackson welcomed the first group of dogs from Ukraine to the abandoned animal shelter he reopened in Poland, he also took in two refugees who shared an amazing story of survival.


Read more about two Ukrainian refugee women who spent 40 days in a bomb shelter caring for 17 dogs and how they all got a new start on life in Poland.  It's a story about many beings making a difference in the lives of others: humans helping canines, canines helping humans, and humans helping humans.

"Let everything you do today be a reflection of the Divine. When you offer your words to the people you have the opportunity to see, let your words reflect the Divine. Let the actions you take throughout this day be gifts shared with the Divine. Let every thought you think today be a reflection of the Divine, realizing that if we live our lives in this way, then we are standing on that ideal of creating a world that works for all."

     — Jeffon Seely, September 30, 2022 Daily Guide in Science of Mind Magazine


... We are the ones who create a world of peace, within and without, a world that works for all.


Namasté.



Let us not forget!

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Joyce S. Kaye, MSW

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You, Me, and Spirit


I was a devout atheist until 32 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.


Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.