Upcoming
Recent Blog Posts
- Looking at Our History with Help from the Ain't I a Woman Performance
- Viewing Media Violence \ Spending Time in Nature
- Mindful Peacebuilding, "Service," and Community-Building
- Food Offerings for Service Projects - Aug 2010 Benefit A Success!
- Benefit for Service Projects Aug 29
- Mindful Holiday July 4th
- Changing the World? Change ourselves!
What Is Peace?
Peace is:
- a source of happiness
- a dynamic practice, not a static state to be attained
- the act of embracing the well-being and security of all, treating all groups or countries with equal privilege
- a way of respect, kindness, humility and compassion embodied in individuals, institutions, and cultural beliefs
- kind communication, which comes from an intention to deepen understanding in relationships through awareness, deep listening and speaking from the heart
- the presence of equity and social justice
- the absence of structural and cultural violence as well as the absence of direct violence and war;
- grounded in the understanding that our universe is intimately interwoven, that humans, animals, plants and minerals are all interconnected, that everything depends on everything else
What Is Mindfulness?
Cultivating mindfulness is a kind of "coming home to ourselves," that strengthens and nourishes our capacity to be awake, clear and deeply alive, to be refreshed by the beauty and wonder of Life. Conscious breathing gives rise to the energy of mindfulness. When we breathe consciously, an energy of awareness--awareness of what is happening inside and around us in this moment--is born. Although not always called by that name, mindfulness is a practice in many faith traditions. Throughout our day we can practice conscious breathing to help us come back to the present moment.
Inspirational Quotes
"Many citizens of the United States still long to live in a society where beloved community can be formed-- where loving ties of care and knowing bind us together in our differences ... we affirm our differences." — bell hooks
“Mindfulness is at once simple and profound. When we are mindful and cultivate compassion in our daily lives, we diminish violence.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead