September 21: Peace. Compassion. Understanding. Love.

You might remember my post back in August for World Photo Day. Today is World Peace Day, or International Day of Peace.

Strive for peace

What is it?

“Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.”

For more: World Peace Day

Power of travel

Having the privilege over the last few years to travel, I’ve interacted with people from all over the world. Those from a different upbringing, different cultures, different religions, different education, different income, different priorities, etc. From developing countries to Western culture. One thing I’ve noticed is no matter who I meet, we are more alike than different. As I say in the about section, travel changes people and their philosophies and attitude toward life when experienced with an open and understanding mind. I love embracing the differences because that’s what makes the world unique and beautiful.

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Imagine

I was thinking about this on my morning run with my dog. I can walk freely whenever and wherever I please. I’ve never been near war or violence. I’ve never held or fired a gun. I am fortunate to be removed from this kind of pain and suffering but millions of human beings endure this daily around the world. How can I talk about finding peace within, forgiveness, etc. then?

I can’t imagine seeing what families living in war areas and those in the military see and experience. I try to put myself in their shoes.

Those living in war areas… How would I feel if my entire family had been killed? How would I feel if I was taught as a child to hate and seek revenge? Those who go overseas to fight (I have family in the military and I see the impact war has had on them, mentally and physically)… How would I cope seeing friends fighting along side me not make it out alive? How would I return home to ‘normal life’, totally changed? They don’t look at other people as people but instead the enemy.

I can imagine though the pain of losing loved ones. My dads family has been through way too much tragedy, losing his brother and sister + the murder of his parents. I remember the phone calls from India followed by the crying and screaming. Pain I’ve never experienced first hand but witnessed. I can imagine many of the worlds violence stems from the need to avenge losses so great that creating more suffering seems to be the only answer.

A mantra to remember

That is what everyone needs to work on. Forgiveness from within. I always try to see both sides. Everyone has struggles. I always try to have an open mind. You may or may not agree but a mantra that I come back to is: “that could be me.” Try it. Imagine all of the life experiences someone might have endured that would make them that way. Every person we meet on the street was once an innocent child.

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Share your thoughts below. #PeaceDay

Today’s tidbit
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Desmond Tutu