The United Nations recognizes a World Day of Peace each year on September 21.

This year the theme is “as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.” (UN.org)

Each year it is the hope that across the globe people and governments will honor a cease fire and complete non-violence offering space for reflection, conversation and peace. The idea put into place in 1981 and was designated unanimously in 2001.

The ideals of peace have always been with us. The recognition that humanity is better in cooperation and not division is at our very nature. The white flag is used as a symbol of wishing to communicate and to end violence. Revelation 2:17 says ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except him who receives it.’

Communication involves listening (He who has an ear); those who are willing to listen with empathy and understanding. Those who are willing to recognize the in-dwelling whisper of Spirit recognizing all as ‘church’ all as community, as friends and companions, as siblings and creations of Divine.

To those who put aside their egos, their fears, to those who conquer the ideas of division, of hate, of power over one another is dispelled. The hidden manna, the hidden nourishment is the uncovering of one’s true nature. The nature of connection, of light, of, within and the substance creating the Universe.

The White Stone is our reminder of the I AM we each are. I AM Creation. I AM Peace. I AM Cooperation. I AM. A stone is tangible. It is undeniable. It is felt. It is a piece and a part of Creation. White is the symbol of cooperation, of Peace. White reflects all colors, allows all to be seen. It reflects all the higher levels of our being, our TRUTH. I AM Truth. I AM the LIGHT.

A stone: so beautiful, so precious, so meaningful does not get thrown at another. It is cherished. It is shared. It is placed along other stones. It is used as art, as a way to learn balance, as a piece of a foundation for other stones to build. It is a piece of creation, and it is all of creation.

No one knows the name except those who receive it. Which part of the I AM are you building on? Reflecting? Sharing? Recognizing tangibly? Which name is etched into your soul?

Patience?

Peace?

Compassion?

Grace?

Innovation?

Celebration?

Communication?

Expression?

Light?

Color?

Stability?

Reassurance?

Listening?

Silence?

Healing?

Caring?

Following is a suggestion for your Meditation/Spiritual Practice on this International Day of Peace:

Find a Rock, a piece of nature. Paint it white or find yourself a nice white piece of paper to place the rock. Sit with the feelings of Peace in your heart. Let it grow. Allow your body to feel peace, tranquility, cooperation. In the feeling allow your ‘name’ to rise to the surface. Place it on your rock, on your paper. Offer gratitude for recognizing your soul connection and the aspect of Divine reflecting in you. Place your rock someplace where you may see it, touch it each day in reminder of the I AM present though you. Reminding ourselves, we remind the world. Peace Day turns into peace week, month and year.

Mohandas Gandhi: “If you want to change the world, start with you…”

International Day of Peace