Peace as a Practice

How many individuals observed Thursday, Sept 21st as the International Day of Peace? War actions in Ukraine did not seem to take notice, but honeybees were partnering for a productive and peaceful hive on a gorgeous goldenrod plant as Autumn makes its debut. The United Nations initially recognized this day for intended non-violence in 1981. The World Council of Churches has recognized Sept 21st as an International Day of Prayer for Peace (since 2004).

The U.N. set this year’s theme as “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.” The overarching goal of the International Day of Peace is to recognize both individual and collective responsibilities to bring about peace; 17 development goals set by the U. N. are named:

No poverty

Zero hunger

Good health and well-being

 Quality education

Gender equality

Clean water and sanitation

Affordable and clean energy

Decent work and economic growth

Industry, innovation, and infrastructure

Reduced inequalities

Sustainable cities and communities

Responsible consumption and production

Climate action

Life below water

Life on land

Peace, justice and strong institutions

Partnerships

Who does not want development in these goals as a blueprint for progress for the next precious generations? And yet, we have little agreement in the human hive about HOW we can move forward in problem solving in our own country.

Participant countries meeting in New York last week were asked to choose an issue from this blueprint for peace and make positive actions happen. There is a mobile app (by AWorld – “because there is no Planet B”) to track progress in meeting the 17 goals. For the app-happy, you too can participate at https://www.un.org/actnow.

The Jewish High Holy Day, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, began last evening at sunset after 10 Days of Awe, a time set aside for introspection and repentance. Individuals might volunteer their time as one way to atone. The sacred holiday lasting 24 hours is observed with a fast and by people making amends for their errors as well as offering forgiveness for others’ errors. This powerful annual discipline of atonement is a practice for peace in our fractured world.

Errors are ever-present, but atonement is scarce. Forgiveness is a key ingredient in every healthy relationship, whether between family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or countries.

Peace needs our collective attention. I am reminded of this motto for peace (erroneously attributed to Jimi Hendrix) by UK prime minister William Gladstone (1809-1898): “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”                   

Pearls of Peace (PoP) Quiz

223. Which of these 17 goals might you embrace today?

224. What are some steps you could take in partnering with others on the goal you selected?

Janis Johnston's avatar

By Janis Johnston

Janis Clark Johnston, Ed.D., has a doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston University. She has worked with children, families, and groups (ages 3-83) with presenting issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, and relationship concerns. She initially worked as a school psychologist in public schools and was awarded School Psychology Practitioner of the Year for Region 1 in Illinois for her innovative work. She was a supervising psychologist at a mental health center, an employee-assistance therapist and a trainer for agencies prior to having a family therapy private practice. Recipient of the 2011 Founder’s Award for her dedication to the parenting education of Parenthesis Family Center (now called New Moms), and the 2002 Community Spirit Award from Sarah’s Inn, a domestic violence shelter and education center, Johnston is an active participant in numerous volunteer activities supporting children and families in her community. A frequent presenter at national psychology and educational conferences, Johnston has published journal articles, book chapters, and two books -- It Takes a Child to Raise a Parent: Stories of Evolving Child and Parent Development (2013, hardback; 2019, paperback) and Midlife Maze: A Map to Recovery and Rediscovery after Loss (2017, hardback; 2019, paperback). In addition to augmenting and supporting personal growth in families, Johnston is a Master Gardener and loves nurturing growth in the plants in her yard.

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