www.ThePeaceFlagProject.org
Sometimes
it can seem like the problems of the world are so big and we are so small. We may ask ourselves if it is even possible to make a difference and bring hope and peace to those around us, let alone to those across the ocean on the other side of the planet. But we must always remember that we are all connected and that everything we do matters.
The Ripple Effect A famously kind and wise nun named Mother Teresa believed that every act of kindness and love, no matter how small, created a ripple effect. This is when one small motion creates many tiny waves that can travel long distances and even join with other waves, becoming stronger and bigger. The same is said to be true of humanity, of people’s actions and thoughts. One act of kindness (the energy of our intentions) can create a ripple that inspires and touches many. When touched by your love and kindness, others will want to share love and kindness, too. This sharing of loving energy can go on for a long time and lead to more goodness in the world than you ever thought possible!
The Peace Flag Project Sharing this loving energy is exactly what The Peace Flag Project is about. This non-profit organization founded in 2004 by Executive Director Ginny Fox promotes the idea that we are ALL peacemakers and that each peaceful thing we do in our own lives will lead to a more peaceful planet. Part of being a peacemaker is focusing on the good in the world, rather than the bad, according to Ginny. Sometimes the countless acts of love and kindness in the world can go unnoticed amidst the negative noise of the nightly news or social media. This can make life feel dark and heavy. But when we shift our focus to the good in the world —to peace— we not only feel the light, but we become a part of it.
Sharing the Light The mission of The Peace Flag Project is to “help everyone become a peacemaker” by offering special Peace Flag kits based on the traditional prayer flags of Tibet. These flags have been used for more than 2,000 years to send out prayers for peace, unity and compassion (a feeling of caring and kindness toward another living being). The Peace Flags are decorated by children and adults with their own ideas and imagery of peace and love with the purpose of reflecting positive wishes for the world.
This snippet from the website (www.ThePeaceFlagProject.org) sums it up perfectly: “Peace Flags provide you with a special way to express some of your important ideas and hopes for the world. In words or pictures, you can display wishes for yourself, your family, friends, community, or the world. Taken together, Peace Flags describe a better, more peaceful planet for us all.”
Make Your Peace T-Shirt In support of The Peace Flag Project’s mission, you can also purchase a “Make Your Peace” t-shirt on their website. As with the Peace Flags, you use your imagination and feelings to design your t-shirt and show the world what peace looks like to you.
International Day of Peace Each September, The Peace Flag Project celebrates a month of peace leading up to the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21st. Things are different this year and it is not possible for the usual events to take place. But a virtual event is in the planning and will be announced soon! Visit the www.ThePeaceFlagProject.org or The Peace Flag Project Facebook page for more information on the great work they have done in the community and on the many wonderful events, workshops and volunteer opportunities offered. Now, more than ever before, the world needs peace and unity. There could be no better time to
My wish for the world is: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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