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peace ideas
‘’If five percent of the people work for peace, there will be peace.’’ A Quarterly Publication of the Peace Center Theosophical Society in the Philippines, 1 Iba Street, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel. No. 741-5740; Fax: 740-3751; E-mail address: philtheos@gmail.com; Webpage: http://www.theosophy.ph
Self-Improvement ________
Inner Peace __________________________________
New Year Resolution Strategies
Practicing Acceptance for Inner Peace
There is a science to success when it comes to achieving goals and making life changes Below are seven strategies that will help you make the changes you want in the year ahead: 1. Know your why. For a resolution to stick, it has to be aligned with your core values. 2. Be specific. Resolutions to "get fitter, be happier, be more disciplined" are doomed to failure because they lack specificity. 3. Don’t just think it, ink it. A Stanford University study found that when people wrote down their goal, it increased the probability of success by over 70%. 4. Design your environment so that it is hard not to do what you resolved. Find someone to hold you accountable, get a mentor, join a group, create a blog. 5. Narrow your efforts. Trying to do too many things at once will only make you unfocused 6. Focus on the process. Your enthusiasm will come crashing down when your initial efforts do not produce immediate results, so focus on the long haul. 7. Forgive your failures. Your setbacks will not define your success. How you respond will. Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/ 2012/12/31/seven-strategies-for-highly-effective-new-years-resolutions/
Worldly conditions keep changing. We undergo cycles of fortune and misfortune, success and failure, gaining and losing, and so on. When we cling to conditions we like and resist those we do not like, we refuse to go with life's flow and we suffer. To accept life as it is in the present moment is to be in a state of grace and true peace. Accepting what is, however, does not mean condoning evil or ignoring suffering in our world. We just do not depend on transitory conditions for happiness but find the joy of Being in going with the flow of life; from this center, we act with wisdom and love. That said, here are five ways you can cultivate your practice of acceptance: 1. Mus ter com pas sion for someone who hurt you instead of wallowing in bitterness; understand that he caused suffering
because he himself is suffering. 2. Set aside some time to actively enjoy the good things about the present in stead of scheming to create a better future or reminiescing a better past. 3. Create a list of things you love about yourself instead of dwelling on how you wish you were different. 4. Focus on what you appreciate about the people in your life instead of wishing they would change. 5. Recognize whether you are judging yourself in your head with phrases like “I should have” or “I shouldn’t have.” Replace those thoughts with, “I do the best I can, my best is good enough, and I’m learning and growing every day." Sources: Eckhart Tolle, Practising the Power of Now (USA: New World Library, 2001); Lori Deschene, "40 Ways to Create Peace of Mind" (http://tinybuddha.com/ blog/40-ways-to-create-peace-of-mind/)
Inside ____________________________________ A Peaceful Response to Religious Extremism Reality Check: Are You a Smartphone Zombie? Avoiding the Trap of Spoiling Your Kids Dealing with Job Burnout Low Expectations Equals Happiness How to Talk About Religion Peacefully
Stay Healthy with Love Why Sorting Your Waste is Important Warning: Smoking is Bad to Your Pets Meditation Tips for People Who Can't Focus When Your Child Lies Battling Ebola: What You Can Do And More…
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Peace Ideas, No. 79
Peace Advocacy _________ Outer Peace___________________________________
Firecracker Menace An cient peoples used loud noise (by beating pans, drums, etc.) and fire to drive away evil spirits during New Year celebration, funeral processions, and other rituals. When the Chinese invented gunpowder, they found a way of combining loud noise and fire in one. And the practice of us ing fire crack ers spread around the world. This would have been alright, except that firecrackers can be so dangerous that they have been banned of late in many countries. In the Philippines, for example,-· 1,018 firecracker injuries (including loss of fingers and limbs) were reported from Dec. 21, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014. · 354 people were injured by firecrackers on Jan 1, 2015 alone, more than a dozen of whom required amputations. · A huge fire on Jan. 1, 2015 which witnesses say was caused by a firecracker burned down hundreds of shanties, affecting 4000 families, and killing 3 people. · 17 fires were recorded on Jan 1, 2015 alone, many of which are suspected to have been caused by firecrackers pending investigation. Sources: www.themalaymailonline.com/...in-philippines...year-firecracker-mishap; http://www.journal.com.ph/editorial/newsdesk/let-s-welcome-2015-with out-firecrackers; ABS-CBN News
peace ideas No. 79
A quarterly publication of the Peace Center of the Theosophical Society in the Philippines, 1 Iba Street, Quezon City, Philippines. The Theosophical Society is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to the promotion of universal brotherhood without distinction of creed, caste, sex or color.
A Peaceful Response to Religious Extremism It is easy to think ill of Islam after jihadist attacks around the world have claimed the lives of thousands last year. But the truth is that throughout history, people of different religions have perpetrated similar acts of violence. The latest round of violence is also a natural consequence of violent anti-terrorist measures, especially the War on Terror; hatred and violence spawn more hatred and violence. Peace advocates say that in order to deal effectively with religious extremism, we must-1. Avoid the temptation to be simplistic like attributing the problem to the other fellow's religion, or to religion itself. Many factors other than religion contribute to triggering religious extremism. 2. Adopt a working definition of religious extremists as people who – for reasons they themselves deem religious – commit violent acts against others. 3. Explore the theological, historical, political, social and psychological roots of extremism. For example, psychological factors that help form the extremist mind include: · deprivation of love and support during childhood · issues with self-worth · binding religious, ethnic and personal identities Peace Ideas seeks to disseminate workable ideas that will promote lasting peace and universal brotherhood. Contributions from readers are welcome, whether their own or clipped from their readings. Previously published materials must include name and address of publication from where the materials were taken. The views expressed herein do not necessarily express those of the editors or the publisher. Subscriptions: In the Philippines: P120.00 per year. Foreign: US$8.00 per year (postpaid airmail). Single copies: P30.00 (Foreign: US$2.00). Bulk orders for redistribution are entitled to sub-
tightly together to boost self-worth · feeling that this combined self-identity is threatened or humiliated. 4. Ask what can and should be done to combat religious extremism. The peace-build ing approach, for example, is aimed at addressing the underlying conditions which foster religious extremism. It requires activities at two levels. At the macrosociallevel, it requires work toward: · reduction of inequity and oppression · protection of human rights · weakening of extremist ideologies · reduction of militarism, racism, and sexism · systems that promote intergroup tolerance, cooperation, and non-violent conflict resolution · strengthening of civil society. At the micro-social level, it requires: · reduction of stereotypes and enemy images · promotion of empathy, caring, and intercultural and interfaith understanding · provision of economic and social support for the youth. Sources: http://www.global-briefing.org/2012/01/the -mind-of-the-religious-extremist/; http://www.beyond intractability.org/essay/dealing-extremists http://www. causes-of-terrorism.net/; http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/dealing-extremists
stantial discounts. For information please write to: Peace Ideas, 1 Iba Street, Quezon City, Philippines. Tel. No. 741-57-40. Fax No. (63-2) 740-3751. E-mail address: philtheos@gmail.com Editor: Joselito B. Cendaña Editorial Staff: Vicente R. Hao Chin, Jr., Estrellita V. Gruenberg, Jenifer Aposaga
© Copyright 2015 by The Theosophical Society in the Philippines. Permission to reprint is granted provided Peace Ideas is acknowledged. ISSN 0118-9883
Peace Ideas, No. 79
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Peace Practice _________________________________ Self-Help ______________
Reality Check: Are You Dealing With a Smartphone Zombie? Job Burnout A smartphone zombie is a person who is constantly focused on his smartphone that he often becomes oblivious to his surroundings, thus risking injury to himself and others. Are you a smartphone user and you-· reach for your smartphone first thing in the morning?. · break off conversation to check your smartphone? · text or call while walking or driving? · keep your smartphone within reach at all times? · just look at your smartphone even though it is not doing anything? · panic when you misplace your phone, even for a minute? If you answered yes to most of
these questions, you may be a smartphone zombie. Here are some steps experts suggest to control smartphone usage: 1. Be conscious of the situations and emotions that make you check your phone. Are you bored, lonely, etc.? Find something else that would soothe you. 2. Be strong when your phone rings. You don’t have to answer it all the time especially if the notification is just a text message. 3. Be disciplined about not using your device in certain situations such as when you are walking, driving, with children, or talking with somebody. Source: Maitrayee Boruah, "Are You a Smartphone Zombie?" (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/man-woman/Are-you-asmartphone-zombie/articleshow/28286914.cms)
Parenting_____________________________________
Avoiding the Trap of Spoiling Your Kids Many indulgent parents are unaware that their actions negatively affect their child's emotional and psychological development. Here are ways of avoiding the trap of spoiling your kids that you may follow (if you are a parent): 1. Do not spoil because you feel guilty. Spend time with your child rather than shower him with possessions to make up. 2. Remember that it is normal not to be liked by your kids sometimes. Do not sacrifice the character and future well-being of your child for being liked. 3. Do not be influenced by other parents who are indulgent. Always remember that material possessions are poor substitutes for love and attention. 4. Do not be pressurized. If
your kid spots something he wants, ask yourself first if he deserves the treat. 5. Stick to your guns no matter how hard your kid cries, stomps his feet, and so on. Giving in to these behaviors gives your kid the message that you are a pushover and can be manipulated. 6. Do not see your kids as a project that should be handled. Spend quality time with your kids and find out what they really want. “Kids spell love T-I-M-E," says author John Crudele. 7. Teach your kids that disappointments and frustrations are part of life. Parents omit teaching their kids this extremely valuable lesson when they spoil them. Source: http://www.calorababy.co.za/for-you/why-parents-spoil-kids-and-how-to-avoid-it.html
Un clear job ex pec ta tions, dysfunctional workplace dynamics, extremes of activity, lack of social support, work-life imbalance. All these and more can result in job burnout. Here are some tips for dealing with this problem if you think you are suffering, or a candidate for suffering, from it: 1. Evalutate your priorities. Make a list of the things that are important to you in life in order of priority, e.g., spiritual growth, family, good health, and so on. 2. Simplify your life. To reduce stress and gain time for what you value more in life, you may consider working fewer hours, persuade your employer to reduce your current job demands, or you may even change jobs. 3. Learn when to say no to work. If you face an unrealistic workload, discuss your situation with your employer. Always try to offer solutions that meet both your needs and those of your employer. Reassure him of your commitment to your work, and explain what you are willing to do; but be clear and firm about what you are not able to do 4. Renew yourself. Make time for sufficient rest, relaxation, and recreation. 5. Practice spirituality. This is essential to aligning the spirit, mind and body for inner peace and happiness. Source: Awake magazine, September 2014 (pp 1-41)
Peace Ideas Online Read entire issues of Peace Ideas plus outlines of essays on Self-Transformation in the Internet. The webpage of the Theosophical Society in the Philippines can be found in: http://www.theosophy.ph/
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Peace Ideas, No. 79
Peace Practice __________ Education ____________________________________
The Art of Hugging Family therapist, teacher, intuitive counsellor and author Helene Rothschild says that "a hug is a loving action complete in itself." Our arms are tools for the healing power of touch, our hearts are made to express love, and our spirit loves to express deep caring. But the best hugs are done mindfully and artfully. For example, what Rothschild calls the "spiritual hug" has these steps: 1. Look into your partner's eyes and silently acknowledge that you are open to this loving gesture as an affirmation of your oneness in spirit. 2. With mindfulness, slowly and gently embrace by wrapping both arms around one another. 3. Keep your hands still on your partner's back. 4. Focus on the center of your chests (your heart centers). 5. Imagine that you are inhaling and exhaling love, receiving and sending love energy. 6. Gently disengage from the embrace. 7. Look again into each other's eyes and be grateful for this expression of spiritual love. Source: Helene Rothschild, "How Do You Hug? Insights Into the Art of Hugging" (http://ezinearticles. com/?How-Do-You-Hug?-Insights-into-the-Art-ofHugging&id=179590)
Bulk Copies of Peace Ideas Bulk quantities of Peace Ideas either in newsprint or standard paper may be ordered at very low prices. It is a very economical way of promoting inner and outer peace. Contact the Peace Center, 1 Iba St., Quezon City, Philippines, Tel. 741-5740; Fax No. (63-2) 740-3751.
Neurobics: Fun Exercises Inside the Classroom An increasing number of educators are thinking of how to use neurobics inside the classroom for the benefit of students. Created by Lawrence C. Katz, Ph.D., a professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC., neurobics is a unique system of exercises that strengthens the brain by activating new neural pathways through new associations. A neurobic exercise-1. Uses one or more senses in a novel context. 2. Engages your attention in an activity that is fun, unusual, and surprising. 3. Breaks a routine in a nontrivial, unexpected way. Here are some neurobic fun activities that teachers may try: 1. Pairing olfactory sense with hearing. Students create a present-
ation of pairing a type of music with a fragrance. 2. Doing artwork with the non-dominant hand. For example, students make a drawing with their other hand. 3. Creative problem-solving. For example, students think of other possible uses for an item other than what it has been made for. 4. Identifying objects by feel. Students are blindfolded and try to identify items placed in an open container merely by feel. 5. Hanging posters or information upside down on occasion. Students are encouraged to look at them. This alerts their visual processing in a way that activates new neural pathways. Source: http://www.karenwalstraconsulting. com/home/index.php?ipkArticleID=40
Malala: Youngest Nobel Peace Laureate Ever The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize to Malala Yousafzay of Pakistan and Kailash Satyarthi of India "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education." At 17, Malala is not only the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate ever but the youngest Nobel laureate ever--a distinction that belonged to William Lawrence Bragg for almost a century when he won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1915 at the age of 25. Malala was barely 11 years old when she began championing girls' education, speaking out in TV interviews. The Taliban had overrun her home town of Mingora, terrorizing its residents and threatening to blow out its girls' schools, when she blogged anonymously for the BBC about life under the Taliban. On Oct. 9, 2012, a Taliban gunman boarded her school bus and shot her in the head. She luckily survived because the bullet did not enter her brain and British doctors who were visiting Pakistan were quick to intervene. Since recovering from surgery, Malala has taken her campaign to the global stage, notably with an impassioned speech to the United Nations. Malala has since won numerous human rights awards, including the European Parliament's Sakharov Award. Sources: http://www.thelocal.no/20141010/india-and-pakistan-share-nobel-peace-prize; http://news.discovery.com/history/youngest-nobel-prize-winners-131011.htm
Peace Ideas, No. 79
Inner Peace ___________________________________
Low Expectations Equals Happiness A 2014 research study at University College in the United Kingdom suggests that keeping expectations low may be the key to happiness. The study consisted of two parts: · First part: 26 people were required to make decisions that led to financial gains or losses, while a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scanner monitored their mood. · Second part: 18,420 people played a game called "The Great Brain Experiment" which replicated the experiment using points instead of money. The researchers found that the subjects’ happiness levels did not depend on the total amount of
money or points they gained or lost but on how those gains or losses matched up to their expectations. Lead researcher Robb Rutledge concludes: “Happiness depends not on how well things are going but whether things are going better or worse than expected." Low expectations also seem to play an important role in happy relationships. In an episode in the British TV show "Bargain Hunt," the host asked a husband-andwife team: “You’ve been married for 35 years. So tell me, what do you think is the secret of a happy marriage?" And the answer was: "Low expectations!" It might appear cheeky but it has truth in it. Source: Gary Hayden, "Want to Be Happy? Lower Your Expectations" (http://sgopm.blogspot.com/2014/12/ want-to-be-happy-lower-your-expectations.html)
Interpersonal Relationships _______________________
How to Talk About Religion Peacefully It is said that religion is one of two things (the other being politics) that you should not talk about at the dinner table. But it is possible to discuss religion peacefully by following these tips: 1. Figure out if it is appropriate. For example, you should avoid bringing up a contentious subject if you are talking with someone you just met. 2. Do not assume that you are already an expert. It is best to approach the subject with a “knownothing attitude” while simultaneously being open and willing to learn more. 3. Get on the same page. For example, religion may mean different things to different people, e.g., institution, going to church, spirituality, and so on. Agree on
what you are talking about. 4. Be curious. For example, find out how the other person's life is enriched by his religious beliefs and practice. You can gain more from approaching the conversation with curiosity rather than skepticism or judgment. 5. Find common ground. The con ver sa tion will cer tainly be more fruitful if you focus on the things you and the other person agree on like, say, the importance of love and peace in our world. 8. If things get tense, back off. It is always time to cut things off if you find yourself getting into an argument. Make it a point to talk about religion in order to learn and share, rather than to be right. Source: Anna North, "How to Talk About Religion Without Starting a Fight" (http://jezebel.com/5842933/how-totalk-about-religion-without-starting-a-fight)
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Peace Quotes All men desire peace, but very few desire those things that make for peace. THOMAS A KEMPIS
There is no moral difference between a Stealth bomber and a suicide bomber. They both kill innocent people for political reasons. TONY BENN
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything--anger, anxiety, or possessions--we cannot be free. THICH NHAT HANH
Make no mistake: peace ful madmen are ahead of the future. GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ
Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace, to teach peace, to live peace...Peace will be the last word of history. POPE JOHN PAUL II
You have come from God, you are a spark of His Glory; you are a wave of that Ocean of Bliss; you will get peace only when you again merge in Him. SRI SATHYA SRI BABA
To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still. JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI
Man, when pre par ing for bloody war, will orate loudly and most eloquently in the name of peace. ALAN MOORE
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Peace Ideas, No. 79
Health and Healing_______ Environment _________________________________
Stay Healthy Why Sorting Your Waste is Important with Love Does love really heal? Modern scientific research studies repeatedly show that it does. Dean Shrock, PhD, author of Why Love Heals, provides this explanation: Love is the all-pervasive energy that flows through everything in the universe. Connecting emotionally and spiritually is the essence of life and health. We are all interconnected and one at the quantum level, and this oneness is love. When you experience love, you resonate with the essence of the universe and who you really are, and become whole. The quantum field flows freely through you and health is its natural consequence. You yourself as love are the ultimate source of health and healing. That said, the healing power of love seems to work in two ways. Your health is boosted when you-1. Feel loved. Researchers at the In stitute for HeartMath in Boulder Creek, California have discovered that when we feel love, or any positive emotion such as compassion, caring, or gratitude, the heart sends messages to the brain and secretes hormones like oxytocin and neurochemicals like endorphin that positively affect our health. 2. Give love. For example, the results of a study of more than 700 elderly adults showed that the effects of aging were influenced more by what the participants contributed to their social support network than what they received from it. In other words, the more love and support they gave, the more they benefited healthwise. So live healthier and heal faster with love. Not only is it free but something that is available in infinite abundance within you. Sources: http://www.holistic-mindbody-healing.com/love-heals.html; http://www.crystalinks.com/love.html
Ever wondered why you have to sort your garbage instead of just throw them all together in a single bin? Well, sorting waste is so important to our environment and economy. This is because it-1. Enables the recovery of use ful, recycable ma te ri als. Many of the benefits of sorting waste is directly related to the ecological benefits of recycling. Unsegrerated waste all go straight to landfills. 2. Saves energy and natural resources. When new products are manufactured from recycled waste materials instead of "virgin" materials, a lot of energy (used in production) and natural resources are saved.
3. Protects the environment. Sorting waste helps greatly in preventing global warming or climate change. By minimizing the energy spent on industrial production, it helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 4. Benefits the economy. Similar to energy and natu ral resources, recycling also helps in saving a lot of expense required for the production of new products from "virgin" materials. 5. Saves space for waste disposal. Most of the landfill sites are filled up with a lot of waste products that could have been recycled effectively if they were sorted out. Sources: http://www.bubblews.com/news/2057431why-is-it-important-to-sort-garbage-mind-your-garbage-before-you-dump-it; http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is- recycling-important.html
Animal Welfare _______________________________
Warning: Smoking is Bad for Your Pets Smoking is hazardous to your health. And not just yours but your animal friends' as well. Numerous studies bear witness to this. For example-· A 2002 Tufts University study found that cats living with smokers are twice as likely to develop malignant lymphoma. · A 2007 Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine study linked second-hand smoke to oral cancer in cats. · A 1998 Colorado State University study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a higher incidence of nasal tumors and cancer of the sinus in dogs living in a home with smokers. · The same study showed higher lung cancer rates in short to medium-nosed dogs
who live with smokers, such as boxers and bulldogs. · Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that dogs in smoking households have a 60 percent greater risk of lung cancer. If passive smoke is bad to mammals, it is even more so to birds because their unique respiratory system enables them to draw not only more oxygen out of the air than mammals, but more of the pollutants that go with the oxygen in the inspired air. As a result, birds are very susceptible to pneumonia and lung cancer. They are also prone to eye, skin, heart and fertility problems because of the pollutants that go into their blood from the lungs. Sources: http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/smoking-endangers-animals/; http://www.feathershoppe.com/smoking/
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Meditation __________________________________ Parenting ______________
Meditation Tips for People Who Can't Focus With all the talk going around about the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of meditation, many people want to buckle down to meditative practice, but cannot do so because they can hardly quiet their multitasking brain. If you are one such person, here are five tips from meditation guru Amit Sood, MD, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic and author of The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living, that you might find helpful: 1. Pick an activity that works for you. Most beginners think that they have to sit in their rooms counting their breaths in order for meditation to work. But you can incorporate meditation into your everyday activities, especially if you lack the time to sit. Instead of listening to your Ipod while jogging, for example, you may mentally repeat the word “peace” every few steps you take, and that's meditation practice. 2. Grab a moment of gratitude. A quick, easy way of getting into a meditative mood is to sit down and take a few minutes to think about five people in your life you are grateful for. Start with the first one, and enumerate the reasons you are grateful for him. Then move on to the second one, repeating the same procedure, and imagine looking deeply and
lovingly into his eyes. By the third one, visualize giving him a loving embrace. By evoking images of people who love or help you in one way or the other, you release positive energy that will stay with you the rest of the day. 3. Start small. It is alright to start with only 3 or 5 minutes. Try this simple exercise: sit quietly and as you breathe in, imagine your brain filling with light. Exhale. Breathe in again, imagining your heart filling with light, then exhale. Keep repeating this, alternating between brain and heart. 4. Wish others well. When you walk around the office, for example, silently send each coworker you see a well wish like “I wish you love, peace and happiness.” Do it for everyone, even people you are indifferent to or dislike. This will help you dissolve your sense of being separate from others. 5. Turn to an app. If you do not find any of these tips helpful or if you want more, there are plenty of apps out there to keep you meditating in the moment. (according to Lift, 62% of people who meditate more than three days a week use a meditation app.) Source: Hallie Levine, "5 Meditation Tips for People Who Can't Focus" (http://news.health.com/2014/ 11/18/5-meditation-tips-for-people-who-cant-focus/
Thinking of a Gift? Why not a year’s subscription to Peace Ideas? P120.00 (or US$8.00 foreign by air). If you subscribe for more than 10 friends, you get a 10% discount for all. Your friends will receive a card announcing your gift subscription together with the first issue. Just send your name with the list of your friends, together with a check or money order to: Peace Ideas, 1 Iba Street, Quezon City, Philippines.
When Your Child Lies Do not think that your child is inherently bad just because he lied. Children just tend to do anything to preserve their parents' love for them, so it is important to show the child that he has absolutely no need of lying. Here are things you can do as a parent if your child lies: 1. Try to discern why your child is lying. Some lies are malicious; they are intended to harm another person. But most lies children tell are uttered under the pressure of the moment, perhaps to avoid embarrassment, punishment, or not being loved. Best results are gained if you do not embarrass, discipline by punishment, or behave in ways that may be misinterpreted as withdrawal of love. Children also sometimes lie to impress others or boost their image. Build your child's selfworth by giving him lots of unconditional love so he won't find the need to lie. 2. Use statements instead of questions. For example, instead of sternly asking an accusatory question like "Did you break that vase?,“ try simply saying, "Oh, no, you broke the vase." This way, the child will feel less pressure and will be less tempted to lie. 3. Praise honesty. Children naturally desire to please their parents, so use that inclination to your advantage. Let your child know that honesty is an important family value and that you therefore expect him to be truthful. 4. Set the example. You cannot expect your child to be truthful if, for example, you instruct him to tell the bill collector that you are not at home. Always remember that children follow what their parents do more than what they say. Source: "When Your Child Lies," Awake November 2014
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Peace Ideas, No. 79
Interspirituality _________ Outer Peace __________________________________
The Power of Interfaith Prayer What happens when people of different faiths pray together? Results of a new research study published in the journal, American Sociological Review, show that interfaith prayer can be a powerful, binding force that helps a diverse group of people discover common ground and feel connected. Researchers observed the strategies that racially and socioeconomically diverse community groups commonly use to unite people of different religious and c u l tu r a l b a c k gr o u n d s . T h e groups, which would gather to address community social issues, con ducted in ter faith group prayers in about 75 percent of the gatherings during the two-year study period. Among the key findings are: 1. Interfaith prayer plays an important role in uniting people with significant racial and socioeconomic differences but who share at least one thing in common: a genuine "longing of the soul" to commune with God, the Divine, Ultimate Reality, etc. 2. The key to unity is in the acknowledgement and acceptance of their differences as a result of valuing more what they have in common. Organizations were even more effective when they engaged, rather than avoided, the groups' varied backgrounds. 2. Interfaith prayer can be used as a bridging tool in many kinds of groups, not just community and civic associations. In fact, prayer can be used by any open-minded group looking to find commonality, from large companies to hobby associations to political groups. Source: Traci Pederson, "The Power of Interfaith Prayer to Unite Cultures and Religions" (http:// spiritualityhealth.com/blog/traci-pedersen/power-interfaith-prayer-unite-cultures-and)
Battling Ebola: What You Can Do Africa is facing the worst Ebola outbreak in history and the World Health Organization has declared the epidemic a serious international health emergency. As of Dec. 27 last year, 7,842 of the 20,081 people infected since March--mostly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone--have died. The situation is so bad, with the spread taking an upward curve lately, that the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has put the worst-case scenario of the outbreak spreading to hundreds of thousands of people more this year if we do not respond quickly enough. But what can you do to help? Here are some suggestions: 1. Know the facts and spread awareness. The internet is a source of abundant information about Ebola. For example, IDSA News' September issue provides a compilation of informational links, including CDC Ebola evaluation guidelines and information for vol un teers, jour nal articles on Ebola, etc. 2. Donate. Unless you are a doctor or health-care professional willing to volunteer for field assignment, the best way to help directly is to donate money to organizations on the ground like the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders. These groups are in desperate need of funding for their continuous work of providing health-care services, training and equipping health-care workers, building treatment centers, conducting disease-prevention education programs, and so on. You may also donate to the UN Foundation’s Ebola Response Fund to support the life-saving efforts of UN agencies like WHO. 5. Take preventive measures so you do not become part of the problem. Strengthen your immune system. Avoid contact with Ebola victims, or their body fluids and clothing at all costs. (Remember that healthcare workers use fullbody protective clothing and goggles, and yet, hundreds have still died.) Avoid contact with bats and monkeys. Do not eat bush meat. 6. Know what to do if you catch it. Go to a health facility immediately once you think you have Ebola symptoms. Have colloidal silver, oxychlor (also known as MMS and CDS in the alternative health circles) and lots of Vit. C on hand because the earlier you take them, the better your chance of recovery. Sources: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23538771; http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/03/climate-change-now-seen-as-security-threat-worldwide/ www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=96262&cat =20Interpersonal RelationshipsInner Peace
The Peace Center The Peace Center of the Theosophical Society in the Philippines is open Tuesday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Center is located at the National Headquarters of the Theosophical Society in the Philippines, 1 Iba Street,
Quezon City, Philippines. Tel. No. 741-57-40. The Board of Trustees of the Center is composed of the following: Vicente R. Hao Chin, Jr. (Chairman), Rudy Rodil (Executive Director), Flerida Ruth P. Romero, Leticia R. Shahani, Concepcion L. Madarang, Luis Torres, Leonardo Salazar and Patricia G. MuĂąoz (Trustees).