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Peace begins with
each of us, as individuals. Getting in touch with the whole person
within – mind, body, and spirit. Achieving an understanding of
ourselves, seeking and finding our own inner peace and sharing it in
relationships with others. Searching within to find right thinking, and
right attitudes as a basis for right conduct and action in support of
the right cause.
“Peace from inner strength”
“Personal commitment to the achievement of peace in our own lives”
“Raising awareness to the level of responsible actions”
Inner peace can be learned by simply observing the joy of children;
their awareness of the simple things; their creativity and limitless
sense of discovery of themselves, and the world around them; and their
great capacity to enjoy life as reflected in their spontaneous smiles
and laughter. We should all seek to find the “discovery factor” of the
child within us, and nurture it.
“Respect for self to have respect for others”
“What we do now will affect our children and grandchildren”
From peace within us, reaching out to others in a spirit of
understanding, trust, and acceptance to achieve harmony within our
families and neighbourhoods, and particularly among our youth. The arts
in all forms are invaluable as a universal language in creating bridges
of understanding and appreciation. Peace with others extends to our
colleagues at work and within our respective professions, trades, and
occupations. It is creating partnerships to work together towards common
goals.
“Love transcends all things”
“Collective peace through individual peace”
To achieve peace within ourselves and with others, we must also be at
peace with nature. In this respect, we can learn from the Iroquois Great
Law of Peace, which states in part: “God created man - to take care of
everything else that God created.” We must re-connect with our roots,
our communities, and natural environment and where possible bring nature
back into our urban settings.
“Harmony with each other and the land”
“Peace is holistic, physical and ecological”
“Peace is a recognition of the inter-connectedness of all things.”
“Peace is the way we live, how we use the land and integrate the natural
world into our cities”
The vision of peace includes harmony among jurisdictions – local/
provincial/ federal and a unified community working together in a
continued leadership role in collaboration with other nations, towards
international understanding, world peace, and a healthy environment. It
is a recognition and celebration of the natural beauty and abundance we
have and the opportunities before us. It is recognizing the importance
of all parts of the global society – even small places in the global
struggle for peace – Sharing and appreciating the diverse cultural
heritage within the human family – The Global Village.
Global Peace requires that we deal with the obstacles to peace – with
famine, drought, and illiteracy; that we bridge the gap with the less
fortunate. It requires peaceful means to resolve conflict and
appropriate structures and strategies to build a better world for all.
“Have to provide food, water and shelter for all before we can achieve
peace”
“We ARE our brother’s keeper”
Global peace requires a transition from military economies to peace
economies; meeting human needs – particularly in developing countries
and restoring health to the environment and our life support systems –
land, air and water.
“Turning swords into ploughshares”
Peace is the recognition of our spiritual as well as our material
capacities - a spirituality that embraces the whole of creation.
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