Thoughts on society...

I live in (Southern) California in the United States of America.

I know that here, there is a sense of living in a personal bubble. We have our personal space. Take the grocery store....

I have noticed that people don't engage each other. They don't smile, they don't say hello or good-day. There is no acknowledgment that any other person exists.

My idea: To make it a habit smile and say hello to one person or more and smile and acknowledge, in some way, most everyone else when out in public.

Why: Opening a dialogue between people is one way to start promoting peace in our lives.

For instance... There are guys who sell newspapers on the corner of the streets in my town. Even if I don't buy a paper, I roll down my window and say hello and ask how they are. One guy in particular is a real treat to ask because he always says, "I am blessed." He asks how I am and I am always inclined to say, "I am blessed as well!" Seeing him, or any other newspaper fellow, now reminds me of how blessed I am. All of this from one connection a day!

Imagine the difference you can make if you reach out to a single person every day! (A tip: instead of saying "fine" or "okay" when someone asks how you are, find a bold word to use in its place. i.e. Awesome, great, blessed, fantastic, extraordinarily good, groovy, or fantabulous! And say it with a big smile!)

I dare you to reach out to one person every day!

What about YOU?

I would like to hear what peace means to you personally in your life. How is your life peaceful? How is it NOT peaceful? How do you think your life could benefit from some peace?

What about in your neighborhood or community? Your state or country?

What about the WORLD?

Where do you want to see Peace in your world?


I personally want peace of mind. To me that means a sense of purpose and direction. A knowing of why I'm here. I want peace for my town, there is gang violence here. I want peace between all peoples of the world. This is a glorious place and can be for everyone if we would just take the time to understand where we are all coming from and then make some compromises for the greater good. If we all acted peacefully and lived peaceful, non-violent lives what an even more wonderful world this would be!

I encourage you to envision peace in your life and for the world. Sit and think on it. Then write what it would be like. Get creative! Write a song or poem, make some other kind of art!

I encourage you to then share your creativity with others. You can share it here in the comments, or email me at senarae@yahoo.com with your ideas and art.

Thank you! And peace be with you always!

Let it begin with me!

One of my favorite songs of all time (since I first learned it when I was 10..) is Let There Be Peace On Earth. When I learned it I was in a youth chorus and even then it made me cry. It still does today. Please take some time and read through the lyrics and see how it touches your heart. If you're interested in hearing it, go to: www.blip.fm and hear Vince Gill sing it.

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth,
the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,
brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me.

Words and Music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, Circa 1955

Make A Commitment

I made a commitment tonight. I committed to showing love and compassion to everyone I meet on Peace Day, September 21st. Of course my goal is to do that every day, but especially on that day I will try harder. Visit Peace One Day and make your commitment!


I also committed to being a Peace Activist a few days ago and it is a powerful experience. Taking time everyday to meditate on peace has kept it more and more in the forefront of my mind.


What will you do to make a commitment to peace? What do you do now? How can you do more? Think about it, come up with a plan, and then take ACTION on it!