|
1. What counts as an Act of Peace?
It’s entirely up to you – what feels like the more peaceful approach to going about your day? Talk to people you would usually ignore. Spread a little peace and laughter. Be aware of what total strangers do for you – serve you a cup of coffee, deliver your mail, check out your groceries. Take an extra moment to say a sincere “thank you” and ask how they’re doing. Notice when someone around you seems upset. Don’t be too busy to inquire what’s wrong, and offer a calming word or two. Perhaps just by showing concern, you can give that person a moment of much-needed peace. Whatever you decide to do as your three Acts of Peace a day, you should start small so that you don’t get discouraged. Just keep a record of every littlest effort . . . and don’t expect perfect peace in your life right away. 2. What makes something I do become an Act of Peace? Doesn’t peace mean tranquil, calm, quiet? How do I commit an Act of Peace? Probably the best way to answer this question is to examine what brings peace into your own life: What have people done for you that has already contributed to your own sense of being more peaceful? When do you feel most appreciated, cared for, happy? Once you think about what makes you feel peace-filled, you will know how to pass that peace on to others. 3. I love this idea and want to spread it in my home . . . school . . . community . . . workplace . . . recreation center. How do I start? Invite everyone on your email list to visit our website and print out the One Thousand Acts of Peace E-flyer from our website, make copies, take them to your place of work, your gym, your yoga class; your church, synagogue, or mosque; your school, your college. Also, talk about One Thousand Acts of Peace with family members, co-workers, friends, fellow students, etc. --- those you meet casually at a party, a check-out counter, a sports event, while waiting for a bus. You never know who might pick up the idea and spread Acts of Peace around. 4. I wish I could commit three Acts of Peace every day, but I’m a very busy person and I am already over-committed. I just don’t think I can “do” anymore right now. Acts of Peace is not about “doing” any more than you are already doing – only doing it a little bit differently. Instead of always feeling short on time (and patience!), by thinking about peace we all learn to live more peacefully and even more enjoyably. We become more aware of our “tense” moments and try to turn them into opportunities for Acts of Peace (or patience) . . . responding to a request or a demand with a smile instead of a scowl. |
5. I am willing to commit three Acts of Peace a day
every day, but do I have to jot them down in a notebook or keep a computer record? Unless we make a habit of recording our Acts of Peace, most of us will most likely forget to do them at all. All it takes is a notebook and pen. . . a smart phone . . . and the desire. Some of us use our computer or mobile phone as a "peace" reminder. It takes less than three minutes a day to note three Acts of Peace. And the rewards are incalculable! 6. I’ve been involved in peace movements before. I can see how marches and petitions and boycotts and sit-ins and demonstrations and even going to jail can work to change governments and bring about Peace. But three Acts of Peace a day? I don’t see the connection. This is not just another peace movement. And it is not even directed toward the end of any specific war. One Thousand Acts of Peace is simply our personal commitment to think about peace, nurture peace, and to work on peace every day of our lives, at least often enough to commit three Acts of Peace a day. 7. What if I’m not feeling very peaceful today – or I’ve said a harsh word or judged someone else? It’s also an Act of Peace to write down our regret for something we wish we hadn’t said or done – and then note a simple plan to rectify it. When we start thinking about peace in this way, we find opportunities to practice peace even when we don’t feel like it. 8. What if I lose momentum . . . and forget to make three Acts of Peace every day for a few days, weeks, months? Can I make it up? Of course. We all do. And again, that’s why our notebooks serve to remind, encourage, and help us build the habit of keeping the peace every day. We mustn’t get discouraged because that wouldn’t be an Act of Peace towards our self, now, would it? 9. I just heard about One Thousand Acts of Peace and it’s already well past New Year’s. Can I still be involved? Absolutely. Your official year begins today. It’s not dependent on any calendar or time zone. Just start . . . three Acts of Peace a day, every day, whatever the date happens to be. That will still add up to over One Thousand Acts of Peace in a year. And that's a lot more peace in the world. Peace: three times a day. A little peace goes a long way! |