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By reflecting on peace-making opportunities in your life, you can reinforce your skills and increase your resolve to work for peace in the future. Try this easy exercise by yourself or with friends or family.

Think of 3-5 events in your life in 2004 that were significant for you. In each event, what opportunities did you have to practice peace-making, and how did those opportunities play out?

For example, three significant events for me were leaving a job I'd held for three years, buying a property, and watching my father suffer a life-threatening illness. I felt the most peace when I was able to treat others with respect and integrity, when I was able to pay attention to my inner wisdom, and when I was able to act with love in a fearful situation. I could see my peace reflected in others, even when we seemed to be on opposing sides. It appeared in their ability to be clear and their willingness to create mutually agreeable solutions. We all got to practice peace-making.

As you recall events from your own life, you may be surprised to discover how much of your daily life actually involves practicing peace, and you may find yourself defining peace-making more broadly. In these troubled times, we need the encouragement of recognizing each small step for peace that we take, so that we can see how far we've come and have strength to continue the journey.

A short article for elsewhere in newsletter:

Did you know that the first day of each new year holds special significance?
JANUARY 1 IS FOR PEACE AND SHARING
If you missed it this year, it is something to keep in mind for 2006!

In December 2000, the United States Congress declared that every January 1 should be celebrated as a day of peace and sharing in the United States. Congressional Resolution #138 states:

Whereas human progress in the 21st century will depend upon global understanding and cooperation in finding positive solutions to hunger and violence;
Whereas the turn of the millennium offers unparalleled opportunity for humanity to examine its past, set goals for the future, and establish new patterns of behavior;
Whereas the example set on January 1, 2000 [as One Day In Peace by the United Nations General Assembly] ought to be recognized globally and repeated each year;
Whereas the people of the United States seek to establish better relations with one another and with the people of all countries; and
Whereas celebration by the breaking of bread together traditionally has been the means by which individuals, societies, and nations join together in peace;
Now, therefore, be it resolved [that]
1) each year should begin with a day of peace and sharing during which a) people around the world should gather with family, friends, neighbors, their faith community, or people of another culture to pledge nonviolence in the new year and to share in a celebratory new year meal; and b) Americans who are able should match or multiply the cost of their new year meal with a timely gift to the hungry at home or abroad in a tangible demonstration of a desire for increased friendship and sharing among people around the world; and 2) the President should issue a proclamation each year calling on the people of the United States and interested organization to observe such a day with appropriate programs and activities.