Peace day in Stroud

In Stroud they like peace and as part of the International Day of Peace celebrations they were out in force. They are only usually active when protesting at the outbreak of wars. Yesterday (Saturday) there was a film festival entitled "War And Peace" at Stroud Valleys Arts. I went there to hand out invites to our peace day event at the local arts cafe. All but one of the eight films shown was about war, the eighth wasn't about peace either, which goes to show that artists and reporters are drawn more to the glamour and horrors of war than they are peace. Maybe it is because peace isn't deemed good news, nothing is happening when peace breaks out, it cannot be described, put in print or on film. Afterwards, I was invited to join an organised discussion, chaired by our local Mayor with some of the directors and a few media types , one notably worked with the UN in Haiti and Sierra Leone, promoting peace through perfomance. They pondered the question "what does it take to build peace" and "how can artists contribute to peace? ". I listened, trying to stay open minded and not being too critical of the ideas presented. It was clear that some were laying claim to the idea of peace as their own and some, though very sincere, were struggling to offer any answers.

I began to realise that I have an opinion on this that was totally valid, that would blow all there ideas to smithereens and felt strongly compelled to say something but I didnt. I just sat there feeling my peace and to be honest a little smug and then, the unthinkable happened. Out of the blue I was asked to say something about our event the next day, I was quite taken aback but my passion took control and was able to tell them of my thoughts on peace and that for me, peace just wouldn't happen unless I felt peaceful ( pretty obvious really) and that my teacher was showing me how. I went on to tell them about my enthusiasm for peace day and invited them all to our event tomorrow.


A few people went out of their way to say that this was what they wanted to hear. Some were clearly moved. I gave information to an Indian guy from Coventry and one of the directors , (the one who's film wasn't about war) who had come all the way from Iran. I was blown away by the experience. In Knowledge we have a powerful tool, that works its magic in the most amazing and subtle way. We should not be afraid to tell people what Maharaji is doing for us. Let the magic happen.

Today is Peace day, the sun was shining for the first time in weeks and we took part in a colourful and moving Flag Ceremony put on by a local group of Buddhists, where the national flag of each country was presented. Small children, young people and old people carried a flag to place in a circle while a call for peace was made for each nation.

Our mayor made a speech denouncing war mongering and calling for solidarity in the fight against war and the suffering it creates. In Stroud we have a green mayor a member of Mayors for Peace * an old Stroudie who was a radical politician and peace activist in the 60s & 70s and is still very vocal and active in the Green Movement .
He had been given an invitation and had agreed to come.

We were able to hand out more invites, and at the finish an announcment was made inviting people to our event . The afternoon was very peaceful and was enjoyed by all.

Its 5.15pm and our event is ready, we have a small room there are 24 seats and it looks and feels great. we put on a walk-in slideshow with wonderful quotes and music called "What is Peace" from Mavoh.com . People are starting to arrive, the mayor and his partner took their seats, we wait another 5 or more mins for stragglers, there are 24 in the room, 8 premies and 16 new people. The room is quiet and still.

We started the event with a short introduction followed by a film of Jeremy Gilley, whos inspiration and persistant lobbying of the UN started Peace Day. Then " A Peace Yet Undefined" another slide show with Maharaji speaking . This was followed by Maharaji speaking to the New Zealand Parliament on Peace day 2006. A lengthy DVD with a rather long introduction. I had been worried we might lose some of our guests but they all stayed, Maharaji spoke beautifully and the audience was wrapt. We finished with short announcements and then a walkout slideshow "A Thirst for Peace". Some stayed in their seats to watch it on repeat.

The mayor had to leave because he had another engagement, but the cafe was open and people stayed for coffees and cakes, many took advantage of the free DVDs on offer and 9 people left their contact details.

A truly wonderful day. Lets make every day a Day of Peace.


* "The Mayors for peace, through close cooperation among the cities, strives to raise international public awareness regarding the need to abolish nuclear weapons and contributes to the realization of genuine and lasting world peace by working to eliminate starvation and poverty, assist refugees fleeing local conflict, support human rights, protect the environment, and solve the other problems that threaten peaceful coexistence within the human family."
You can check whether the Mayor of your town is a member at the website, where all participating mayors from all over the world are listed. There are 2410 members from 131 countries and regions. If they are not, maybe you could tell them about it and why they should join.

Some photos attached.


Love and peace
Howie