This I Believe

This I Believe

This I Believe: we are alive to Love.
To Love all creation, all beings, all habitats.
To Love not with only with our heads and minds, but with our hands and words.
With our shadows and money.
I believe Nature roots for good.
That we are Nature.
I believe singing makes the day better.
I believe we each hold the power to change and influence.
That I am the most powerful person on Earth. And so are you.
That I am also just a manifestation of nature’s compassion in the world – like a tree. Among the forest.
I believe our greatest calling is to inspire.
I believe dancing is celebration, and all celebration can be worship to the Beloved.
That every smile is sunshine to a fledgling soul.
That every ripple of kindness makes its way around the world.
I believe in chocolate.
It reminds us we are all children.
I believe that peace is strength.
Respect is strength.
Forgiveness is freedom.
I believe that evil exists, but that nothing is as powerful as Love.
That we grow brighter and sweeter even in rain, ashes, and manure.
That inner peace is a choice.
I believe in Brussels sprouts. And spinach.
And kale and cauliflower and spelt and eggplant.
Because it’s made with sunshine and water.
And who doesn’t love sunshine?
Who doesn’t want to be sunshine?
I believe in the sacred.
That life is mystical. And magical. And beautiful.
And that everything worth doing requires an initial leap of faith.
That every day is an adventure.
That every breath begins with the universal sound for Love.
I believe in turn signals. They were invented for a reason.
I believe we should treat ourselves well, and others even better.
I believe to choose kindness.
In every choice.
I believe it’s up to us. Each of us.
I believe in peace by pieces.
Life is a verb.
Love is a lifestyle.
Peace is everywhere.
I believe we should listen more.
I believe there are 8 billion names for God.
And another trillion upon trillion more.
And that all numbers add up to One.
This I believe: we are all here to Love.


(Originally published in the Healthy & Humane Observer, 2013)

Life Between Peace Weeks

The Peace Project works on bringing peace inwardly and outwordly throughout the year, not just for one week in October. After all, every week is in reality Peace Week, if we want it to be.

We are planning a few events for the fall and winter, which we are excited about.

We would like to use this space as a space for insights and information. I will be posting some weekly information about food and nonviolent lifestyle. I hope we can have regular contributors to our dialogue as well. Peace does not come from any one person, it comes from within.

We are open to your suggestions.

Who would like to be a part of a Vegan Chili Cook Off in early November?

Who would like to be part of a monthly Peace tune up?

Talk to us.

Namaste.
Zach

Thank You!

We wish to thank everyone who helped us put Peace Week together this year!
Thank you Keith Allison, Theresa Gottl, especially for your help.

We wish to thank all the presenters of amazing information and insights!
Thank you Barbe Beaty, Nancy Holland, Judy and Phil of the Camp, Ray Gehani, Bolly Soule, Patty O'Shea, Maureen Sloan, Terry Gordon, Akron Area Interfaith Council, Shirley Keating, Chloa Ann, Liz Nelson, Colin John, Light of the Loon, Emma Shepard, The Bright Lights, Magic Mike, Keith Allison, Jen Griest, Art of Living, Counrtyside Conservancy Farmer's Market, Ms Julie, Dae at Market Path, Rebekah Benner and Terra Amma Spiritual Center, Bricco, Cilantro, House of Hunan, Urban Eats, Crave, and The Summit County Public Library.

We wish to thank all the sponsors of Peace Week!
Thank you Vita Coco, Banyan Tree, 91.3 The Summit, The GAR Hall, the peninsula Valley Foundation, Akron Area Interfaith Council, and Bath Church.

We wish to thank all the folks who attended our events! We can't put events on and do the work we do in promoting peace and nonviolence if no one shows up. So thank you so much!!

We're looking forward to the first week in October 2014 (for the big 5th Annual Akron Peace Week!)