Peace Week

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

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)

Monday, October 7, 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!)

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Peace Week Specials!

Akron Peace Week is excited to host a new program this year - the Peace Week Special! Several downtown and Akron-area restaurants are highlighting a delicious vegan option during the week. We're so happy to help bring awareness of peaceful food options in our city.

The participants in the first Peace Week Special are:
Ms. Julie's Kitchen
Urban Eats
Bricco
House of Hunan
Cilantro
Ohio Brewing Co.

Bricco has prepared a few special specials!
Pizza with marinara, red peppers, asparagus, yellow squash, mushrooms and red onion $12
Wheat penne pasta tossed with artichokes, spinach, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic oil $12
Quinoa with black beans, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, avocadoes, corn, roasted garlic, cumin and chili powder $8 lunch, $12 dinner

Ohio Brewing is offering their amazing vegan pizza!

More may be added soon, and will be updated here.

You can tell which restaurants are participating by the poster in their windows.

Monday, September 23, 2013

New Banyan Tree Address

The Banyan Tree, host of our events on Sunday the 29th, Monday the 20th, and Thursday the 3rd, has moved to a new location in Peninsula.

These events will be hosted at their new location.

Here is that address:
6138 Riverview Road, Suite C & D
Peninsula, OH 44264

Sorry for any confusion or inconvenience. We love the Barbe and the Banyan Tree, and are happy we could still work with them this year.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Peace Ride!

A bicycle ride up the towpath is always a nice time. Lovely wooded scenery draped right along the canal and Cuyahoga River.

Why not ride for Peace?

On Sunday Oct 6th, we are holding the 2nd Annual Peace Ride as a part of Akron Peace Week.

The ride starts at 9am. All participants should meet at the Cascade Lock/ Mustill Store parking lot off of Howard and North St. We will be riding the towpath to Independence, where we will pause for lunch and a short meditation, and then catching a ride back to Akron via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. We hope to be back in Akron by around 2pm.

This ride is rain or shine. Last year it was cold and wet, but a lot of fun!

Also, any level of rider is welcomed. You don't need to make it all 25 miles. There are several places the train picks people up along the way, or you can turn around at any point. I don't want the distance to turn you away. You know your limits and body better than anyone - ride as far as you'd like. We don't want anyone to hurt themselves.

We are encouraging participants to create their own flag to fly from their bicycle. Be creative - and peaceful.

Please pack a lunch, as the food options on the train and options around the Independence station are very limited. There is water available at various places along the towpath.

There is no cost to ride, though we do always appreciate love donations.

For more info, or to tell us you're coming:
https://www.facebook.com/events/708804352479888/