International Day of Peace Gathering at peacePlace

Saturday, Sept. 19th, 2015

There were more than 80 persons who moved through the space during the event of all ages and backgrounds. We thank everyone for being present and leaving behind compassion and love through words, music, movement, art making and blessings to grace this community. Many families also came to share this time with one another.

       

Muslimah Hameed began by having all of us sing a song taught as a child by her mother Lillian:

No Man is an Island
No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man's joy is joy to me Each man's grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother Each man as my friend
No man is an island far out in the blue
We all look to One above Who our strength doth renew
When I help my brother Then I know that I plant the seeds Of friends that will never die
I saw the people gather I heard the music start
The song that they were singing Is ringing in my heart
No man is an island, no man stands alone
Each man's joy is joy to me
Each man's grief is my own
We need one another, so I will defend
Each man as my brother Each man as my friend.

Keith Johnson held a soft beat as we sang, then all moved outside into the garden. Keith had arranged many drums in a semicircle for not only one to enjoy playing to a unified rhythm, but for others to dance along with Muslimah. Muslimah’s mother even joined in the fun!

Patricia Federico provided the blessing for the evening upon all of us as well as celebrating the artworks Francisco Garcia had painted and later discussed with the group.

"Creator bless my eyes so that I may see with love, bless my mouth so that I may speak with love, bless my heart so that I may give and receive love, bless my hands so that everything I touch me feel love, bless my feet so that my path may be a prayer to the Earth Mother. Amen.”

We then moved to the back area to have Francisco discuss his mural designs of women and iconic female images who work for the human rights for all and bring us protection...

Francisco had invited many from the Artists’ Collective. Following the first half of the evening’s program Francisco introduced his guests and the artists who came to express their creative words, movement and music to the group.

This was an ongoing happening while pizzas were served for everyone as other art making projects were being enjoyed.

Thuong Nguyen delivered river rocks for everyone to paint with intentions for acts of peace building and to take home or leave on the peace shrine.

There were of course canvases to paint and the beaded bracelet table for all to enjoy.

  

There are so many people to thank for all of their assistance and love brought to the evening. Melanie Ohm took all of the pictures this year. Holly Parson had a poem she wrote as Peace Place poet Laureate wrapped with a ribbon for each person to take home; and Mitra Kamali is always present to share her compassion and love with everyone.

Photo narrative by Judy Butzine