The International Day of Radiant Peace
Everyone wants to live a more peaceful life and have a more peaceful world. But there is so much hate and fighting in the world. How is it possible to create peace? The answer is that peace starts within every individual -- that means you. This brings up another question: How is it possible to find peace within yourself? September 22nd, the International Day of Radiant Peace, is a great day to reflect on these questions.
The International Day of Radiant Peace has been celebrated every year since 1999. This special day is about promoting peace by by recognizing “the dignity and worth of all human beings, of all animals and of all living things.” No matter your gender, race, age, nationality, or any other characteristic that makes up who you are, you have the ability to find peace within yourself and spread it to others. That’s why it’s called “Radiant” Peace. You can inspire others with your peaceful spirit that radiates outward from inside you.
Recognizing the dignity and worth of all living things means you are included. Having self-love is one way to find peace within yourself. Often, we have inner chaos because we put too much pressure on ourselves. We might be trying to live up to others’ unrealistic expectations, or we might have unrealistic expectations of ourselves. Then, we feel upset because we’ve “failed” or we’re “not good enough.” Have positive thoughts when you think about yourself. You are enough, and you deserve to treat yourself with love.
Radiant Peace is also about respecting the dignity and worth of animals, plants, and the earth. The International Day of Radiant Peace honors “the peaceful interconnectedness of all life.” Peace is created when we treat the earth and all living things with care and respect. There are many things you can do to promote peace for animals, plants, and the earth, such as going on a walk and taking in the beauty of nature, painting a picture of nature, volunteering at an animal shelter, planting a garden, buying environmentally-friendly products, or volunteering for an environmental organization.
What about the ways you interact with other people? If you want to radiate peace so that you can spread it to others, you can do that by interacting with others in a peaceful manner. Diversity is a big part of this. Reach out and show love to people who are different from you in some way. Since this day is meant to be celebrated by everyone regardless of nationality, gender, age, etc, you can celebrate it by promoting peace and friendship between people of diverse backgrounds.
There is another special day for promoting peace and unity between people of different backgrounds. Peace Day, which is recognized by the UN and the US Congress, is September 21st, the day before the International Day of Radiant Peace. Peace Day, which was created by the organization Peace One Day, is meant to be a day of global unity. One of the best examples of this is what happened on Peace Day 2007:
“In 2007, in Afghanistan, Peace One Day's collaboration with UNAMA, UNICEF, WHO and other UN agencies resulted in a ceasefire observed by all parties, including the Taliban. 4.5 million children were vaccinated against polio in Afghanistan due to Peace Day agreements.”
That is the power of Radiant Peace! When people make a choice to focus on peace, it radiates outward so much that it touches the world around them. You can have Radiant Peace, too. First, find inner peace and self-love, then take that inner peace and spread it to others. Let these Radiant Peace quotes from children inspire you. Here is a great quote to remember:
“Radiant Peace is not something to look for; it is in each and every one of us. We just need to find it in our hearts.”
