Day 2 of the Season For Nonviolence: Smiling

Greetings, family!

Today is Saturday, January 31, and the word for the day is: "Smiling." I have much to smile about today, as I am preparing to conduct a choral workshop entitled, "Be The Sound Of Peace," as well as a culminating concert event up in Auburn, CA at the Foothill Center for Spiritual Living! I feel so very honored to have been asked to participate in this exciting project, a "kick-off" for the 12th annual Season For Nonviolence and a fundraiser for Peace For Families.

Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, 'If, in our daily life, we can smile...not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work." A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship and nonviolence. A smile not only improves our looks, it improves our outlook, and when our outlook improves, it is much easier to be at peace.

The affirmation for today is: "Today, I reflect on what peace means to me."

Today's recommended activity is: I will share a sincere smile with everyone I meet, knowing that my smile contributes to peace.

SIKH PRAYER FOR PEACE
We attain God when we love;
And only that victory endures;
In consequences of which no one is defeated.

IF ONLY FOR THIS DAY (Janis Kelly @2008)
If only for this day;
May I be gentle with myself;
If only for right now;
May I be kinder than I've been;
If only for this moment;
May I choose a path;
That brings serenity;
And find the courage that I need;
To finally believe;
That I am strong enough to be:
Just ME!
If only for this day.