Peace Education - the way forward

On July 2nd and 3rd the Art of Living Foundation is hosting an Unforgettable Peace Festival in Berlin, bringing together 70.000 people from a 150 countries to take part in a historical event with musical and cultural contributions and a youth conference.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I love the idea and I am an Art of Living teacher. I have found their programs and work among the best I have seen.
Their vision of a violent free and stress free society is my vision too and I like to share just some of the events taking place in Berlin with you.

The Art of Living is one of the largest volunteer based NGOs engaged in world-wide peace education and humanitarian projects and they are celebrating their 30 year anniversary this year - www.worldculturefestival.org

Peace education involves the use of teaching tools designed to bring about a more peaceful society and achieve common goals. At its core, peace education emphasizes empowerment and nonviolence and involves building a democratic community, teaching cooperation, developing moral sensitivity, promoting self-esteem, and stimulating critical thinking.

Everyone is invited to participate and support the vision for a more peaceful tomorrow. Young and old will share their ideas of what could be done better. And there will also be a lot of fun and colourful entertainment. Greece will contribute by bringing an Olive branch, an ancient symbol for Peace, from Delphi to the Berlin Olympic Stadium.

Come along on May the 21st and 22nd for a week-end in Delphi and enjoy this beautiful site and a special ceremony with Greek dancers cutting the Olive tree branch. For more details s click this link. 




Beat to the rhythm of a world at peace:

Let the ancient sounds and spirit of Africa pulse through you as you join the rhythmic beat of hundreds of people drumming together for Human Values. Come together and drum to the beat of peace. No experience or musical talent necessary, just a passion for bringing an end to the violence.

The drumming will be led by professionals from South Africa who will lead you through your drumming journey, so no previous drumming or musical experience necessary. The drumming session will last for 10 minutes.

Youth FESTIVAL - Change Through Peace

The World Culture Festival aims to promote inter-cultural dialogue through the exchange of ideas, music, culture and fun. It is a platform for young people from around the world (from age 18-28) to express and showcase social entrepreneurship, innovative ideas and leadership on the issue of peace, intercultural harmony in diversity and peaceful change for the people and the planet.

www.worldculturefestival.org/en/YouthFestival.wzi

The Power of 2

Let me tell you a little bit about my family. I come from a line of strong women with high expectations and powerful opinions. The  thing growing up was that as the only girl surrounded by a grandmother, 2 aunts and my mom I received plenty of nagging but and more importantly I also received plenty of support – when it came to important things and decisions in my life I could do no wrong as far as they were concerned – and even if deep down they had their doubts – they always were supportive.

And so it seemed like a natural path that their ways rubbed off on me. But I did not realize how much until I had grown much older.

Many years ago  a friend of mine invited me to join her on a trip for the week end. In fact we were 4 – 2 guys and 2 girls. The second day of our trip to Wales we decided to go for a long hike across beautiful fields and suddenly the guys saw a mountain peak and decided to climb it – it wasn’t that high, but still from the down where we were it looked a daunting task. The guys went off shouting "see you on top"….my girl friend looked at me shocked ‘I am sorry there is no way that I can hike up that hill” no way ….she felt alone, she felt the power of ONE…..

Some years later, when I was already in Greece I decided to change my life and study shiatsu – sounded easy, but it turned out to be quite a daunting task – 3 years of anatomy, psychology, physiology, energy points and so forth ….and all in Greek and all new, we had to give long exams and one day one of the other girls came to me and she said "I think I will pack it in ….there is no way that I can learn this" – and she felt alone, she felt the power of one

And then there was the little boy from next door – 4 years old and riding his little bike. The day came when the parents decided to take of the support wheels and wanted him to learn riding the bike without them – but he got scared and he turned to me and said "Christiana I don’t want to go back on"….he felt alone he felt the power of one

However, the powerful women in my life had given me the gift of support and love and I had taken that gift and made it my own. Without realizing it at first supporting people came natural to me.

So when my friend said that she could not climb the mountain I was able to look at her and say, “don’t worry ….ignore the peak, lets take it one step at the time and lets see how far we get. I’ll be with you all the way and any time you want to stop we stop.” And you know what? SHE made it all the way to the top. When she realized that she had succeeded she jumped up and down and the only smile bigger then mine was hers. She could not believe that she had done it. – she no longer felt alone – she had felt the power of 2

And when in the shiatsu school my fellow student felt she was not able to continue I said to her “You are a great practitioner – lets help each other with the theory – lets study together and see each other through the difficult times.” And so we did – for the next 2 years we supported each other and were the first students to pass in the required time – we no longer felt alone – we felt the power of 2

And when the little boy said he did not want to get on the bike again I put my arms around him and hugged him tide. I said – “don’t worry, lets do it together – you sit on the bike and I will hold you – you can do it you will see” – and so he did and in time he started to feel more comfortable and eventually I could let go – he no longer felt alone – he had felt the power of 2

So whenever someone feels alone and needs encouragement or support, I will encourage them – and I have always been grateful for the people who have encouraged me.

You need number 2s – I need numbers 2s – we all do

I need number 2s when it’s time to keep going and finish what I started, I need no 2s when I am fearful to take the next step or when I doubt myself.

It’s good to accept help – and it’s good to give.

So I want to challenge you – Look around you next time you see someone who is struggling with something - maybe you decide to become their No 2.

Event of Athens Wing - Womens International Networking Group

Next Event February 5^th Interactive marketing & Social Media’  and Cutting of the Vasilopita   
     

Social Networks and social media have grown enormously last years. But till now most companies don’t use the possibilities offered by the new media. In her speech Avra Lyraki will explain how interactive marketing works and how you can benefit from using social media. Her talk will be followed by the cutting of the Vassilopitta. 
After the break we will discuss ideas and plans for our 2011 program

Dr. Avra Lyraki  holds a PhD in Strategic Corporate Communications and has significant experience in Interactive Marketing and Public relations. She is a well experienced executive seminar instructor at American College of Greece, ALBA, and other associations.

Time: February 5th from 10.30 – 13.00hrs    Doors open at 10.00 and close at 10.40!                             Venue: Πολυχώρος Spring People, Agatharxou 12, 2nd floor – Psirri. (Close to Metro-station Monastiraki)  Click here for map 

Entrance is free for members.   Guest fee is 8 euro. Please confirm your attendance at:  info@athenswing.com 

Or call: 210 7658303 Celeste / 6937865887 Mikela

                                                                  

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on CNN 's Quest for Spirituality

Christmas shopping for Compassion

I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time. But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect. I've said things I wish I could take back and I am not feeling too good about myself. 

I also want to exchange a carton of self righteousness for an equal amount of humility. I hear that it is less expensive and wears well, and while I'm at it I'm going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.


I must remember to try to match my patience with the little I have left. My neighbor is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her. I was told the same department has a repair shop for mending integrity. Mine has become frayed around the edges from too much compromising. If I don't get it refurbished soon, there won't be any left. 

I almost forgot the most important thing of all -- compassion. If I see some-no matter what the color, size or shape -- I'm going to stock up heavily regardless of the price. I have run out of it so many times and I always feel ashamed when it happens. 

I don't know why it has taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items. They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmas time. And I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them. 

Yes, I'm going shopping today and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home! The things I'm looking for have no price-tags. What a joy!