World Peace Day is Today – and Every Day

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Today, September 21, is set aside as “World Peace Day,” recognized by the United Nations and even by some of the many forces working to kill people in wars throughout our world.

The question occurs: if it makes sense – and obviously it does – to avoid killing each other today, why not tomorrow too? Or for that matter any and every other day of the year?

Peace is a big idea with a million small applications. It is created by simple good acts done by simple, regular folks. While we see clearly the absence of peace in Iraq, Afghanistan, and so many other battlegrounds on our earth, we need to understand that same absence in our communities and even our own homes.

War is simply collective anger acted out on a grand stage. It’s easy to get angry, and regrettably, it is even sometimes necessary. But anger takes a toll not just on those to whom we direct it, but on ourselves as well. It diminishes comfort, kindness, joy, humor and love, all of which die a quick death when anger overwhelms us. It hurts the angry every bit as much as it hurts those who are the object of that aggression. And too often, our anger is directed not at those who have caused our anguish, but instead at those who love us enough to tolerate our foul moods.

Bill Wilson, the founder of Alchoholics Anonymous, realized that life is lived one day at a time. So on this day – Peace Day 2011 – let’s spread some peace to those around us. If you are at work, try not to get so pissed off at your co-worker whose half-assed job means that you have more to do. If you are in your car on the road, back off and let that impatient driver into your lane. And if you are at home, cut your wife, husband, kids or roommates a little slack. They’ll appreciate it, and you’ll feel better too.

And if that approach works for you, why not make tomorrow “peace day” all over again? Good luck!