Peace in Different Languages – World Peace Day — Motivational Moment

Did you know that September 21st is International Peace Day, also sometimes referred to as World Peace Day?  

The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly for  "commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people," and to coincide with its opening session every September. In 2001 the General Assembly voted unanimously that September 21st be observed each year as a day of non-violence and cease-fire. 

Each year on this day groups and organizations around the world participate in events dedicated to peace. A peace bell is rung at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.  This bell is cast from coins donated by children from all around the world and was a gift from Japan. There is an inscription on the side of the bell which states: "Long live absolute world peace."

This year Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging governments and citizens to focus on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. For 100 days prior to September 21st the UN has been raising awareness about the dangers and costs of nuclear weapons with a campaign entitled:  "We Must Disarm". 

UN Messenger of Peace, actor Michael Douglas, who has rallied for disarmament for the United Nations since 1998, and actor Rainn Wilson, featured in the TV series The Office and formerly Six Feet Under have joined Secretary General in promoting this cause.  You can sign a petition for this at: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/2009/

In this motivational moment, from the Salt Lake City Peace Garden, Dr. Mitzi explores the concept of peace and suggests ways that we can each be proactive in creating a more peace-filled world.

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At 92, Dame Vera Lynn Has Number One Hit

I’m so thrilled that at 92 years young, Dame Vera Lynn has set a new record and become the oldest living person to have a UK number one album.  “We’ll Meet Again” is at the top of the charts, ahead of the re-mastered Beatles re-issues, Jamie T’s “Kings & Queens”, David Guetta’s “One Love” and the Arctic Monkey’s “Humbug”.

Born March 20^th, 1917, in East London, Dame Vera began singing at the age of seven. In 1935 she made her first radio broadcast and a year later her first solo record. But what really catapulted her into fame was World War II.  Nicknamed the “Forces Sweetheart”, Dame Vera traveled thousands of miles boosting morale during the war by giving countless performances to both the forces and civilians. Dame Vera went on to sell hundreds of thousands of singles and albums during her extensive career.

Hearing of Dame Vera’s new success awoke many memories for me of growing up in England. My grandmother served in World War II and was a big fan of Vera Lynn.  I remember her spinning one of Vera’s LP’s on her old stereo system that had the shiny wooden top that closed looked more like a hope chest with legs than anything that would emit music.  Even as a child I remember being moved by the hauntingly melodious tunes and words of  "We’ll meet again" and  "White Cliffs of Dover".  My grandmother, when listening to Vera Lynn, would get a sad and wistful look in her eyes.  I mistakenly thought it was the tune itself, but today I’m fairly sure it was the tune reminding her of times gone by, of people she’d met who were no longer in her life and especially of those who had been killed in the war. 

As I listen to Vera Lynn today I feel a deep connection with those brave souls, of a bygone era and most of all warm, yet bittersweet memories of that time with my beloved grandmother.  She’s been gone many, many years now, but listening to Vera put took me right back to that precious time I shared with her.  I think that’s one of the reasons Dame Vera’s greatest hits collection "We’ll meet again" has become a surprising hit.  It takes people back.  Some remember WWII first hand, while many others remember their parents, grandparents or great grandparents telling them about the war and they feel connected with their heritage, with their past and with their Britishness. 

September also marks 70 years since the beginning of World War II and the album was released to coincide with that.  It entered the charts three weeks ago at number twenty and has risen to number 1. Nostalgia is ruling the charts and it’s lovely to see these songs  getting a new following.

Congratulations Dame Vera and thank you!

I’m sharing a couple of videos of Dame Vera… a current one (check out how amazingly youthful and vibrant she is) and some rare footage from her singing during WWII. 

Blessings,

Mitzi

Vera During Wartime

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Goodbye Patrick – Patrick Swayze Dies

Patrick Swayze died today.

In some ways we were expecting it. 

The press had been quiet about him recently.  Yet Patrick certainly made the most of the final time he had here after his diagnosis.  He was valiant in living life to the fullest.  Thank you Patrick for leaving behind a legacy of work.  Thank you for what you have taught us about courage, strength and living each moment and not to take our time here for granted.  

Perhaps like you, right now I am thinking of the movie Ghost.  The very end of the movie to be exact.  One of my all time favorite lines in a movie, in fact perhaps my most favorite line in a movie ever is:  

"It’s amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you."

Sam (Patrick Swayze) says this to his living fiancée (Demi Moore) in an attempt to describe what it’s like to be on the other side, just before moving on.  This is such a powerful and emotion filled moment.  Each time I watch Ghost  I’m flooded with a myriad of emotions as Patrick says this and no matter how hard I try my eyes well up with tears which cascade right through to the end of the credits and beyond.  And I find myself thinking about that line for many days after, just as I am thinking of it now. 

" The love inside you, you take it with you,"   speaks with such sweetness and grace of the hope so many of us share for a life which continues beyond this physical plane, a life which transcends the pain and suffering we so often encounter here, a life in which we are free to just be love without all the other emotions that can sometimes get in the way. 

Perhaps like me this line has brought you great comfort as you’ve said goodbye to loved ones who’ve taken the final journey ahead of you.   It has been something that I’ve frequently referred to when having the honor of counseling those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.   

And so in the spirit of this quote, I affirm that Patrick is now indeed feeling filled with that beautiful love that he had for so many people.  That he is filled with wonder, awe and amazement at that love and that his family, friends and fans may also be comforted, supported and upheld with that love. 

God speed, dear Patrick and may flights of angels meet you as you journey to your next adventure.  

For an interesting review on Patrick’s life and some great movie clips check out:    

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/lifestyle/actor-patrick-swayze-dead-20090915-foft.html

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