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Letter from Cressida Pryor
September 20, 2017
Autumn Equinox FOI Letter 2017
Dear Friends,
There comes a time when the usual theme of ‘finding balance’, at the Equinox, yet again...feels repetitious...
So I was intrigued to see that September the 21st is also the International Day of Peace and as such is observed around the world.
I am reminded that peace is, of course, the ultimate expression of balance and harmony.
The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”
The theme honours the spirit of TOGETHER, a global initiative that promotes respect, safety and dignity for everyone forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. TOGETHER unites the organizations of the United Nations System, their 193 Member States, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and individual citizens in a global partnership in support of diversity, non-discrimination and acceptance of refugees and migrants. It was initiated during the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September 2016. “In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” He added, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”
This year, the International Day of Peace will focus on engaging and mobilizing people throughout the world to show support for refugees and migrants. Its messages will be shared with communities hosting refugees and migrants as well as people concerned that refugees and migrants may bring physical and economic insecurity to their lives.
The Day will highlight solidarity with refugees and migrants and showcase the shared benefits of migration to economies and nations, while also acknowledging legitimate concerns of host communities. Ultimately, it will be about bringing people together and reminding them of their common humanity.
We as dwellers on sacred planet Earth are experiencing changes in core elemental functioning; through devastating hurricanes, mud slides, floods and earth quake to name but a few...and we are humbled by nature’s power. Gaia’s reminder of our ultimate human vulnerabilities as many now move their homes forced away by such natural disasters as well as manmade violence.
So may we in the FOI open our minds and hearts and support this movement of TOGETHER. Within our own communities and the wider beyond let us extend the wings of Isis to protect and support those who have been displaced and those who feel marginalised. May we also be aware of our human tendency to scapegoat; placing difficult and unwanted feelings onto the ‘other’. We need to recognise this tendency in ourselves and challenge it also when we recognise it ‘out there’.
Beloved Isis may we create the circle of enabling love, where people grow, forgiven and forgiving;
And forge that circle to make it wider still until it includes and embraces all beings.
In the spirit of Peace and Fellowship,
Cressida
FOI Steward
United Nations Links:
Together: https://together.un.org/
International Day of Peace: http://internationaldayofpeace.org/
"Isis is Here": © Olivia Robertson
FOI Letters & Correspondence
(Many thanks to Cressida!)
© Copyright
All Rights Reserved.
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