Cultivating Personal Peace – Statement of Purpose
Integrating peace in our own lives, with our children, in our relationships, in the workplace, and in our approach to activism, through such methods as compassionate communication, mindfulness, empathy, and stress reduction.
Overview:
You may have heard that “peace” (or happiness) is an inside job. To a very large extent this is true, and there are methods and practices that can help us, and others, to do this job well! Peace can be cultivated through mindfulness & meditation, healthy communication, therapy, and spiritual/faith practices- to name a few.
These are among the many resources that you may utilize yourself while also promoting them in your school, workplace, or larger community. Such practices can lead to healthier and happier living and relating, and a greater capacity to “lead by example” in bringing about the more peaceful world we seek.
The value of “Being the Peace” in our own hearts, minds and actions is a core tenet to building peace in the world. From how we engage in our social and political activism, to encouraging a more peaceful and healthy approach to political discourse (among politicians and advocates alike), we aim to bring awareness and tools to this important peace building approach.
Bullying
Communication
The Center for Non Violent Communication
The Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR)
Family Support
Family Violence Prevention & Services Resource Centers
Mental Health
Mental Health Association of California
Los Angeles Department of Mental Health
Mindfulness
Harvard Medical School brain scans show 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation can actually change the size of key regions of our brain responsible for improving our ability to focus; strengthening our memory; making us more resilient under stress; fostering our decision making; helping us be more empathetic listeners; and showing more compassion to our colleagues. Read more about this here.
Studies have shown that Triple P Positive Parenting approach had 25-35% reductions in rates of child maltreatment, hospital visits for maltreatment injuries, and foster-care placements, two years after random assignment. [Triple P System – Near Top Tier, Coalition for Evidence Based Policy]
UCSF, UC Davis, and Stanford University researchers found that schoolteachers who were given a short meditation training became more calm and compassionate.
There is abundant research showing that yoga practice reduces stress and improves our sense of contentment and connection, as well as autonomic nervous system function, and general physical well-being.
Approximately seven in 10 Americans report that they experience physical (69 percent) or non-physical symptoms (67 percent) of stress. Symptoms include irritability or anger (37 percent), fatigue (37 percent), feeling overwhelmed (35 percent) and changes in sleeping habits (30 percent). Read more about this in an article by the American Psychological Association.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24. [2010 CDC WISQARS]
Nonviolent communication and mediation services for elected officials.
Providing greater community resources for mental health services for families and individuals.
Greater funding and support for suicide prevention, research and support services.
Support strategic investments in suicide prevention, education, and research as a means of achieving the kinds of reductions in mortality that have resulted from strategic investments in other major public health concerns.
Compassion
A Guide to Cultivating Compassion in Your Life, With 7 Practices
Developing Compassion for Yourself
Forgiveness
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
Six Steps to Forgive Someone Who Hurt You
Life Style
The 7 Different Types of Stress and How to Ease Them
Managing Job Stress: 10 Strategies for Coping and Thriving at Work
Relationships
The Path to Unconditional Self-Acceptance
Learn How to Love Yourself First
Social Emotional Intelligence
19 Ways to Build Social Emotional Intelligence in Kids & Teens
How to Increase Your Emotional Intelligence – 6 Essentials
Universal Spirituality