141st International Peace Meditation -- Knowing What We Know When We Know It

International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.

142nd International Peace Meditation

"A Smaller World: A United Human Race"

October 5, 2008 -- What does it mean to unite? On September 11 we celebrated International Unity Day. We commemorated the loss of lives at the hands of terrorists and vowed that we would not allow ourselves to become full of hatred toward others as a result. Instead, we would celebrate our oneness as the Human Race with many expressions of race and culture.

Can we join with others who do not look or live like us? Joining means connection. In this context, it does not refer to joining for a political purpose, but to connection to our brothers and sisters all over the world. The great religions speak of love. Jesus said, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. He also said to, 'Love one another as I have loved you.' Can we demonstrate, and by our lives teach our children, that we can care about, live with, and unite with people of different cultures and appearances?

We can each ask ourself the questions, "At what level do I see myself in the descriptors below? With an evolving consciousness about diversity, can I reach out to more people and thus increase my ability to unite with others?"

As our world grows smaller, the need for the capacity to work and live peacefully globally becomes imperative. We need to learn to follow Knowledge in issues of safety and the other's intent, but we also need to grow in our understanding of the need for global unity and peace. We need to judge another upon his behavior, not appearance. We need to remember not to alienate any group of people based upon the actions of a few.

For this Meditation, and at this time in our world and in our countries, let's ponder the painful history of how we have treated one another, and resolve that 'Love one another as I have loved you' will not have been said in vain.

Level 1
understands self in relation to one's own culture
views self as a member of that culture
relates to family and others of similar culture
shares with those of similar culture
reaches out to those of similar culture
understands value of one's own culture
sees oneself within the history of one's own culture
chooses to participate with those of similar culture

Level 2
sees oneself as a member of one's own culture
sees others as members of their respective cultures
can relate to a few of one other culture
understands values of one other culture
participates with others of one other culture
shares in the arts of one other culture
feels comfortable in the presence of another of one other culture
shares viewpoints of one other culture
acknowledges others' value of that culture

Level 3
accepts a few friends of more than one culture
accepts the value to those friends of their respective cultures
participates with a few of a variety of cultures
accepts friends' participation within their own culture and can participate on a limited basis
acknowledges those who have contributed from a few other cultures
chooses to participate in activities with those of a few cultures and enjoys reciprocal arrangement
considers a few of other cultures to be among closest friends

Level 4
participates in activities of several cultures with several friends of those cultures
moves freely among those of other cultures
can communicate with others in at least one other language
shows empathy for those new to this culture by positive action to assist
has a strong sense of self and relates comfortably when in the minority
prefers friendship of a variety of cultures
moves freely into a variety of groups that represent a variety of cultures
is able to be positively assertive in the presence of those cultures

Level 5
values differences and selects friends based upon differences as well as similarities
is open to participating in a variety of cultural experiences as the only one not a member of the culture
can express oneself clearly in a variety of languages on a limited basis
prefers the company of those who are of other cultures and values their contribution
seeks employment where values can be expressed

Level 6
makes choices based upon valuing diverstiy
is willing to take risks to promote these values
shares values of diversity freely with others
is willing to participate openly in all experiences without consideration of cultural preference
chooses to move into areas that promote diversity
gives of oneself tirelessly in promotion of these values
empathizes with those experiencing rejection and persecution and lends support
is willing to experience rejection and persecution for beliefs in fostering diversity

This Meditation is dedicated to our potential to be peace-makers.

Sue Kidd Shipe, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Please join us in prayer/meditation during the 24 hours of Sunday, October 5, and again the first Sunday of every month. The International Institute for Human Empowerment, Inc. is in our 12th year of continuous International Peace Meditations. Forward our Meditation to all in your address book; make copies for your religious and spiritual brochures and bulletins.

Important Dates to Remember:

September 11, Annually International Unity Day

Please join us in this essential annual commemoration. You can find out more by going to www.humanempowerment.org and selecting the globe.

The International Peace Meditation invites people of all faiths to participate. The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc., a 501C3 charity registered in New York State, is not a member of any religion in order that it may serve all.

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International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.
P.O. Box 3920
Albany, New York 12203 USA

Please make checks or money orders out to:
International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.

The International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc. is a
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   Sue Kidd Shipe, Executive Director
   International Institute For Human Empowerment, Inc.
   P. O. Box 3920
   Albany, New York 12203   USA
   (518) 393-9491
   sueshipe@humanempowerment.org
   www.humanempowerment.org

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