Find the courage...

So what I am advocating here is something that requires courage - the courage to have a change of heart.

- Pema Chodron, author, Practicing Peace in Times of War

Find the courage to have a change of heart.

How true.

This thought comes from author Pema Chodron in her book Practicing Peace in Times of War. And it could not come at a better time of the year. Today marks the end of the 26th annual UN International Day of Peace.

Yesterday...

In Afghanistan, tens of thousands of people stopped shooting at each other in the mountains and fields.

In the Bahamas people were encouraged to light a candle at noon for peace.

In Woodstock, New York people erected a "peace pole" and fellowshipped in a moment of silence for peace.

In Kula Lumpur, Malaysia the government declared the day a national holiday.

And in Ypsilanti, Michigan hundreds of people from all creeds, colors and nationalities came together to celebrate peace.

In each instance, from Malaysia to Michigan, people found the courage to have a change of heart.

We can do the same in our own lives.

Today, we can find the courage to treat everyone we meet with kindness.

Today, we can find the courage to soften an angry moment.

Today, we can we can find the courage to forgive a friend, a relative, a co-worker or a stranger.

Today, we can find the courage to have a change of heart.

We are the world.

Peace starts with us.

Today.