Peace – It’s Time
The United Nations International Day of Peace was created as an international holiday, first observed September 21, 1981. The multi-location Earthdance Global Festival for Peace has been held annually in conjunction with this date now for 25 years.
Peace is Success; War is Failure
In the latter part of the 20th Century, peace activism grew as younger generations sought an end to violence and war. International organizations such as the United Nations provided new forums for addressing global conflicts and avoid use of military force. Peace was stated as a vital and achievable goal, but remained a challenge as old economic and political patterns continued.
As the 21st Century began, global media and communications – super charged by the World Wide Web – expanded connections, travel and intercultural understanding. In our increasingly interconnected world, local, national and international peace initiatives are activated through a whole new level of collaboration. The necessity of planetary cooperation became even more apparent when a global pandemic spread freely across international borders.
Music connected us globally long before social media, and remains a powerful force for uniting communities. The vibration of peace comes through the music, as well as our connections, our exchange of vital information, sharing artistic expression, contributing to causes… peace love and understanding! It’s time!
Yet, despite such progress towards our common good, humankind has not yet fully achieved the success of creating a peaceful world. Repression and authoritarianism continue in opposition to truth and movements for democracy. These forces generate confusion and create divisions, in many countries from the United States to Myanmar. There is much work to be done.
It’s time for peace. It’s again time to set our clear intentions, as we celebrate one another through dance and music.
“If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be in your revolution” – Emma Goldman (t-shirt quote)
The Time Is Now
This passing of twenty-five years marks a new generation for Earthdance. Last year, in caution and caring, our events formed not in person, but online via Earthdance.TV. We learned about new forms of creation and connection. As always, we integrated our traditional synchronized prayer with art, music, workshops and celebrations for peace and community.
Earthdance and its themes seek to combine thought, celebration and action. In these unprecedented times, our core values hold true. Through this year’s theme, we encourage everyone to become re-dedicated to this simple, basic concept of peace. It is certainly time to unite and not divide, to focus clearly and not be distracted as we move together through Earthdance to reach these goals.