The New Year brings us more acutely into the realization that if we want our planet to survive - people and environment - we must rise above our differences and take on a nurturing worldwide view.

I firmly feel we each need to be instrumental is bringing about planetary peace, starting with being peaceful in our own relationships - within, amongst family, neighbors, and the community stretching ever outward.

By being a peaceful and bright beacon of light we feel harmonious and become an example of peace and harmony to those whose lives we touch, known and unknown to us, alike.

Meditation is a powerful magnet of peace, because in the moments and minutes of meditation it is peace in action. And meditation is something we can sink into at any moment, no matter where we are, by turning to those verses, affirmations and thoughts we find uplifting.

It is the right and necessity of everyone to seek out and practice inner peace that we may all be part of the solution to peace, harmony and love on our planet. Let's join together in blessing one another with thoughts and wishes of peace often during the day.

Here is a prayer to meditate upon to begin your journey in becoming peaceful and contributing to building a beautiful planetary home.

"May we all in every land
Join each other hand in hand.
Setting difference aside
Arms and minds opening wide.

To see the unity that's All
May that become our beck and call.
Striving for the outer peace
Striving for a firm release.

From possessiveness, oppression
To a kind concerned expression.
That our earth sees out as one
Light as the sun may we become.

Humanity, one planet bright
That's how we know it's really right.
To set aside entrenched indifference
And realize that in Love, we're infinite.

Then everyone in every land
Will join together hand in hand."

Article and artwork credit Susan Kramer; scene in Oklahoma in conté crayon

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.