Mindful Origami

It’s Thoughtful Thursday. A time to take a break, breathe and relax.

One way to do this is through activities that encourage mindful thoughts and behaviors. Origami is a great way to calm the mind and engage in a tranquil movement. Origami is the ancient and traditional Japanese art of paper folding popularized in the 17th century. The folding of paper into artistic designs is a form of active meditation; the concentration on the art and the letting go of bothersome thought allows for mindfulness.

Here is a design common in origami practice:

 The crane in Japanese culture is a national treasure and appears in literature, art and folk tales. It is also associated with good fortune and longevity because legend says that the crane lives up to a thousand years.

Mindfulness is a tool we can all use in every day life. Maybe this form of active meditation is the perfect mindfulness fit for you!

Good Happens.

Pay It Forward!

A New Perspective

New things that have never been seen before can be revealed with just a change of perspective. This is the type of mindset that famous French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand held when he released his first documentary film, Home.

The film is a commentary of the impact that humans have on their cumulative home, Earth. What makes Home stand out is that it gives viewers a new look at their home, as the whole film is shot in an aerial perspective. With the film, Arthus-Bertrand shares his love and concern for the beautiful world. Interestingly, given the nature of the film, the whole production was carbon offset with sums of money that was paid towards providing people with clean energy. Below is the trailer that was released for the film:

The whole film was released by Arthus-Bertrand to the world for no cost, and it can be viewed on various video streaming websites.

Good Happens.

Pay it Forward!

Center for Living Peace Décor: Balinese Swing

Every month we’ll be giving you some insight on the inspiration behind our various art pieces and artifacts. Here’s a closer look at our Balinese swing!

Balinese Swing

One can experience simple contemplative relaxation on our Balinese swing to connect with others and to their inner child. This swing comes from Bali, Indonesia. It is said that swings such as these are passed down by generations, more specifically for newly wed couples in order to symbolize their everlasting unity and bond to each other in their lifetimes. You are welcome to have a swing with someone special!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Décor: Gingko Wall

Here’s our monthly look into the Center for Living Peace’s design inspiration. This time we’ll be focusing on our lovely ginko leaf wall.

Gingko Leaves

These panels depict young bamboo branches called “gingko.” Gingko has been planted outside of Buddhist monasteries as a symbol of longevity. The oldest gingko was reportedly over 800 years old! When they grow at the top of the trunk, they do not grow at the same angle as the older branches. This allows sunlight to reach their “elders,” or the older branches.

Kids, don’t forget to connect with your elders as well! Take a fun art class together or read a book about peace in our Lounge and Library area!

Come visit the Center for a closer look at our various art pieces or check out our previous CLP decor posts!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Décor: Dyak

Have you ever wondered what inspired the design of the Center for Living Peace? Our new blog segment reveals the stories behind different decor elements of our space. This October we are spotlighting our Dyak statue.

Dyak

This statue characterizes a member of the Dyak, also known as the native tribe people of Borneo. The dyak is known to represent celebrations of common man. This piece of carved wood was under water for 600 years. The female figure represents the goddess within us all. Surrounded by grasses of her homeland, she stands as a guardian of the room of the common people (also known as our yoga and meditation room)!

Room of the Common People

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Live Peace with m.a.m.a. earth

m.a.m.a. earth is a grassroots organization founded by Kailani Bayot that focuses on building community with nature-based education for youths and adults as well as charity events to raise money for partner nonprofit organizations. In the past, m.a.m.a. earth has hosted classes – such as their “grow where you are!” lecture series, retreats, and concerts that promote music and different art forms in a uplifting environment to raise money for causes such as Nourish the Child, Shine on Sierra Leone, and many more. Kailani, a mother of two based in Los Angeles, is also the sister to musical artist Bruno Mars, who has performed at past m.a.m.a. earth events and has donated autographed guitars for auction.

Starting with a class called “The Art of Urban Gardening” tomorrow, October 21st, m.a.m.a. earth will be teaching a series of workshops about art, music, and nature for all ages at the Center for Living Peace! Check out the following schedule for to see all of the m.a.m.a. earth workshops coming up at the Center:

For more information on m.a.m.a. earth and to learn how to become more involved, visit their website!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Where’s My Romeo

Abbas Kiarostami‘s short film, Where’s My Romeo, shows the universal power of film, art, and poetry across cultures. It depicts Iranian women watching the final scene of Zeffirilli’s Romeo and Juliet . The film is part of “Chacun Son Cinéma” (To Each His Own Cinema), a collective film of 33 shorts directed by different directors about their feeling about Cinema.

Live peace by learning about other cultures and art around the world!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Live Peace with Playing for Change

Playing for a Change started out as a small project inspired to bring about peace through music by recording musicians all across the world with a mobile recording studio. The movement grew out of the belief that music has the power to unite people across all boundaries. Over 100 musicians have been recorded by the project. From these connections Playing for Change has created a touring band.  While recording, the project’s film crew was compelled to push the movement further by creating the Playing for Change Foundation to facilitate global music education. It’s mission is to ensure that anyone with the desire to receive a music education would have the opportunity to do so. The Foundation has started a music schools in Ghana,  South Africa, Rwanda, Mali ,and four schools in Nepal. The Foundation holds benefit concerts around the world on Playing for Change Day, September 22nd, to fund it’s music school program.

Playing for Change Musicians’s rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song

Playing for Change’s website features videos from high profile artists like Bono and Manu Chao alongside street artists and community musical groups remixed to create a cohesive song. It regularly posts new episodes highlighting musicians and cultures all over the world as the project continues to expand its reach.

The Playing for Change crew has worked with musicians at these locations

You can support the movement by holding your own event or concert, volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Décor: Paper Molo Walls

 Here’s some more insight into the design inspiration of the Center. This month we’ll be looking at our lovely paper molo walls.

Paper Molo Walls

These walls are made from paper with lights installed in the interiors. The light in these walls represent the inner light within all of us. Light is fluid and flexible, and like us, these walls can also be shaped and formed into any style to suite the needs of the programs we hold here at the Center for Living Peace.

You can create something new out of simple things around your house! Create a gift for a friend or family member. Learn how at one of our OCMA or The Ecology Center art classes!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Yoga Thoughts

“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.”

- Anatole France

We can definitely identify with this! Artwork by Gemma Correll.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!