Live Peace with Smiling Monkey Yoga

Here at the Center, we are so thankful for our longtime partner Smiling Monkey Yoga! Their wonderful yoga instructors offer 9 classes each week, ranging in ages from babies to teens. The instructors make the class fun and accessible to kids! Check out the class offerings here.

As an added bonus, taking Smiling Monkey Yoga classes here at the Center supports weekly classes held at Human Options. We love seeing kids helping kids have the chance to enjoy yoga!

Wondering about the benefits of yoga? Watch the video below!

It’s not always easy to find yoga classes geared towards kids, but we are so happy to offer it here through Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Good Happens.

Pay it Forward!

Celebrating Living Peace Projects and International Day of Peace

On Sunday, September 23rd we hosted two wonderful events! Our latest Living Peace Projects with Roots and Shoots was in the morning followed by our International Day of Peace celebration in the afternoon. We are so thankful for all who joined us and made so much good happen! Check out some great photos from the exciting day.

The 2011 human peace sign! We will unveil the 2012 version soon…

Young peacemaker learning about native California animals with Inside the Outdoors.

A trio of our wonderful volunteers.

Spinning the prize wheel.

Enjoying story time in the library.

Exploring the Ecology Center’s Water Shed.

We are so thankful for the support of all who joined us on this wonderful day!  Keep an eye out for more pictures to be added to a Facebook album and future blog post!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out!

Center for Living Peace Turned 2!!!

Can you believe it’s been two years since we first opened our doors? We can’t! What an amazing two years it has been– here are some highlights from over the years…

Taiko drums at our grand opening in May of 2010!

Our peace tree from the grand opening… So strange seeing it so bare!

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hold a workshop at our grand opening in 2010

Have you seen chalk mandala mural by artist Melanie Stimmell? It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since she created it for us.

Read for the Record in 2010

Buzz Lightyear visited us on Halloween in 2010!

Artful Eating with OCMA

Artful Eating with OCMA!

Team Kids Youth Council Servathon!

Good Happens Veggie Grill vegan carrot cake from our 1st birthday celebration!

Rocking out at New Earth Drumming to celebrate our 1st birthday!

Storytime with Cynthia Callard!

Human peace sign at 2011 International Day Peace!

Insights from Africa with Eugene Cooke!

Homemade Cleaning Products with The Ecology Center!

C-Jam with Anibue from UCI!

Peace in Motion Café movie nights!

Here are some highlights from our 2nd Birthday! So hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since we first opened our doors!

New Earth Drumming!

Sneaky Sea Snacks with Algalita!

Can you believe the things found in birds tummies? Thanks for sharing this with us, Algalita!

Abstract drawing with OCMA!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Smiling Monkey Yoga!

Kids made cards for a Card Quilt for people in need

Card Quilts!

Fun with the Chuck Jones Center

A visit from Teddy the tortoise, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Buckwheat the Bunny, courtesy of Inside the Outdoors!

Seedlings with The Ecology Center!

Kids’ Qigong with Ryan Lee!

Fun in Kids’ Qigong!

Miniotics Dance Crew!

Kelly kickin’ it with Miniotics Dance Crew

Enjoying a birthday cupcake!

Look at our Peace Tree now!!! 2 years of wishes for peace!

A special thanks to our photographers, Ashley Strong & Megan Hartley. Thanks for celebrating with us! It’s been a wonderful 2 years!  Can’t wait to see what the future brings!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

Center for Living Peace Turns 1!

This past Saturday, May 14, we celebrated our one year anniversary! It is so hard to believe that a year has already gone by since we first opened our doors!

We had lots of delicious goodies for the big day! Our friend Kathleen made us some amazing brownies, Kelly and her daughter Kenzie made wonderful cupcakes

And our friends from the Veggie Grill generously donated a delicious vegan carrot cake!

Even our 4 pillars were in the birthday spirit!

We had a lot of amazing FREE classes in honor of our birthday.  Here are some great highlights from the classes that we held…

Lots of fun with Alejandro at our New Earth Drumming class!

Manuel Gomez was also kind enough to read us some amazing poetry…

We made some beautiful bracelets with Girl Socuts!

We made some beautiful mandalas and sand paintings…

Kids became monkeys in our Smiling Monkey Yoga classes…

We learned how to cultivate the possibility of compassion in our Possibility Thinking class…

And we had story time with Cynthia Callard…

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated our first birthday with us and made it a huge success. We are so grateful to all of our friends and affiliates who have supported us in our journey! You are making good happen, and we are so thankful that each of you have been brought into our lives!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa and A Special Announcement!

Yesterday we gave you a little teaser of Africa Week! Today we are posting the rest of the amazing classes we have for Africa week, and a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 7:00pm to 10:00pm

REEL INSPIRATION FILM SERIES: INVICTUS (2009) PG-13

Image from here

Unity: Where the Impossible meets Possibility”

In keeping with the Center For Living Peace’s explorations of Africa, we examine a time in history when newly elected President Mandela initiates a movement to unite his country through the sport of rugby. This inspirational film shows how one voice with conviction and courage can change the hearts, minds and perspectives of a nation. Film discussion will include the topics of racial unity, universal themes in humanity, how the real story was translated to the screen, and of course, the usual odd and ends trivia that the Reel Inspiration class offers.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 3:30pm to 5:00pm

AFRICAN MASK MAKING WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS, PRESENTED BY THE CHUCK JONES CENTER FOR CREATIVITY (ALL AGES!)

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity presents an earth friendly arts and crafts project inspired by African masks!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 6:00pm to 7:00pm

CONNECTING ACROSS DIFFERENCES

South Africans have made tremendous progress to develop understanding and cooperation across wide barriers of race and culture. Using tools of Compassionate Communication, we will work to bridge some differences that exist among different groups in Southern California. Bring your real-world situations for transformation!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 7:30pm to 9:00pm

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION NIGHT, SPECIAL TOPIC: A MEDITATION ON DIFFERENCE (ALL AGES WELCOME)

The Center for Living Peace, in partnership with the Shambhala Meditation Center of Los Angeles, offers meditation instruction every week during our meditation evening. Please feel welcome to drop by for every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, excluding public holidays.

We will sit in meditation for half an hour, which will be followed by a brief reading and then socializing for those who wish to stay.

Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 7:00pm to 8:00pm

NEW EARTH DRUMMING PRESENTS: AFRICAN DRUMMING (SPECIAL EVENT!)

This event is a great opportunity for a FUN family activity. This joyous and exciting evening will offer a rhythmic interplay between participants of all ages and levels. Drums will be provided or bring your own drum, rattle or instrument. No prior musical experience necessary! Open to all ages.

This special evening will be hosted by percussionist Alejandro Tovares. He will allow you to explore the rhythms, beats, and sounds of Western and South Africa.

We are also thrilled to announce that we are giving away eight tickets to see Charlize Theron speak about her work with the Africa Outreach Project on Saturday, December 4^th on our Facebook page! To enter, become a fan of The Center for Living Peace, and write “what living peace means to you” on our Facebook wall.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 2^nd!  We are SOOOOOO excited to read what LIVING PEACE means to all of our dear friends!

 

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!!!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

The Center for Living Peace Presents: Celebrations of Africa

In honor of Charlize Theron coming for our Living Peace Series on December 4^th, we are having an array of unique classes starting Saturday, November 27 to highlight the work of our first speaker!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:30am to 2:30pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS THE ART OF EATING FEATURING SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS

This class celebrates creativity and practices the art of good health. As a group, we will explore the Irvine farmers market and pick up nutritious and unique herbs, fruits and vegetables, then use these goodies as a source of inspiration for a class still life to draw from. After a break, we’ll prepare a selection of composed summer salads together and enjoy eating the results. Student drawings will be mounted with the cool summer recipes as a memento for you — and to recreate at home for the ones you love!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 3 TO 7

Your kids will learn yoga breathing techniques and learn to play yoga as well as build strength and flexibility. Let your kids enjoy the gift of yoga!

Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2:30pm to 3:30pm

STORYTIME AND “GOAL!” AUTHOR SIGNING WITH MINA JAVAHERBIN: A GLIMPSE INTO LIFE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Join Author Mina Javaherbin for a special reading of her book “GOAL!” in our living peace library.

Learn more about Mina Javaherbin’s stories for children and watch the launch video for “GOAL!” here!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 11:30am to 1:00pm

TAPPING THE BODY’S WISDOM: SACRED SNAKES (FOR ALL AGES, ADULTS AND KIDS WELCOME!

Justine will be guiding participants in working with African Ball Pythons, Isis and Buku to explore African rituals and rhythms. Participants will also be learning traditional African movement with Northern California-based Hula and African dance teacher, Gina Rasmussan. This class is open to all ages, men, women, children, anyone with an interest in African ritual and movement or working with snakes!

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

THE ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS: AFRICAN EFFIGY POTTERY

From Mali to Zaire, African ceramics were made almost exclusively by the tribal women for everyday to ritual use. Since World War II, the tribal way of life has declined, but examples of these skilled women remain. The effigy figurative pot, made in the potter’s likeness or in that of a beloved relative, was placed in a sacred grove where sage bundles were placed in its mouth and burned as the woman spoke to her better self, asking for guidance through life’s travails.Learn to hand build a simple coiled figure and create your own 21st century ritual.

Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 1:30pm to 2:30pm

SMILING MONKEY YOGA PRESENTS: SAFARI ANIMAL YOGA FOR KIDS 6 TO 12

A class where your kids can forget about homework and just accept themselves for who they are from the inside out. Your kids will learn how to relax and breathe. They will learn to use yoga breathing as a valuable life skill. They will also gain self-confidence, strength and will increase their flexibility.

To find out more about these amazing classes, click here. More to come about our classes for Africa week tomorrow!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

“Long live absolute world peace” Intl Day of Peace, 2010

Along with others around the world, the Center for Living Peace celebrated International Day of Peace on September 21, 2010.  Our open house offered a full day of free activities, plus yummy homemade brownies baked by our fantabulous volunteer Kathleen!  A great time was had by all!  Thank you to all of you who joined us and others elsewhere in making world peace a reality!

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity helped children transform recyclables into artworks, and to draw inspiration from the works of Chuck Jones’ joyful cartoons.

Terry LePage attracted a crowd to her ‘teaser’ session for her upcoming series, Everyday Peacemaking: Compassionate Communication Practice Group (for Adults).  Spots are still available in this 6 week series running Tuesdays from 7-9pm.  Please call (949) 854-5500 or visit the event page to register!

Smiling Monkey Yoga for Kids provided free chances for children to investigate yoga and breathing exercises through fun, play, and imagination.

We also welcomed Blumera, selling their handbags which boast handmade hardware bearing messages such as, “It is for love that the whole universe sprang into existence, and it is for the sake of love that it is kept going.”

Victory Over Violence, a non-profit that addresses the alarming escalation of violence and the decreasing respect for life, met with visitors and offered people information.

Author Chip Royston read “Juji: Emelia Makes a Difference” at Peace Day story time in our ‘living peace’ library.  Our library contains books for children and adults, and is open Tues-Sat 9-5, plus Tues and Weds evenings.

For the final presentation of the day, UCI’s Olive Tree Initiative presented their travels to the middle east and the work they continue to do to make peace between Israelis and Palestinians abroad and at home.  We also screened the documentary film, Peace One Day (2004) by Jeremy Giley, about the history of International Day of Peace.

For more inspiration:

• Learn more about the history of International Day of Peace.
• Watch the intro to the film Peace One Day and see the commemorative 2010 concert.
• Check out the response of young people around the world to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s call to take a stand for peace.
• Download a “peace recipe,” contributed by www.amareway.org for Peace Day 2010.  “It shows that living peacefully is the way to peace, and provides a recipe for that”!

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.

If You Build It, They Will Come…

…especially if it involves cupcakes and lemonade!  Our Grand Opening Weekend was a great success, thank you to all who came out and participated in the weekend of free events and demonstrated many ways to “live peace.”  Take a look:

Children and adults alike had the chance to work with artist Natasha Shoro at her Expressive Arts table in the Center’s world cafe area.

Families also enjoyed perusing the library in this space.

The lobby’s koi pond, made from a Burmese fire bowl, was the most popular of all the unique furnishings in the Center.

Acclaimed street muralist Melanie Stimmell worked throughout the weekend on the mural begun at our Grand Opening Party.  Melanie also led workshops in chalk art for all ages.

Melanie’s finished chalk mural will be permanently hung in the Center.

The first of all the free workshops of the weekend was led by Terry LePage of Open Door Communication.  This Nonviolent Communication class, focusing on how to communicate more effectively and compassionately with others, set the perfect tone for the weekend and beyond.

Craig Causon of The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and Julie Hudash of Team Kids teamed up to present a service inspired story and art activity in our South Wing.  Children made masterpieces from recycled and trashed materials.

Breaking ground in the Center’s North Wing, The Ecology Center guided families and kids in creating their own terrariums.

Richard Reoch, International Human Rights Advocate and former Media Chief of Nobel Prize Winning Amnesty International, led a discussion on Making Peace Possible followed by an introduction to meditation.

Girls danced, drew, and worked with the impermanence of sand as a medium in Justine Amodeo’s class, Tapping the Body’s Wisdom.

Smiling Monkey Yoga, a children’s program designed specifically for The Center for Living Peace by Patrice Simon and Amy McConnell, made a fun debut teaching yoga and breathing techniques using play and imagination.

The Orange County Museum of Art helped visitors harness the power of the sun to create whimsical solar portraits from collected objects.

Putting our mission into action and making good happen, volunteers from Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Team Kids collected over 2 barrels of donations for the hungry.

It was a wonderful weekend had by all!  Missed out?  Visit our events calendar for ongoing programs and workshops.

Good Happens.

Peace Grl Out.