Dear Reader,
Every day a child is bullied. Every day a mother struggles to care for her children. Every day a manager wrestles with ethics. Every day a government leader is overwhelmed by politics. Every day an addict struggles to quit. Every day hearts are full of tension, stress and hopelessness.
Once, in the midst of a busy, troubling day, I heard a distant bell ring. The deep, rich sound compelled me to stop and listen. Within a few moments, the harmonious tolling of the bell left me feeling more peaceful. Refreshed by the wave of sound, I resumed my hectic day with a new hope.
That day continues to resonate and I cannot forget it’s simple, universal message. Every day. Everywhere, in every time zone around the world, I foresee a community bell ringing at 4p.m. and providing a sustained moment of peace for everyone. I envision Ring4Peace.org
If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work. ~Nhat Hanh
I am sending this letter because I need help. Ring4Peace.org passionately exists in my heart and mind. It needs a body of enthusiastic supporters to accomplish the many tasks of establishing a global network of bells. One large public bell has a 9-mile maximum range for being heard. Simply establishing a single symbolic bell in every world time zone is not the sole purpose of the mission. Ring4Peace seeks to connect communities of people who recognize the importance of an individual’s, internal peace as the solution for creating a better life and a more peaceful world.
Peace demands the united efforts of us all. Who can foresee what spark might ignite the fuse? ~Haile Selassie
Bells can begin to ring from existing sites – town squares, churches, temples, universities or government halls. Ring4Peace seeks to facilitate:
- Establishing a global network of bells through financial and logistical support.
- Connecting individual bell communities to learn and share ideas.
- Reaching out to communities in need.
- A diverse scope of participants.
- Erecting new bell sites.
The quest for peace begins in the home, in the school and in the workplace. ~Silvia Cartwright
I have brainstormed, interviewed leaders, created a web site, talked with friends and have met favorable responses. I know I need supporters of many kinds, network connections and a ton of “know-how” that I don’t have yet. What I have is a heart that yearns to share the gift of peace that I received unexpectedly when I heard that bell ring. I hope everyone, everywhere, everyday finds such a moment of peace- one that reaches deep into their heart and out into the life around them.
Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one. ~John Lennon
Today that ubiquitous bell draws me out into its reach. I frequently return to that place to experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. Ring4Peace is about creating time and space to remember that all things are possible regardless of boundaries, difficulties or cultures.
Somehow goodness is transferred by radiance, reflection, and resonance with another goodness, more than by any act of self-achievement. We do not pull ourselves up; we are pulled. ~Richard Rohr
If this project speaks to your heart in any way I look forward to hearing from you.
In Gratitude,
Rita Crane
Peace is a process that begins in the heart. ~Rita Crane
The world is full of joy and possibilities. I imagine a multitude of opportunities to know a moment of peace- everyday, everywhere for everyone. ~Rita Crane
Imagine a world of diverse people coming together in a single moment of continuous peace. ~Rita Crane
ring4peace 
Great thought.
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