Category Archives: Nonviolence

Holiday, Music, Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day, Shopping, Social Justice

Simplicity in this busy, holiday season: Peace Song for 12/19/2011

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Simple Gifts is the Peace Song of the Day for December 19th. It is a Shaker song written by Joseph Brackett in 1848. You can find the lyrics to this song, as well as additional, new lyrics about loving, poverty, and liberty, in the Rise Up Singing songbook.

This song causes me to reflect on the idea of Voluntary Simplicity — keeping things simple, and doing with less, even if you can afford more. At this holiday season, it is nice to enjoy the simple gifts of family and sharing. Hope you will consider shopping less, making your own presents, and studying ideas about Voluntary Simplicity. You can find books on that topic at your local book store, or at Powells Books: here.

Judy Collins performs Simple Gifts (‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple) in this video from 1963:

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Music, Nonviolence, Nonviolent Communication, Peace, Royal Song of The Day

Heart of snow: Peace Song for 12/16

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Snowman by The Nields is the Peace Song of the Day for December 16th. You can find this song on their album “Live From Northampton”.

This song contributes to personal peace, by allowing one to alleviate angst. The song is from the point-of-view of a proud, aching snowman who asserts that he is cold and does not need anyone. It is a wonderful metaphor for the need to feel and express emotions, as taught by Nonviolent Communication.

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Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day

The End of the War in Iraq?: Peace Song for 12/15/2011

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“Find The Cost Of Freedom“, a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song, is the Peace Song of the Day for December 15th.

The Duke and Duchess of Peace find the news of the end of the Iraq War filled with layers of complexity. How could something allegedly so important end in such a whimper? Will it truly be over? Or, will the United States now run the same battle with contractors and mercenaries? What about the other wars?

The intricate harmonies and complicated reflections of this song resonate with the complicated implications that the President has announced the end of one of America’s wars. The mournful tones of this song remind us of the many people who suffered and died for this unnecessary war.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64Ehe-6ifuQ&w=420&h=315] Continue reading The End of the War in Iraq?: Peace Song for 12/15/2011 →

Holiday, Music, Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day, Social Justice, Video

Happy Xmas (War Is Over): Peace Song for 12/12/2011

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Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is the Peace Song of the Day for December 12, 2011. A beautiful and hopeful song for the holidays.

I think it is fascinating how people have different reactions to Yoko Ono than they usually might, because she was married to someone that the world admired and desired. For those people who can understand the importance of Yoko Ono in her own right — as a brilliant artist, and a peaceful musician — it is very fun to follow her on Twitter. You can find her at: @yokoono She often posts thought-changing ideas, and fun, suggested challenges.
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Music, Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day

Drums of War: Peace Song for 12/11/2011

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That's Sonny Meadows, on the right. (Love those shades!)

It’s the last day of “Sonny Meadows Week” at Peace Couple! (If you have not headed over to CD Baby to check out his work, and get copies for yourself and as gifts, you should do so now, while you remember.)

On this last day: What song should we pick?…

“Drums of War” by Sonny Meadows is the Peace Song of the Day for December 11th. You can find this song on the album Bibles, Guns & Flags. In the liner notes, Sonny Meadows comments on his inspiration for this song:

Written in response to Kosovo and my own personal experiences in Viet Nam, but applies to the Mid-East, Africa and everywhere we let vengeance take the place of common sense.

You can find a sample of this song, or buy the album or MP3,
at CD Baby: here.
(Drums of War is Track 4)

__________________
Excerpt from lyrics: Continue reading Drums of War: Peace Song for 12/11/2011 →

Music, Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day, Social Justice, Video

Where your friends are waiting: Peace Song for 12/9/2011

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“The Last Church On The Left” by Sonny Meadows is the Peace Song of the day for December 9th. You can find this song on the album Tolerance.

There are many reasons why we love this song! Besides our admiration for Sonny Meadows, this song is also a tribute to one of our heroes. The song describes a favorite memory: Susan Blake, welcoming people to the PeaceSmiths Cofffeehouse. Susan June Blake, who passed away in 2007, was the long time Coordinator of PeaceSmiths, and a dear friend of Ian and Kimberly.

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Music, Nonviolence, Peace, Royal Song of The Day, Video

High School and the military: Peace Song for 12/7/2011

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“Hangin’ In The High School Hall” by Sonny Meadows is the Peace Song of the Day for December 7th.

You can find this song on two different albums: How Does A Patriot Act (Sonny Meadows) and I Never Thought I’d Miss Richard Nixon (Blacklisted & The Banned, with Sonny Meadows, Bob Campbell, Jon Foreman, Bob Westcott, and Robert Langley).

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