All posts by susanna

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:

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

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

Can’t you see something is happening?: Peace Song for 12/18/2011 (catch-up)

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“Ballad of a Thin Man” (aka “Mr. Jones”) by Bob Dylan is/was the Peace Song of the Day for December 18th.

Augustus, The Duke of Peace, would like to dedicate this song to all those who judge before they listen.

Continue reading Can’t you see something is happening?: Peace Song for 12/18/2011 (catch-up) →

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.

Continue reading Heart of snow: Peace Song for 12/16 →

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

99 Silver Bells and other Occupy Christmas Carols ………(was our Peace Song of the Day for 12/13/11)

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Occupy Christmas Carol medley on Youtube: here.
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“99 Silver Bells”, performed by songwriter DMac and The Occupy The Hamptons Choir:


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More about this song, and some more Occupy Christmas Music… Continue reading 99 Silver Bells and other Occupy Christmas Carols ………(was our Peace Song of the Day for 12/13/11) →

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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