External inspiration comes to us in many ways, both from our environment and from interpersonal interactions. Explore the three venues below to see what avenue best brings you peace.
BE INSPIRED
* Presentations
* Music
* Nature
* Presentatations
Inspirational speakers and artistic productions can touch both the head and the heart, giving us deep understanding and motivating us to caring action. Watch and enjoy the following presentations!
Mother Teresa's Acceptance Speech for the Nobel Peace Prize
Mother Teresa was the recipient of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize. Her acceptance speech was heartfelt, asking the audience to join with her in praying the Prayer of St. Francis and telling story after story about the children who had been around her in India. Do know that she gives her own strong views about abortion.
Denzel Washington on Finding Inner Peace
Denzel Washington gives a powerful, heartfelt talk about rising out of pain into genuine personal peace.
Nelson Mandela's Acceptance Speech for the Nobel Peace Prize
In his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, Nelson Mandela issued a call for "...democracy, justice, peace, non-racism, non-sexism, prosperity for everybody, a healthy environment and equality and solidarity among the peoples."
Georgette Bennett - "3 Steps To Build Peace and Create Meaningful Change"
As the child of Holocaust survivors and a World War II refugee herself, peace builder Georgette Bennett was stunned by the human toll and tragedy of the Syrian civil war. She got to work, bringing together historical enemies to build an aid pipeline from Israel to Syria - a feat many considered impossible, but has since helped millions. Through this inspiring story of unlikely partnership, Bennett shares three steps for creating change and invites all of us to take action when we see someone in need.
Empowerment Theatre 2018 - "Peace Begins With Me"
During this collaboration between Girl Scouts San Diego and The La Jolla Playhouse, 9th-12th grade girls spent three weeks practicing improv games, learning theatre exercises, and developing leadership skills with teaching artists from the Playhouse. During the program, 12 high-school and middle-school girls evaluated and explored the intersection of conflict, peace, and communication. With guidance from the teaching artists, participants explored what it means to find and use their voices for positive change. The camp culminated in a special showcase called "Peace Begins with Me," an hour-long informal production that was written and staged by the girls themselves. The show includes poetry, songs, and "play-back theatre" with reenactments of girls' and audience members' life experiences of conflict and joy.
“Peace Dance”
The middle and high school students of St Francis Xavier Girls High School in Bangalore India portray the importance of peace within and among us in their graceful dance moves (Oct 2022).
* Music
Whether it is audio only, or audio with visual, music touches our inner selves, our very souls. With so many genres of music available today, you can choose your own style and let it bring you peace.
Voices of Music - Pachelbel Canon in D Major
Johann Pachelbel's soothing Canon in D Major, is performed on original instruments, presented by Voices of Music. Hanneke van Proosdij & David Tayler, directors; Cynthia Miller Freivogel, Elizabeth Blumenstock & Augusta McKay Lodge, baroque violins; Elisabeth Reed, baroque cello; Hanneke van Proosdij, baroque organ; David Tayler, archlute. The canon is played using not only baroque instruments but also the specific bowing techniques employed during Pachelbel's time.
Oxford Schola Cantorum - Classical Choral Music
The Schola Cantorum, chamber choir of the University of Oxford UK, with Jeremy Summerly conducting, presents a playlist of contemplative choral classics by Mozart, Brahms, Tallis, Faure, Verdi, Vivaldi, Schubert, Allegri, Handel, and Dvorak.
Tonal "Peace Frequency"
The 432 Hz audio frequency has been called the"Peace Frequency." Tones and music played at this frequency bring relaxation by slowing down the nervous system. Calm 432 Hz sounds increase the activity of "alpha"-length brainwaves associated with a relaxed, peaceful state. Research suggests they may reduce anxiety and stress.
John Lennon - “Imagine” (1971)
"In perhaps his most significant contribution to the peace movement that he loved and lived by, John Lennon paints a picture of what it would be like to live in a world joined together in peace. He invites us to question our values and understandings of the world we live in, and to imagine one which is simpler and where we all live in peace. The importance of “Imagine” will continue to live on, as it should, and holds a precious place in the hearts of those who yearn for peace." The Capitol Theatre, World Peace Day 2025
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"
"Let There Be Peace on Earth" was written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller in 1955. It was initially composed for and sung by the International Children's Choir in Long Beach CA. Jackson-Miller, who had been suicidal after the failure of her marriage to screenwriter Felix Jackson, later said that she wrote the song after discovering what she called the "life-saving joy of God's peace and unconditional love."
"Light a Candle for Peace"
Shelly Murley composed this song specifically for Montessori students around the world to sing for World Peace Day 2009. Link to her website to hear children from all over the globe sing the song in 2025 (https://singpeacearoundtheworld.com/).
* Nature
Experiencing nature and its sounds can be deeply soothing. Click on a connection below and feel the peace!
Ocean Surf
Rhythmic ocean surf on the beach at Playa de Piticabo in the Dominican Republic.
Nature Walk (primarily visual, some audio)
Magical video visual walk in Cumbria UK during the blossoming month of May, with trees, carpets of flowers, songs of birds, stream and small river.
Flowing Creek
Calming sounds of the flowing waters of a small creek, splashing around and over rocks in its path. Birds singing also.
Waterfall
Relaxing sound of a constantly flowing waterfall.