The more we know and understand with our minds about peace in all its myriad aspects, the more we can connect via our hearts in positive, peaceful ways with others.
* Science of Peace
* Free Courses
* Peace Leaders
LEARN ABOUT....
* The Science and Benefits of Peace
Research by HeartMath Institute
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HeartMath Institute does extensive research on peaceful heart coherence and the energetic connection of all things. (https://www.heartmath.org/research/research-library/) and (https://www.heartmath.org/research/featured-research/)
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HeartMath also presents findings on the science of heart-brain communication, intuitive intelligence, and peaceful personal functioning. (https://www.heartmath.org/research/science-of-the-heart/)
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HeartMath’s Global Coherence Monitoring System monitors geomagnetic fields and how solar and cosmic influences affect the earth’s fields and human behavior. (https://www.heartmath.org/gci/research/global-coherence/)
Blog: The Science of Inner Peace - How Your Brain Processes Calm
Discussion of brain hormones, their functions, and how they respond to - and help create - inner peace.
Physical & Mental Health Benefits of Peace
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Reduced stress: Living in a peaceful environment lowers chronic stress. Chronic stress is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened immune function (McEwen, 2007).
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Better sleep: Feeling safe and secure improves sleep quality, which is critical for memory, metabolism, and immune function (Walker, 2017).
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Lower injury rates: In societies or communities with less violence, accidental and intentional injuries are far lower. This directly reduces mortality (WHO, 2023).
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Longer life expectancy: Peaceful countries or regions often show longer life spans due to reduced conflict-related deaths and stress (Human Security Report, 2013).
Social, Societal, and Global Benefits of Peace
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Trust and cooperation: Peace fosters trust in neighbors, authorities, and institutions. Trust correlates with greater community engagement and social cohesion (Putnam, 2000).
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Economic growth: Stability attracts investment, education, and entrepreneurship. Economically healthy communities can invest in health, education, and infrastructure.
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Cultural development: Arts, literature, science, and culture flourish in societies with less conflict because resources and energy aren’t consumed by violence.
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Conflict prevention: Peaceful societies avoid cycles of retaliation, reducing the likelihood of wars or internal strife.
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Public health improvement: Health campaigns and emergency responses function better without conflict.
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Education access: Children are far more likely to attend school and thrive academically in safe, peaceful settings.
* Courses/Workshops/Webinars
United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR)
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Courses Offered: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on peace, conflict resolution, and security.
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Target Audience: Global learners interested in peace and security topics.
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Format: Free online courses available in multiple languages.
United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
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Courses Offered: A variety of self-paced video courses on a diversity of topics in conflict management and peacebuilding.
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Target Audience: Geared toward practitioners working to resolve conflict in their countries.
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Format: Free online courses available in multiple languages.
Peace Operation Training Institute (POTI)
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Courses/Webinars/Videos Offered: A variety of self-paced video courses, webinars, and individual videos on a diversity of topics in peacebuilding.
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Target Audience: Geared toward practitioners working to resolve conflict in their countries but available for everyone.
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Format: Free online offerings available in multiple languages. Scroll through courses to find free ones.
For Courses: Peace-Training Courses
For Webinars & Videos: https://www.peaceopstraining.org/videos/
Class Central - Peacebuilding Courses
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Courses/Webinars/Videos Offered: A variety of courses, webinars, and individual videos on a diversity of topics such as conflict management, global issues, peace education, and peacebuilding.
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Target Audience: Anyone who is interested in peacebuilding.
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Format: Free online offerings available in multiple languages.
Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP)
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Course Offered: 2-hour online course with 5 modules that include videos, text reading, quizzes, a Facebook group, and post-completion opportunities.
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Target Audience: Anyone who wants to learn about peace and its implications for humanity.
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Format: Free online course available in multiple languages.
* Peace Leaders We Can Emulate
(this month's focus)
Thich Nhat Hanh (Vietnam)
Zen Buddhist monk, poet, peace activist, speaker, and author. Taught mindfulness as a path to peace. (1926-2022)
Plum Village Biography: Thich Nhat Hahn
Wikipedia: Thich Nhat Hanh
Biographical Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRObW9noiVk
Desmond Tutu (South Africa)
Anglican Archbishop, anti-apartheid leader, speaker, and author. Chaired South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission 1995-3003. Nobel Peace Prize 1984. (1931-2021)
Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation: Desmond Tutu
Wikipedia: Desmond Tutu
John Lennon (UK)
British singer, songwriter, and musician best known as one of the founders of the Beatles. He co-wrote many of the group's hits with Paul McCartney before pursuing a successful solo career after the Beatles disbanded. He was also known as a peace activist and artist. (1940-1980)
Wikipedia: John Lennon
Video of John Lennon's song "Imagine": watch here