|
Over the past week many a flag was proudly raised and rousing rounds
of "Oh Canada" sung as we celebrated Canada Day. Once again
the celebration brought with it a sense of connection with all who
call Canada home and a
deep feeling of loyalty and gratitude for the freedom and human
rights that we enjoy. We have much for which to be grateful, for
Canada is truly a great country.
That familiar feeling of love for one's country is a comfortable,
warm feeling - rather like a cozy blanket that wraps itself around
us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could actually "grow" that
feeling and expand it in our lives? Pablo Casals once said, "The
love of one's country is a wonderful thing. But why should love stop
at the border?" Possibly it's worth contemplating the "whys" and
"what ifs".
What if there were no borders, at least not in an emotional sense?
What if our patriotism were to grow into a pride for our world
citizenship? What if we had a special time to come together and
celebrate "World Unity Day"? Would it be possible to feel a deep
connection with all who call Earth home? Would we develop a sense of
loyalty and pride in our common home? What if we waved world flags
enthusiastically as we chanted
"Standing Together In Unity!" or sang "We Are The World" with
heartfelt pride and maybe even tears in our eyes? Would it make a
difference?
While the "what ifs" may seem like distant dreams any small steps to
shift us in the direction of world harmony seem like a worthwhile
endeavour, and possibly that shift involves thinking beyond borders,
moving beyond inertia and accepting our individual power to create
positive change in the world. Positive change does not always
involve big actions. It can start as a small wave of kindness and
grow into a tidal wave of goodwill or it may begin as a twinge of
excitement about what might be and evolve into a life's passion and
reason for being. (next column)
10/07/2009 11:26 PM
 |
The younger generation has grown up during the age of the internet and
our youth are eager to embrace their world citizenship. Young people
often enjoy making connections with peers in far off countries through
e-friends or traditional snail-mail pen pals. What better way to move
"beyond borders" and expand their sense of home? Internet sites offering
pen pal connections are abundant and require parental supervision, but
if you are interested in helping your youngster in the search for global
friends, "Students of the World" at
www.studentsoftheworld.info may be a good starting point.
And what about flying a world flag? Possibly your family would enjoy
exploring the internet for potential templates? The "World Unity Flag"
homepage at
www.worldunityflag.org may inspire you to create your own
world flag and fly it with pride.
Whether it takes the form of a penpal search or a joint project to
create a world flag, logo or song, thinking beyond borders can turn into
a fulfilling family project that is sure to be surrounded with a feeling
of empowerment and the energy of positive change.
Yes, we do live in a fantastic community, a great country and a
wonderful world filled with exotic, exciting new experiences and
partnerships. Maybe we are ready to move beyond borders and embrace it
all!
 |
for
world news,
books, sports, movies ...
