In a little over a month, the U.S. will have been occupying Iraq for 5 years. It’s hard to believe.

What Is Pangea Day?

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future.

In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that - to help people see themselves in others - through the power of film.

On May 10, 2008 - Pangea Day - sites in Cairo, Dharamsala, Kigali, London, New York City, Ramallah, Rio de Janeiro, and Tel Aviv will be videoconferenced live to produce a program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music.

The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

“It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.” - Gandhi

Whether you’re Christian or not, there’s something in the teachings of Jesus that is worth contemplation, for anyone who seeks to be a better person: his urging that we love our enemies.

Not just “Love Thy Neighbor”, which in itself can be a difficult thing.

But “Love your enemies”. That’s a powerful message, and it turns out, one of the greatest challenges in life.

Why is this message an important one, even if you’re not a Christian? I’m not here to discuss Christian teachings, but to address universal problems found in every human being, no matter what your religion or non-religion. And this is a universal problem: the hatred we feel for other people, hatred that wells up inside of us and causes destructive actions, for people who might have harmed us in some way but in the end are fellow human beings who we must live with in a common society.

And it’s an idea that was taught not only by Christ, but by Buddha, Gandhi, and many other great people and religions.

This still might sound a bit grand or preachy, so let me bring this down to an everyday level: is there anyone in your life who you hate or just can’t stand? Maybe someone who just irritates you to no end, who you resent and feel bitterness towards? And if so, are you proud of that? Does it make you happy?

I’d submit that most of us have someone like that, in many cases multiple people in our lives who cause us anger or hatred or at least resentment, for something they’ve done in the past. I’d also submit that the anger, hatred and resentment that lives within us is destructive and counterproductive.

Let’s explore these ideas a little more, if you’re interested.
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Spread this Peace and Love around if you would like..
<a href="http://www.livepeaceandpassion.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.livepeaceandpassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/peace-love_heart.gif" border="0"></a>

One of the most rewarding and unselfish aspects of the holidays is the ability to give to charitable organizations. You need only look around at the homeless and sick children to realize how fortunate you are to have everything you need, while they are lucky to have one meal a day. This is the time for children and charity to become synonymous.

Most children do not realize what they have until they still another child wanting. Your child’s school may have engaged in the Toys For Tots program, which is a worthy program. Perhaps your child made a donation of one or two toys. If not, it is important to get your kids involved, no matter how minuscule, in the charitable field. The exposure to others who have very little is a lesson every child should learn and understand.
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