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How Meditation Helped Thai Boys Survive in the Cave

How could meditation help when you are trapped in a cave and may think you are about to die? We’ve heard the story of 12 Thai boys and their football coach who were rescued from a flooded cave in Northern Thailand after spending there almost 10 days. In order to survive, they were guided into meditation by their coach, who had once been a Monk, and miraculously – it helped them attract the rescue team and survive. Peace Revolution Teaching Monk John Paramai explains how it was possible.

1) Meditation reduces the need for food

When we meditate, we reduce the need to use energy. When the body is still, the amount of energy that the body needs decreases. Then, as we observe our breath during meditation, we make our breathing softer, smoother and longer. This is how the body naturally needs less energy resulting in less metabolism and lower oxygen consumption. Therefore, meditators can stay alive many days with less food or in some case with no food at all.

2) Meditation reduces fear

If we got trapped in a room with no light for days without knowing when we would be freed, would we be able to let go of worry from the mind? When the amount of worry is more than the amount of hope, we  – humans – develop fear in the mind. Meditation reduces the number of thoughts. Moreover, meditators can choose positive thoughts over negative ones. Those who meditate regularly will fear nothing regardless of the situation they are in.

3) Meditation reduces conflicts

Getting trapped in a place with so many people, how did the boys stay so calm? It looks as if they didn’t have any conflict with each other at all. When we meditate, we develop empathy, and that’s how we can see and understand from other people’s perspective. Those who meditate regularly will not only think about themselves, but will develop compassion towards others. That might be the secret of how all the boys survived and no one was left behind before the rescue team arrived.

4) Meditation increases patience

Waiting requires patience, which is always hard to find and easy to lose. People get tired of waiting, especially when you have to wait indefinitely. The mind that can let go, helps us wait longer. Additionally, the amount of expectation that keeps growing every minute we wait, is gong to blow our patience away. When we meditate, we learn to let go, lower our expectations and stay with the present. And that’s how patience is developed.

5) Meditation increases positive energy

Buddha taught us that the mind is everything: what you think, you become. When we meditate, our mind cultivates positive energy which by the law of attraction, will attract positive things to your life. When all boys meditated together, the amount of their combined positive energy could potentially attract the rescue team that finally discovered them. And this is the secret power of the mind.

If you wonder where to start exploring the power of your mind, you may consider applying for the upcoming Peace Revolution Fellowship in Thailand.

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Peacebuilder Elvis Kumar Awarded at Commonwealth Youth Forum

Elvis Kumar (25), peacebuilder from Fiji was fortunate to be one of the 5 Pacific Regional Finalists at the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) hosted in London from 16th to 18th April. In the Forum, young people who are contributing to peace and security, poverty alleviation, conflict resolution and other areas were brought together for the Commonwealth Youth Awards 2018 under the theme “Towards a Common Future”.

Elvis Kumar, who is the Oceania Regional Coordinator and Certified Mindfulness Trainer for the World Peace Initiative Foundation (WPI) and Peace Revolution project, has been engaged in youth work, social development and community services not only in Fiji but in the Pacific Region. He has represented Fiji and has been the voice of the young Fijians in numerous seminars and conferences abroad. Elvis’s work was recognized for this prestigious award, thanks to his immense contributions made in peacebuilding and self-development activities in the Region. 

“I am very thankful to the World Peace Initiative Foundation for giving me the opportunity to work with them with an approach to sustainable world peace through mindful practices. I extend my sincere appreciation to all those who have taken part in my activities and benefited from it and provided great feedback. I am also very grateful to the Commonwealth Youth Program for recognizing and acknowledging my contributions towards building a peaceful society. Young people have the potential to bring about sustainable development, they must not be underestimated and must always be encouraged and supported,” says Elvis Kumar, who has worked in 9 Pacific countries with the inner peace and meditation framework for self-development.

Apart from attending the Commonwealth Youth Forum hosted during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Elvis was awarded with a certificate of achievement, a trophy and £1000 cash prize. During the Forum, Elvis also met with HRH Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, HRH Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker and discussed his development work.

Elvis Kumar with other award winners during the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London.

Young people constitute more than 60% of the population of the Commonwealth; their empowerment is essential to the success of the Commonwealth and its member states. The Commonwealth works with youth
leaders, member governments and other stakeholders to engage and empower young people and enhance their contribution to development.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2018 aimed to raise the profile of young people and highlight the contribution they are making towards developing a fairer, sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth of Nations, formerly (1931–1949) the British Commonwealth, also known as simply the Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire. The Commonwealth operates by intergovernmental consensus of the member states, organised through the Commonwealth Secretariat and non-governmental organisations, organised through the Commonwealth Foundation.

 

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Can 100 Challenges Help Overcome Fear?

How many times in life we don’t do something because of the fear to step out of our comfort zone? Here’s a story about two friends, Vincent Dai and Mikaeel Adnan, from Sydney, Australia, who decided to begin a journey of 100 challenges trying things they’ve never done before to boost self-empowerment and overcome the fear.

Bungee Jumping, Say Yes to Everything for a Day, going to a retirement home and playing bingo with the elderly and cooking dinner for them; these are just some of the challenges on the list of 100. As Vincent explains, the theme for a challenge is either something new, something challenging or something they fear. For instance, jumping out of a plane at a free will was definitely something Vincent would never do, but now the challenge has been done.

Vincent adds that by actively seeking discomfort and trying new things, this exposes us to many new experiences that we probably wouldn’t even dare to try if we didn’t have a real think about it.

“This may seem crazy to some of you but honestly this is the key. By constantly exposing ourselves to fears and confronting them head on whether it’d be jumping out of a plane or merely going berserk on a dancefloor has allowed us to stop being in our head and start being out of our head which feels empowering,” says Vincent.

Moreover, this involves developing the confidence and strength to set realistic goals and fulfil our potential. “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses within them and a range of skills that are used in everyday situations, but all too often people remain unaware of, or undervalue their true abilities.”

Follow the journey of  Vincent Dai and Mikaeel Adnan on their Youtube channel.

How about YOU trying something that you’ve never done before?

Share your challenge with us!

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Peace In Peace Out Europe Tour

Peace In Peace Out Europe Tour is a number of inspiring workshops and lectures in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Latvia. The speaker is Venerable Teaching Monk John Paramai.

Peace In + Peace Out = Sustainable World PeacePeace In + Peace Out = Sustainable World Peace.

Agenda:

BELGIUM

16/10 – Leuven – Sancta Maria High School “The meaning of life” (closed event)

16/10 – Gent – Nest “In pursuit of happiness” https://goo.gl/aYBYX4

17/10 – Leuven – Ricolto “Stress-management” (closed event)

17/10 – Brussels – Diving clubs Le Ceap, Le RWPC, Happy Freediver “Peace Culture”

18/10 – Brussels – Centre for European Policy Studies “Increase Productivity and Focus”

19/10 – Brussels – UNICEF

NETHERLANDS

20/10 – Amsterdam – Jellinek Addiction Care Clinic “Finding peace”

21/10 – Amsterdam – FREE SPOT for event! / to be confirmed (Contact us to host the event)

21/10 – Amsterdam – Studio 191 “Finding Happiness through Inner Peace” https://goo.gl/ank77T

22/10 – Amsterdam – FREE SPOT for event! / to be confirmed (Contact us to host the event)

22/10 – Amsterdam – New Yoga School “City Enlightenment Project: Meditation and discussion”

23/10 – Nijmegen – Beleef Yoga Studio “Self-Development. Dhammakaya meditation technique” https://goo.gl/yZMvzf

23/10 – Nijmegen – Beleef Yoga Studio “Meditation Clinic”

23/10 – Nijmegen – De Kleine Wiel “Creativity and meditation” -https://goo.gl/MJEmCn

24/10 – Nijmegen – Radboud University Student Chapel “Time and Stress-Management” – https://goo.gl/9Y9QFM

24/10 – Nijmegen – De Klinker “Non-violent resistance: case of Buddhists in Thailand”

25/10 – Nijmegen – FREE SPOT for event! / to be confirmed (Contact us to host the event)

GERMANY

26/10 – Kleve – CONFERENCE in Hochschule Rhein-Waal “Inner peace and sustainability”

27/10 to 29/10 – Kleve – RETREAT in Vlierhof https://goo.gl/mpa6NP

30/10 – Cologne – Pauenhof Meditation Centre “Mindfulness Teacher Training”

30/10 – Cologne – Allerwelts House “Benefits of meditation for stress-management”

30/10 – Bonn – Alanus University “Stress-free in university”

31/10 – Iserlohn – Naturheilpraxis Yoga Centre “Loving Kindness”

31/10 – Cologne – University of Cologne “Benefits of meditation”

31/10 – Cologne – University of Cologne “Stress-free in University”

1/11 – Cologne – Sansorio Centre “Resilience and loving kindness”

LATVIA

2/11 – Riga – How to Detox Your Mind? – Digital Freedom Festival

2/11 – 5/11 – Liepupe Manor – meditation retreat “Into the East: meditation holidays near the Baltic Sea”

7/11 – Riga – LU Indijas studiju un kulturas centrs(LU India study and cultural centre) – “Peace Energy”

7/11 – Riga – Laima Chocolate Museum – “daily discipline” and “how to be happy here and now”

8/11 – Riga – Latvian National Library – “The Art of Stillness”

8/11 – Riga – knowledge space “Zikurāts”- “Mindfulness practice”

9/11 – Riga – Latvian National Library – “Work-Life Balance”

9/11- Riga – BITE telecmmunications

10/11 – Riga – University of Latvia/Faculty of Humanitarian Sciences – Theravada Buddhism in Thailand: a story of Monk John Paramai

… Our acts are the consequences of our thoughts. Our thought is powerful. It can be the source of innovation, prosperity, and peace. Yet, equally likely, it can also be the source of human misery, corruption, and tragedy.

Those who can change their thoughts for the better are the ones moving forward to a better future.The right thoughts arise from clarity of the mind. Clear mind comes in the moments of stillness…

Come and get inspired at these Peace In Peace Out Tour talks. Info and registration via individual Facebook events.

Do come!

Support us by inviting your friends. Donate with remark “PIPO EU Tour” at Anna Ovchinnikova NL30 ABNA 0616 8766 61All received funds will be divided equally to provide for transportation and food costs of the tour.
Host event last-minute requests: +3164 586 6563 or PM Anna van Hulst-Ovchinnikova.

Who are we?

Volunteers at Peace Revolution project

What do we believe in?

We believe in importance and power of peace inside and out. Peace In + Peace Out = Sustainable World Peace.

More information:

Peace In Peace Out Europe Tour Facebook 

Peace Revolution Europe Facebook page

We are looking forward to sharing the peace with you.

All the best,

(in order of cities)

Philou, Tom, Gea, Bruna, Anna, Santosh, Dinah, Raul and Agnija

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DOs and DON’Ts When Interacting With A Suicidal Person

Depression, fear and anxiety are the most common reasons why someone considers committing a suicide. It is often that people who are going through difficult times are around us, yet what would be the best way to help them and therefore help the entire society?

On the World Suicide Prevention Day, we encourage everyone to share inner peace by becoming a listener to those in need. This kind action can save a life! Here are some helpful tips to remember when talking to a suicidal person:

DO:
• Be yourself. Let the person know you care, that he/she is not alone. Caring actions are more important than finding perfect words.

• Listen. Let the suicidal person share their story and feelings, no matter how negative.

• Be empathetic, non-judgmental, patient, calm, accepting. Your friend or family member is doing the right thing by talking about his/her feelings.

• Offer hope. Let the person know that his or her life is important to you and that help is available.

• Take the person seriously. If the person says things like, “I’m so depressed, I can’t go on,” ask the question: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” You are not putting ideas in their head, you are showing that you are concerned and that it’s OK for them to share their pain with you.

DON’T:
• Argue with the suicidal person. Avoid saying things like: “You have so much to live for,” “Your suicide will hurt your family,” or “Look on the bright side.”

• Act shocked, lecture on the value of life, or say that suicide is wrong.

• Promise confidentiality. Refuse to be sworn to secrecy. A life is at stake and you may need to speak to a mental health professional in order to keep the suicidal person safe.

• Offer ways to fix their problems, or give advice, or make them feel like they have to justify their suicidal feelings. It is not about how bad the problem is, but how badly it’s hurting your friend or loved one.

• Blame yourself. You can’t “fix” someone’s depression. Your loved one’s happiness, or lack thereof, is not your responsibility.

Source: Metanoia.org

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How Meditation Gave Me A Meaning

It was more than three years ago that I discovered meditation. I still remember the doubt in my mind as I sat down to meditate for the first time: why am I doing this? I could be doing all those hundreds of things on my “to do” list. But I am just sitting here, in the middle of the room, with my eyes closed, doing nothing. The only thing that motivated me back then was the Peace Revolution Fellowship in Thailand that I would attend after completing 42 days of self-development program. So I did it. After coming back from the Fellowship, it turned out to be the most life-changing experience ever – now I wouldn’t skip a day without meditation.

Paradise Island

Imagine yourself on a beautiful paradise island. You are watching the sunrise while doing yoga, eating delicious Thai food, meditating four times a day with around 30 people from all over the world, interacting with Teaching Monks and learning from their wisdom, doing different activities throughout the day that help you be mindful and see goodness in others and yourself, start noticing your habits and realize how lucky you are to be alive. You are not allowed to use electronic devices and internet, but you don’t need them, and it makes your mind feel fresh and free. You follow the discipline and wake up at 5 am for the early morning meditation, and you find it exciting and doable.

We don’t usually have these experiences in our daily life, do we? We are busy with our work, studies, personal life; we often think that we need to achieve more, earn more and possess more to be happy. But is that true? Can external things make us happy? For how long? The Fellowship in Thailand was about leaving all the desire, greed and ego behind. In fact, it was not about learning something new. The designed program, the discipline, the opportunity to be disconnected from all the worries and problems back home was all about returning to oneself: pure, happy and free.

Lost in India

Before the Fellowship, it was already some time that I felt lost in life. Despite having a good education with a great background in journalism and abundant project experience from all over the world, I felt that there was something more than that. I certainly knew that my life was not about going to an office and doing a job that I didn’t actually like or following the patterns of society and starting a family at a certain age. Therefore, having finished all my assignments in Europe, I went to India, the country that I loved and where I had worked as an English teacher before. I wanted India to somehow show me the direction, perhaps give a job that I would enjoy, find a place where I would stay and solve my problems. I was disappointed to find out that nothing was falling in my hands as I had expected. I struggled to find a place where to stay (moving from one place to another almost every day), my money was running out, no jobs came to me just like that, and my knee started to pain reminding me of an old injury that I had not fully fixed back home. With a desire to become a published writer, I realized that this would not bring me any income leading me into more uncertainty and worries about my future, about what I wanted to do in my life. When looking back at those days, I am grateful that it was exactly this moment that I joined the Peace Revolution Fellowship in Thailand and started a journey to my true self.

Finding oneself

One may wonder: why is it necessary to find ourselves? What is there to discover, when we already have a family, job, personal life, hobbies that we enjoy. At some extent we know who we are. But is it our true self? Do the labels that we wear define us? Are they permanent? We never know when we are going to lose our job, end our relationship, change our status in society or on the contrary – get a new job, start a new relationship or move to another country; we want it or not, everything in this world is changing, and nothing is forever. This is why the external factors that happen to us, the roles that we play and the labels that we wear, even the thoughts that we have, – they do not define who we truly are. Life keeps on changing all the time, so the quest for the true self and for more purity is never-ending. This is why meditation for me is this amazing tool that helps to stay aware, that allows to stop and observe, that connects me to my personal space, my inner salvage where to return and where the truth lies. Once this happens and I have meditated, it is easier then to stay mindful about every passing situation and make sure that I act in the best possible way at each given moment of my life.

Sharing with others

It doesn’t mean that after the Fellowship, my problems got solved. I would still have my busy “to do” list, and I would still sometimes feel lost searching for answers. What has changed is the way I look at life and the way I do those things on my “to do” list. With meditation, I give more meaning to everything I do, I let go things that I cannot change and I approach problems with a positive, solution-oriented attitude. And though it is not always easy to remember it amidst daily responsibilities and busy routine, I know that at the end of the day there is something to return to, something that matters the most before everything else shall happen – meditation and my inner peace. 

After completing the Fellowship in Thailand, I joined the Peace Revolution project as a Peace Coach and later became a meditation and mindfulness trainer (Peace Architect). Now as I sit down to meditate, I feel a totally different motivation. I want to take care of my mind. Moreover, meditation has become my mission: I want to share it with everyone wherever I go.

Peace Revolution Fellowship 13 participants on the deck before boarding a boat to the Mooktawan island.
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Discover Yourself in Federated States of Micronesia

Who am I? How often have you been asking this question to yourself? And what answers have you gained? All of us play different roles in society, we fulfil different tasks and manage our daily responsibilities, but do these external factors define who we are? Join the third Pacific Self-Discovery Camp that will take place in Federated States of Micronesia from 20th to 24th of November 2017, and give yourself an opportunity to learn the tools for self-discovery.

 

Self-discovery is one of the most important steps for us to realize our full potential and know how to live successful and happy life. Hence, the Pacific Self-Discovery Camp will be organized for the third time bringing together a group of young people from the Pacific countries of the Micronesia Region who are interested in learning and exploring self-development as a primary means to discover their own true self making this world a better place to live in.

The Camp will consist of workshops and lectures about youth empowerment,
work-life balance, conflict prevention & resolution, peace promotion, relationships, stress management, and mindfulness. The camp will also bridge the gap between inner peace and social empowerment leading to transformational and peaceful activism.

In order to apply, candidates must be residents and/or nationals of one of these countries or islands: Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. They must be between 20-32 years of age and complete at least 14 days of the online self-development program by 29th September 2017.

The Camp in Federated States of Micronesia includes a full or a partial sponsoring of airfare from your home country to FSM, free accommodation and food. There is no retreat fee.

Please see more information about the application procedure here.

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Peace Revolution Brings Peace To Eastern Partnership Youth Forum

“Each of you are a factor and actor to make a change,” says Martine Reicherts, Director-General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport at the European Commission, quoting Dalai Lama on her opening speech on the 3rd Eastern Partnership Youth Forum in Warsaw, Poland. The Forum gathered about 300 participants, including youth leaders, youth workers and youth policy makers from both Eastern Partnership and 33 European countries from June 22 to 23.

The speech of Martine Reicherts was perceived as probably the most emotional and motivational one, noticing her sincerity especially when encouraging young people to put their heart in what they are doing, in building their own future. “Because we failed. We used brain, and we forgot about the heart,” she is honest.

Eastern Partnership is a joint policy initiative launched in 2009 to deepen relations between the European Union and the six Eastern neighbours: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Hence, the Forum (first one organized in Lithuania in 2013 and the second one in Latvia in 2015) is a platform for many organizations to come together, share experience and exchange contacts for cooperation.

This year the Forum focused on discussing participation and active citizenship of young people and their involvement in decision making process. This is also what the Commissioner Martine Reicherts added to her speech. “Politics is not about sitting at a table; it’s about having a conversation together, sharing knowledge and experience.”

World Peace Initiative Foundation (WPI) and Peace Revolution project were represented in the Forum by Agnija Kazuša, who is Communication Manager for Europe and comes from Latvia. Hence, the Forum gave a space for the Peace Revolution project to present its most recent opportunities, like SEE Peace Fellowship that is open for youth workers and youth activists from South East Europe to come together in Fruška Gora, Serbia and learn meditation and mindfulness as tools for peace-building that can be used in youth work and better decision making.

Agnija Kazuša is representing World Peace Initiative (WPI) and Peace Revolution project a Eastern Partnership Youth Forum in Warsaw, Poland.
People are interested in Peace Revolution project during Open Space where organizations could present themselves.

Apart from presenting new opportunities and spreading the PIPO mission through conversations about peace, benefits of meditation, mindful living, law of attraction and other topics, it was also a space to connect with people who had cooperated with Peace Revolution already before, like Giorgi Kikalishvili from youth association DRONI that hosted a workshop about meditation and creativity in March 2017. This served as a great occasion to continue cooperating with DRONI. We also established new contacts with Peace Corps Armenia, as well as other organizations in Armenia which will allow to spread the PIPO mission in Caucasus countries and foster Eastern Partnership in the field of peace-building.

During the workshop “Connected Recognition” with Giorgi from DRONI youth organization.

Participants had opportunity to discuss more concrete action plans in thematic workshops about active participation, responsible citizenship, social entrepreneurship, formal and non-formal education and others. In the workshop “Connected Recognition” where different ideas were gathered on how to recognize non-formal education and youth work, also meditation and mindfulness were proposed as tools for personal and societal development.

No matter which country, culture, background or organization we people from, the Eastern Partnership is based on shared values of fundamental freedoms, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as shared commitment to market economy and sustainable development. Just like Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, said in his speech on the second day of the Forum: “We are all on the same boat, we have to take care of what the future looks like.”

The 3rd Eastern Partnership Youth Forum had the Honorary Patronage of the President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda, and thanks to him, the participants were invited to a Banquet at the  Presidential Palace “Belweder” to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Banquet at the  Presidential Palace “Belweder”

 

 

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Join SEE Peace Fellowship pre-events in Serbia

Do you want to learn more about the SEE Peace Fellowship? Wonder how to apply and why this Fellowship could change your life? Join some of our pre-events where Peace Revolution meditation trainers guide a meditation session and introduce everyone to the concept of the SEE Peace Fellowship that will take place in Serbia from September 28 to October 1.

The first pre-event “Meditate with us” was organized in Belgrade on June 4th enjoying a peaceful Sunday morning in Tasmajdanski park. The next pre-event will take place at Futoški park in Novi Sad, Serbia on June 10th at 11 o’clock. Please see the event link here.

All pre-events are free of charge and open for everyone who wants to try meditation, as well as learn about the SEE Peace Fellowship. The Fellowship is organized for the 3rd time in South East Europe region gathering youth activists and youth workers who want to learn to use meditation and mindfulness as a tool to deal with challenges within peace-building and youth work. The Fellowship covers accommodation, food and has no participation fee.

Please see more information about the SEE Peace Fellowship here.

 

 

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Apply for the SEE Peace Fellowship in Serbia

Have you felt that the world around you could become more peaceful, more balanced and more beautiful? How about starting with yourself and finding your inner peace first? If you come from South East Europe (SEE) region, here’s an opportunity for you: apply for the SEE Peace Fellowship in Serbia taking place from 28 September to 1 October, and be the peace you are looking for.

SEE Peace Fellowship is organized for the 3rd time gathering people interested in self-development. The fellowship includes interactive activities, meditation & yoga sessions, lectures and discussions providing participants with new skills for non-violent resistance, peace education, enhanced creativity and stress-management. During the SEE Fellowship, participants will have a chance to explore meditation as a practice which can cultivate skills to deal with challenges within peace-building and youth work, as well as enhance emotional intelligence.

Meditation sessions and lectures will be delivered by meditation trainers and a Teaching Monk from Thailand giving participants a unique opportunity to interact with a Monk, learn from his wisdom and find out about his lifestyle.

For selected participants, SEE Peace Fellowship will cover accommodation, food, meditation sessions and lectures fee, as well as yoga classes. The Fellowship does not cover international transportation to Serbia, local transportation within the country, as well as personal expenses.

The Fellowship is open for the nationals and residents of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Cyprus.

In order to apply, please access the application form, as well as complete the 14 days of self-development program on Peace Revolution platform.