We are officially 2 weeks into Project Peace. Wow, even with a focus on peace, it’s easy for the days to quickly pass. As I think about the upcoming week, I’m filled with excitement for the 21st.
I’ve long referred to December 21st as the most optimistic day of the year (that’s my Northern Hemisphere identity speaking as it would be June 21st if I lived down south). To me, the darkest day of the year is a time to pause and reflect on the awe and beauty of the natural world… a day filled with promise that the light will slowly begin to reappear.
This year, the moon will be almost at it’s fullest with the Cold Moon on December 22. With clear skies that night, it’ll be nothing but bright with the moonlight reflecting off the snow and ice-filled ponds. Solstice is my day to truly honor peace… and how I can plant seeds to spread peace in my community, the nation, and the world.
During Project Peace 2016, a fellow knitter recommended we have a special day around the world to knit for peace. It only seemed right that December 21st would be that day. So we named it “Worldwide Knit for Peace Day.”
Last year, I was attending one of my daughter’s soccer games… and of course, knitting. A sister of one of my daughter’s teammates stopped to chat about my knitting. A lovely conversation followed centered on knitting and peace. I told her about Worldwide Knit for Peace Day and she paused, took a sweet little breath, looked at me with a sparkle in her eye and said “wouldn’t it be great if someday knit for peace day was an official holiday celebrated around the world?”
Why yes Lauren, wouldn’t that be grand. She said “I really hope I see that happen one day.”
Dream BIG…
Just the other day, I was having a conversation with a friend and she asked me “what is your long-term goal for Project Peace?” Silence… she offered to rephrase the question.
“If you could have one outcome as a result of Project Peace, what would it be?”
And it hit me… it’s to have Worldwide Knit for Peace Day become a day recognized around the world by knitters everywhere as a day to pause and knit for peace. …to know that globally we are connected through two sticks and a string, united for peace despite any differences, whatever that complicated word means to a person.
That Worldwide Knit for Peace Day provides an opportunity for a knitter to say “yes” to peace.
So, my one big wish is to make Worldwide Knit for Peace Day a real day… one that’s accepted, celebrated and owned by the knitting community at large.
But how do we do that?
Peace seed #14.
Plan a party… each one of us…
What will you do to honor Worldwide Knit for Peace Day?
Here’s some ideas.
host your own personal peace party. Light a candle, put on your favorite music, pour yourself a wee cuppa and knit. With each stitch, focus on peace. Treat yourself to this time of knitted reflection.
invite your knitting group to your home… gather, chat, light a candle for peace, perhaps share a way a peaceful act you will do in the New Year. Have everyone at your party, add a pin on the global knit for peace map on Ravelry (see info below). Maybe even create some peace-related party games… create a peace gratitude jar… gift swap with peace gifts…
Chat with your LYS about organizing a get-together. Our local shop, Knitting Next Door hosts a function each year with yummy treats and some door prizes. Sharyn from the YarnScout is hosting a function at their local “pay what you can restaurant.” She’s sponsoring that night’s meal, inviting knitters to join for dinner, pay what they can and even bring a knitted item for the local shelter. What a beautiful example of knitting for peace to support the community.
Perhaps you want to knit in public on that day… chat with people when they ask you “what are you knitting.” Tell them “I’m knitting for peace.” Or if you want to be extra bold, make a sign for your table “I’m knitting for peace, ask me about it.” Gather at a coffee shop, a library, local restaurant… share with others what it means to knit for peace.
contact your guild. Tell them about “Worldwide Knit for Peace Day.” Ask them to share with members or to host a gathering. Perhaps the guild might like to organize a drive to collect knitted hats, mittens, etc to give to a local shelter.
If you are a blogger, have a podcast or know of someone that does… ask them to share.
I know this creative group can generate many more wonderful ideas…
Leave a comment on how you plan to knit for peace on December 21 and I’ll consider it an entry for our current give-away (by tonight at 11:59)… and if you left a comment yesterday, I’ll count today’s comment as a second entry.
I often get asked “why December 21st? It’s such a busy time of the year, can’t you do this on another day.” Every day is a busy day… we have to make time for peace. If we are trying to find the perfect day or one that conveniently fits works with our schedule it’s kinda missing the point. That’s my answer every time.
Make time for peace. Don’t just pencil it in somewhere that’s convenient.
Pin your location on the global peace map.
We have over 600 pins on our global peace map... if you haven't had a chance to pin your location or leave a comment with your location, please do so. It's a powerful way to demonstrate our commitment to peace. Let's cover the world with peace!
Can we reach 1000?
This map is documentation that we, knitters from around the world, are united for peace.
Go to The Healthy Knitter Ravelry group and leave a message with your location in the World-wide knit for peace day (12/21) thread... let's cover the globe with pins representing knitters for peace.
With each stitch… peace.
~Christina