Peace Week Lesson Plan
Date: September 21, 2010
Instructor: Sharratt
1. International Peace Day
•The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.
•In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
•By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:
•"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."
•Since its inception, Peace Day has marked our personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.
2. Music and Techniques
Where is the Love? by the Black Eyed Peas
•Technique: Review Conscious Embodiment by Wendy Palmer
oBoth Wrists Grasp by both Partners – pushing
oBoth Wrist Grasp All Direction Throw #2
Pray for me Brother by A.R. Rahman
•Technique: Both Elbow Grasp Breath Throw
A Sense of Wonder by Van Morrison
•Technique: Front Strike Front Step-in Throw #2
oImagine practicing this in a field in Japan, in a favela (slum area) outside São Paulo, Brazil, in a hot, smelly dojo in Detroit, a Southern California beach in January, or at the Shuharikan in St. Paul, what do they hold in common?
oWhat do you perceive these individuals think about when they are common to or leaving the dojo?
oUsing a definition of Aikido as "the Way of harmonious spirit," how do you integrate your study into your everyday life?
Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes by Jimmy Buffett
•Technique: One Wrist Grasp Side Step-in Throw #1
oWhenever I train and study this technique, I envision training with Alistair Thomson sensei in the early 1990’s. His technical explanation and performing of the technique was a wonderful experience, but more so the time spent with him and talking about the Shodan grading I was about to undertake with Gordie and his openness about the continuity of training and what one gains made a greater and deeper impression on me.
oWhat is a memory that you share about your training?
oDoes this affect or impact your life outside of Aikido? If so, in what ways?
Days like this by Van Morrison
“You won’t repay me directly, but you will do things for others, just as I have done for you.” With that statement she showed me a path that I have taken-a lifetime of mentoring and friendship with young people, many of whom were foreign students in America, as I had once been in Munich. (pg. 19) East toward Dawn: A Woman’s Solo Journey Around the World by Nan Watkins.
•How do you envision Aikido affecting your life in the future?
•How can it be a vehicle or mechanism for you to impact those in your life and those less fortunate that you?
