A peace garden is a place for sowing seeds with intention.
Gather seeds in the colder months.
Dedicate a plot of ground to your peace garden and refocus on peace each time you plant new seeds.
Affirm the growth of peace in the world as you plant flowers and shrubs.
Add a place to sit and reflect on your peace garden.
Look for ways to incorporate the word ‘peace’ in your garden.
When things rock your world, go to the garden and sit, or send your kids to the garden to tend it.
Make a little peace bouquet, take a photo and share the image on social media.
A peace garden may mean different things to different family members, so let everyone contribute and interact with it as they see fit.
If every family had a peace garden, the world might be a different place.
Try to Remember
1. Stay calm, cool and collected.
2. Steer clear of overly dramatic types.
3. Protect your children from too much media exposure.
4. Discuss what happened with your family in simple terms.
5. Let family members express how the crisis makes them feel.
6. Take time to bless, pray, or send positivity to those affected.
7. Show love to your family and hug them close.
8. Take a constructive action, like making an online donation, if you can.
9. Attend group events like memorial services or vigils if this feels helpful. Consider dividing the family into two groups and letting one group attend and one group stay home, as needed.
9. Commemorate those who have been affected by a crisis with a safety candle or by displaying a flower.
10. If kids seem shaken or stuck, encourage them to share feelings by writing a letter to those affected by the crisis.
11. Seek professional support if anyone in your family has been deeply affected by a traumatic event.
11. Keep life simple. Go about routines slowly and mindfully. Avoid rushing.
12. Share gratitude you feel. Appreciate little things. Be kind to yourself and others.
