What could be more simple and effortless than breathing. Most of us do it without even thinking; it is the natural thing to do. In fact, the only time it is of real concern is when it becomes laborsome due to distress or dis-ease. Similarly, peace is the natural human condition. However, it has become laborsome through distress and dis-ease. Join us in helping each other return to peace through the removal of our individual distress and dis-ease.
Cerpok Sensei
"The Will Breathe For Peace campaign is not politically motivated, and is not in response to any particular military action. It is, rather, based upon the belief that by cultivating each individual's inner peace, we can realize peace on earth.
The whole process is more simple than most people may think and begins with developing a discipline of the breath. This leads, quite naturally, to disciplined thinking. The disciplined mind can then nurture a disciplined spirit which guides us to effortless action in harmony with the nature of all things.
Still too difficult? How about this: Proper breathing is proven to reduce stress. Reduced stress leads to less anger and frustration. Even if a person is not interested in world peace, wouldn't they be interested in less stress in their day? Wouldn't it be nice to share a room with people who are not stressed out?
On a personal note, I have spent the greater part of the past thirty years studying the martial arts and have developed the ability to take a life. Simultaneously, I was involved in the practice of Zazen breathing discipline. I have now arrived at a point in my life where I can choose to yield, not from a position of weakness or fear, but from a position of strength and True Understanding.
Traveling the path is simple, getting started down the path is difficult. I hope you will join me on the path to peace." - M.L. Cerpok
The first Will Breathe For Peace event took place at the Personal Development Center in Scottsdale, Arizona on Monday, January 21st, 2008 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). The event began with an introduction to the concept of the campaign, followed by brief instruction in Zazen breathing discipline. The event finished up with a discussion on how best to increase participation in the next event.
The next event was hosted by Just Breathe Wellness Sanctuary in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, March 1st.
Next, events in two states took place in April. Chico State University in Chico, California hosted one event on Earth Day, April 22nd, as well as a Zazen Meditation workshop, as part of their Earth Month celebration. It was a fantastic event with an information table set up on campus for two days. Cerpok Sensei was on hand to explain the campaign to students and faculty, and even taught Zazen to a passing police officer who was intrigued by the stress reduction benefits of the discipline! The lecture/workshop had a wonderful turn-out including students, faculty, and members of the surrounding community in attendance. Afterwards, Cerpok Sensei spoke more personally with individual participants, who had moved toward his information table in the back of the lecture hall. There, he also signed books and t-shirts, and one enthusiastic participant was overheard to say that the event had a rock concert feel.
We would like to thank Chico State University for hosting this event. Their entire community demonstrated the spirit of Will Breathe For Peace!
Another April event was held in Phoenix, Arizona at the Deer Valley Village Apartment Complex on April 27th. While smaller than the California event, facilitator Bruce Wilding hosted his first event and did a wonderful job! His opening dialogue explained an important concept of the campaign;
"It is like when you are on an airplane, and the Flight Attendant offers instructions for your safety. In the event that the oxygen masks are deployed, first place a mask over your own face, and then assist those around you. Why? Because you can not effectively help others if you, yourself, are in distress. This is the aim of the Will Breathe For Peace campaign. Bring yourself to better health, and those around you will be positively effected!"
Thank you Bruce for doing such a great job, and thanks to Deer Valley Village for hosting the event.
May events are being formalized at this time. Please check back for updated information or join our email list below and you will receive updates as they occur!
If you would like to join us in the Will Breathe For Peace campaign, and are interested in hosting events in your area, please send an email to info@willbreatheforpeace.org.
If you would like to offer your financial support to the Will Breathe For Peace campaign, there are three ways in which you can do so.
You can order your official Will Breathe For Peace T-Shirt by visiting our on-line store. Shirts are available in white with black ink or black with white ink, and come in adult sizes; Small through XXL. If you encounter any difficulty, please email us at contact@mobilemonk.org.
You may also choose to support the Will Breathe For Peace campaign by making a donation, in any amount, to the Personal Development Center by clicking on the link below.
If you would like to become a sponsor of the Will Breathe For Peace campaign, please contact info@willbreatheforpeace.org.
