Haircutting for Peace
Often people ask, "What can I do to establish peace? I am just a regular person going about my daily life."
Well, that is a good place to start. One Peterborough, NH hair salon owner did just that.
Supporting peace can be as simple as dedicating the intention of action toward peace.
Hair stylist and owner of the Salon at the Strand, Rebecca Hudson and stylist Roslyn Torsey, in their normal work-a-day world, cut, styled and colored hair as usual one cold Thursday in February with one exception; 70% of the profits from the day went toward the Department of Peace and Nonviolence.
The NH Department of Peace coordinators were invited to 'table' and mingle for the day.
The salon's post and beam décor was festooned by campaign tri-folds, posters and signs. Refreshments were served and the atmosphere was good-humored.
As clients waited we were able to share our thoughts about the possibility of working toward a nonviolent society and inspire the means to that end. The Bill HR 808 was introduced. Postcards addressed to our Representative and Congressmen were handed out. Literature from the Peace Alliance was distributed. All this happened within the regular confines of the salon as a supplement to its normal activity.
Any vocation, hobby or passion can be offered in the name of 'creating peace'.
First we set the intention that our actions be peaceful and performed in the name of peace then we begin our work. The addition of a monetary contribution concretizes the offering by creating a tangible outcome.
The Salon at the Strand dedicated just under $350 towards the cause. Proceeds will be divided between state needs, a national contribution and a charitable donation. We are grateful for the gift of Rebecca and Roslyn's labor and their bubbly willingness to spread the word!
What can you do in the name of peace? Who do you know that might be willing to make a stand and dedicate their work towards peace, to joyfully offer a contribution?
This movement is kept buoyant by such dedicated intentions of action.
Jan Grossman for the NH Department of Peace
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The notion of creating peace in the world can seem so abstract.