12/29/2025
✍️ Studies suggest that after 64 days, a new habit can be established. Yet we often return to old patterns.
Where is peace needed most? In our own families. The family is the closest place, and also where conflict most easily arises. If there is peace in the family, then there will be peace among neighbors and friends. From there, the world can have peace.
But how do we bring peace back? Through daily mindfulness practice.
When we breathe in, we know we are breathing in. When we breathe out, we know we are breathing out. When we eat, we simply eat with full awareness. When walking, standing, or sitting, we are fully present.
Yet if we look honestly, what do we usually do? We eat while watching television, cook while listening to music, even make phone calls while using the restroom. Let us practice mindfulness—when using the restroom, be fully present with that alone. Once finished, step outside, then make that call.
Have you noticed? We easily remember unpleasant events and unkind words, while beautiful moments are forgotten. The person who hurt us may be enjoying life, while we hold tightly to unkind memories, causing ourselves suffering. Is this not unfair?
We must practice mindfulness daily—not to become someone else, but to bring peace to ourselves first. From there, peace returns to our families.
Every morning, try this: Take paper and write, “Today is my Day of Peace.” Read it aloud several times. When one person has peace, when one family has peace, that energy radiates outward and nourishes all of us.
Three days remain until the New Year. The weather is so cold, tomorrow will be colder. The monks are walking toward Washington under harsh conditions and deeply need your companionship. If you cannot walk in person, please walk in heart through daily mindfulness practice.
Let us practice mindfulness together and welcome the New Year in peace and awareness.
Note: this is one part of peace sharing talk by Bhikkhu Pannakara on Day 64 - 12/28/2025.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏
