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International Serene Day

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March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)

Volunteers needed around the world!

Observing International Serene Day

The International Serene Day (ISD) is proposed to be an annual event held on March 20th, coinciding with the first day of spring. This initiative was introduced during the 2022 United Nations General Assembly. The spring equinox, symbolizing renewal and growth, holds global significance as a day of new beginnings.

Origins and Proposal

DrChaitanyaHiremath_UnitedNations_2022Apr22_NewYorkCity

The idea of an annual Serene Day on March 20th was initially put forth by Dr. Chaitanya Hiremath, the founder and president of SEALOEarth. This proposal was made during his address to the United Nations in 2022, specifically during the Interactive Dialogue of the General Assembly focused on Harmony with Nature in Commemoration of International Mother Earth Day. (video)

Second address at the UN General Assembly on April 24, 2023

Progress of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Following four years of promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 2015 in Addis Ababa, a series of five reports evaluating the progress of these goals were released in the summer of 2019. Based on these reports, the Basel Institute of Commons and Economics compiled a summary outlining the prioritized goals and those that were not adequately addressed. The assessment revealed that Climate and Health were ranked highly, while Biodiversity on Land and below Water ranked the lowest. (report)

Importance of International Serene Day

While the enormity of climate change and biodiversity loss is widely acknowledged, other critical aspects often remain overlooked as priorities. It is imperative to instill a sense of pride and appreciation for our unique planet, recognizing that mere intent and determination are insufficient to restore its tranquility. With the well-being of Earth's inhabitants in mind, the Serene Day seeks to raise awareness about human intervention across various levels, encompassing areas like air, water, land, light, sound, thermal, nuclear, and space. The International Serene Day (ISD) serves as an occasion for humanity to marvel at nature's beauty and the splendor of life surrounding us.

Human Impact on Natural Processes

Anthropogenic intervention refers to human activities as the primary catalyst for changes in natural processes. While air, water, and land pollution are widely acknowledged, there are also lesser-known interventions:

Benefits of Nature Exposure

Engaging in Activities

Embrace the inaugural day of spring in the 21st century with a blend of elegance and contemplation of the natural world.

Activities

AGE-RELATED

Here are activities tailored to different age groups, allowing everyone to celebrate International Serene Day in a way that suits their interests and capabilities.

For Children

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items like leaves, flowers, or interesting rocks, and go on a scavenger hunt to find them in your local environment.
  • Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and a field guide to identify and observe the various bird species in your area. Birdwatching can be a calming and educational experience.
  • Nature Art: Express creativity by creating nature-inspired art. Use leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to make beautiful compositions.
  • Plant a Tree or Garden: Get hands dirty by planting a tree or starting a garden. It's a rewarding way to connect with the earth and contribute to local biodiversity.
  • Nature Journaling: Encourage children to keep a nature journal where they can draw, write about, or paste pictures of the plants and animals they encounter.

For Teens

  • Outdoor Picnic: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods and head to a nearby park, beach, or forest. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.
  • Yoga or Meditation: Find a peaceful spot outdoors and engage in yoga or meditation. The natural surroundings can enhance the sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of natural items like leaves, flowers, or interesting rocks, and go on a scavenger hunt to find them in your local environment.
  • Stargazing: If you have access to a telescope or even just a clear night sky, spend some time stargazing. Identify constellations and appreciate the vastness of the universe.
  • Nature Art: Express creativity by creating nature-inspired art. Use leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to make beautiful compositions.

For Adults

  • Yoga or Meditation: Find a peaceful spot outdoors and engage in yoga or meditation. The natural surroundings can enhance the sense of tranquility and mindfulness.
  • Volunteer for a Conservation Project: Consider participating in a local conservation project or a community clean-up event to contribute to the well-being of the environment.
  • Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of nature through photography. Explore your surroundings and document the intricate details of plants, insects, or landscapes.
  • Plant a Tree or Garden: Get hands dirty by planting a tree or starting a garden. It's a rewarding way to connect with the earth and contribute to local biodiversity.
  • Nature Journaling: Keep a nature journal where you record your observations, thoughts, and sketches of the natural world around you.
  • Visit a Nature Reserve or Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore a designated nature reserve or wildlife sanctuary in your area to get up close to native flora and fauna.
  • Nature Documentary Screening: Host a screening of a nature documentary to learn more about different ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental issues.
  • Nature-inspired Cooking: Try your hand at cooking with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that celebrate nature's bounty.
  • Write a Nature Poem or Song: Channel your emotions and appreciation for nature into poetry or songwriting. Share your creations with friends and family.

Activities

PLAN FOR THE DAY

Planning a meaningful and serene International Serene Day can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and promote a sense of tranquility. Here's a comprehensive plan for the day:.

Morning: Embrace Nature

  • Sunrise Meditation (6:00 AM - 7:00 AM): Start the day early by witnessing the sunrise at a nearby natural setting, like a beach, park, or forest. Engage in a guided meditation session to connect with the serenity of the moment.
  • Nature Walk (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM): After meditation, embark on a leisurely nature walk. Choose a scenic trail that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Take time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and scents of nature.

Lunch: Picnic in the Park

  • Picnic Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Enjoy a picnic lunch in the same park where you practiced yoga and conducted the scavenger hunt. Savor homemade dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients. Share stories and experiences with friends and family.

Evening: Reflect and Share

  • Nature Storytelling (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM): As the day transitions to evening, gather around a campfire or in a cozy outdoor setting. Share stories related to nature, whether they are personal experiences or tales from different cultures. This activity encourages a deeper connection with the natural world.
  • Stargazing (8:30 PM - 10:00 PM): End the day by exploring the night sky. If possible, set up telescopes or binoculars to observe celestial objects like stars and planets. Learn about constellations and appreciate the vastness of the universe.

Late Evening: Silent Reflection

  • Silent Night Meditation (10:30 PM - 11:00 PM): Before retiring for the night, gather for a silent meditation under the moonlight. Reflect on the day's experiences and the importance of preserving and cherishing our natural world.
Note: Ensure that all activities align with local regulations and environmental preservation guidelines. Encourage participants to minimize their environmental impact by practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the day.

This plan provides a balanced mix of outdoor activities, mindfulness, creativity, and community engagement to promote a deeper connection with nature and a sense of serenity.

Activities

AROUND THE WORLD

Celebrating International Serene Day at various levels, from local to international, can help raise awareness about the importance of nature and tranquility. Here's a comprehensive plan for each level of celebration:

Local Level

1. Community Nature Festival (Location: Local Park)

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Start with a nature-themed market featuring local artisans and eco-friendly businesses. Set up booths for organic farmers, artists, and environmental organizations to showcase their products and initiatives.
  • Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM): Organize workshops and activities for all ages. These can include yoga sessions, nature walks, art and craft workshops, and educational talks on local wildlife and conservation.
  • Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Host an open-air concert featuring local musicians and artists, emphasizing the theme of nature and serenity.

State Level

2. Statewide Serenity Trail

  • Month-Long Event: Designate March as the "Month of Serenity" and create a state-wide serene trail. Encourage people to explore various serene spots, such as state parks, nature reserves, and historical sites.
  • Workshops and Lectures: Organize a series of workshops and lectures throughout the month, focusing on topics like mindfulness, sustainable living, and environmental conservation.
  • Online Campaign: Launch an online campaign, encouraging participants to share their serene trail experiences on social media with a designated hashtag.

National Level

3. National Nature Appreciation Day

  • Nationwide Events: Coordinate with local governments and organizations to host nature-themed events in every state capital and major city.
  • Educational Initiatives: Implement nationwide educational programs in schools, emphasizing the importance of nature conservation and mindfulness.
  • Nature Restoration Projects: Launch large-scale nature restoration projects, such as tree planting initiatives and cleanup campaigns, in collaboration with environmental organizations.

4. Global Serene Summit

Location: TBD (United Nations would be ideal!)

Day-Long Event (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM): Invite representatives from member nations to a summit focused on global environmental challenges and the promotion of serenity and tranquility worldwide.

  • Keynote Speakers: Feature renowned environmentalists, scientists, and advocates who can address the urgent need for international cooperation in preserving the planet.
  • Workshops and Panels: Organize interactive workshops and panel discussions on topics like climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and the role of mindfulness in environmental activism.
  • Signing of Serenity Pledge: Encourage nations to sign a "Serenity Pledge" committing to take concrete actions to protect and restore the environment.
  • Global Meditation: Conclude the summit with a synchronized global meditation session to symbolize unity and commitment to a serene and sustainable world.
Note: Each level of celebration should also include elements like eco-friendly practices, promoting local and sustainable products, and advocating for green policies to align with the theme of environmental serenity. Additionally, the events should be accessible both in-person and online to maximize participation and reach.

On going

SERENITY PLEDGE: FOR A PEACEFUL AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Summary

Sign the petition to advocate for the Serenity Pledge and support International Serene Day, fostering global harmony, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Introduction

We, the undersigned, firmly believe in the transformative power of serenity to forge a world that is not only peaceful but also sustainable. The Serenity Pledge symbolizes a profound commitment, embraced by individuals, organizations, and nations alike, to champion the principles of serenity, tranquility, and environmental well-being. This pledge involves a set of concrete actions and objectives dedicated to environmental preservation, mindfulness, and the pursuit of sustainable living. Its essence lies in cultivating a collective consciousness, inspiring us to coexist harmoniously with our natural world.

Problem

While our focus often gravitates towards the monumental challenges of our time, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, we must also recognize and address equally significant concerns that operate beyond the immediate spotlight. These issues encompass the pollution of our air, water, and land, the encroachment of artificial light and sound into our pristine environments, the intricate dilemmas posed by thermal and nuclear pollution, and the escalating problem of space debris. These lesser-known yet profoundly impactful threats directly affect the serenity of our planet.

For instance, regular unthreatened sea turtle hatchlings instinctively move toward the brightest light, preferably moonlight, often disorienting them due to artificial illumination, leading to numerous hatchling deaths and posing a significant conservation challenge.

Solution

It is in response to these pressing concerns that the concept of International Serene Day was born, celebrated annually on March 20th. Initially proposed at the United Nations in 2022, this day has gained global traction as a platform for championing serenity, environmental consciousness, and mindfulness. It envisions a moment when individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to celebrate the natural world, contemplate our shared responsibilities towards the environment, and partake in actions that nurture tranquility and sustainability.

The juxtaposition of International Serene Day (March 20) with International Mother Earth Day (April 22) creates a valuable appreciation-awareness month, wholly dedicated to comprehensively addressing the multifaceted challenges that our cherished planet, Earth, confronts.

The Serenity Pledge, thoughtfully crafted by SEALOEarth, embodies the fundamental principles of harmony, mindfulness, and environmental stewardship. Those who take this pledge, whether individuals or communities, commit to making conscious choices that foster peace, sustainability, and a brighter future for all living beings on Earth.

Pledge

We wholeheartedly invite you to join us in signing this petition, endorsing the worldwide adoption and promotion of the Serenity Pledge. Your signature signifies your unwavering dedication to the following principles:

  • Harmony: We are committed to nurturing harmony among all living beings, recognizing the intricate interdependence of nature and the profound importance of living in equilibrium with our Earth.
  • Mindfulness: We pledge to infuse mindfulness into our daily lives, making deliberate choices that minimize harm to the environment while promoting compassion and mutual understanding among humanity.
  • Environmental Stewardship: We solemnly promise to be responsible stewards of the environment, actively reducing our ecological footprint and safeguarding the planet for the generations yet to come.
  • Peace: We earnestly strive to foster peace in our communities and on a global scale, dedicating ourselves to conflict resolution, justice, and equality for all.

Impact

By signing this petition, you send a resounding message to leaders, policymakers, and individuals worldwide, urging them to prioritize serenity, sustainability, and peace. We call upon governments, organizations, and individuals to champion the Serenity Pledge, fostering its widespread adoption and wholehearted embrace.

To delve deeper into the Serenity Pledge and become part of a global movement striving for a more serene and sustainable world, kindly visit the official website: International Serene Day

Let us unite and be the agents of change. Sign this petition and champion the Serenity Pledge, leading us towards a future that is brighter, more peaceful, and profoundly sustainable.

[https://www.change.org/SerenityPledge]

Thank you.

Outreach

Restaurants

We are grateful to the restaurants that have honored ISD by providing a "candlelight experience" when customers mention 'Serene Day'. This will put a spotlight on light pollution. Baby turtles will thank you!

Awareness

Quotes

Contact

For questions and information, please contact via email: info(at)sealoearth.org

SEALOEarth endeavors to bring together not just the global human community but the entire tapestry of life itself, all in pursuit of a brighter future for our exquisite and unparalleled planet, Earth.

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