Anvita (front row in pink top) with the 2024 Regional Justice and Peace Training Participants. Photo: Liza Macalandag
Peace often feels like an elusive dream in a world fractured by political, social, and personal conflicts. Yet, what if peace were not just a lofty ideal but a tangible reality? What if empathy, genuine dialogue, and active listening could dissolve barriers and transform differences into profound, meaningful connections? This hope became a reality for me during the Regional Peace Practice training—a transformative journey that reshaped my understanding of peace, connection, and community.
On July 21, 2024, I embarked on this adventure, feeling a blend of excitement and apprehension. Stepping into a new culture, language, and community was daunting, like navigating uncharted
Founded by Nanik and Petrus, a Christian couple in a predominantly Muslim community, this initiative embodied true coexistence. Coming from India, I understood how delicate interfaith harmony could be in such settings. However, here, Christian and Muslim men and women interacted seamlessly as participants and facilitators. The community’s trust in Peace Place reflected the depth of connection and safety it offered. Conversations with Nanik and Petrus revealed their unwavering commitment to diversity, creating a space where individuals could uphold their identities while feeling a deep sense of belonging.
This ethos of acceptance permeated every aspect of our experience. For instance, during a mosque visit, I dressed in traditional Indian attire as requested, while others wore varied clothing, including a knee-length dress, each met with quiet acceptance. This subtle, non-coercive “cultural easing” reminded me that peace flourishes when we meet people where they are, without imposing conformity. Even mealtimes reflected this commitment to inclusivity. The food was thoughtfully prepared, simple, and labeled clearly, with no hidden ingredients. Such transparency was more than convenience; it was an intentional act of care, building trust and ensuring that everyone felt included.
The workshop itself was a vibrant tapestry of perspectives, bringing together 45 participants from 17 countries. The facilitators expertly navigated this diversity, being acutely aware of the power of language and its varied meanings across cultures. To promote inclusivity, they purposefully chose neutral, universal terms. For example, “stopping” replaced “inner listening” to avoid religious overtones, and “community agreements” were used instead of “safety circles,” which could feel exclusive to trauma survivors. This linguistic mindfulness made everyone feel welcomed and included. In peacebuilding, language is more than communication; it’s a tool that can either build bridges or reinforce barriers.
Anvita is an AVP facilitator in Australia. Photo: Liza Macalandag
Another significant challenge in peacebuilding and community work is learning to collaborate effectively while respecting individual autonomy. It’s tempting to offer quick fixes, but genuine collaboration requires patience, attentive listening, honoring others’ stories, and creating an environment where every voice is heard. One powerful exercise, called “Empathy,” embodied this idea. Participants were asked to repeat another’s words verbatim, which was unexpectedly difficult. When one participant voiced frustration over someone smoking at their doorstep, another rephrased it as “You were annoyed.” The speaker gently corrected, “No, I was just frustrated.” This moment highlighted how hard it is to mirror others’ emotions without projecting our interpretations. However, resisting the urge to infuse our perceptions, allows others to find their clarity. This approach fosters empowerment, trust and authentic connection where everyone can participate equally.
The training also emphasized being an effective speaker—sharing stories with clarity and integrity — so that everyone felt empowered in discussions. Additionally, it highlighted the often-overlooked role of the observer, particularly in Western cultures that prize loud, assertive voices. Initially, the role of observer felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable, yet I discovered it fostered deeper insight and personal growth. True peace-building isn’t about instant solutions; it’s about nurturing understanding and creating space for others to be heard without imposing our perspectives, allowing growth to flourish — a crucial lesson in intercultural work.
Creating equitable spaces was another key aspect of the training. Kins and other facilitators were mindful of conversational roles and their impact on power dynamics, whether between introverts and extroverts, native and non-native English speakers, or privileged and oppressed, among others. They guided us through this delicate balance, ensuring every voice was valued. On the first day, an exercise in drawing representations of our core selves helped strip away roles and barriers, reminding us of our shared humanity. These drawings, displayed on the wall, became symbols of unity.
This experience pushed me to confront my assumptions. Initially, I viewed women in hijabs as potentially limited in freedom. Conversations revealed otherwise: many were educated and independent, with one participant explaining that wearing a hijab meant men valued her intelligence over her appearance. Similarly, my initial frustration with five-time prayers evolved as I embraced them, finding connection and surrender that enriched my spiritual practice in Australia.
This journey taught me that peace is more than a passive state of acceptance; it’s an active pursuit of shedding assumptions, respecting the rich mosaic of identities around us, and creating spaces where everyone can express their truths freely. True peacebuilding, within our communities and ourselves, demands empathy, deep understanding, and the courage to embrace others for who they are.
Ratih the Indonesia Peace Libraries Coordinator enjoying some soulful conversations with Anvita at Peace Place. Photo: Kins Aparece