GPAC (Global Peace Alliance Cambodia) and GPF (Global Peace Foundation) Cambodia co-organized an event to mark International Day of Peace under the theme of Culture of Peace.

In a statement, GPAC said that the event aimed to cultivate participants’ awareness about peace-related practices in various areas that connect to society and daily lives. The event worked to strengthen awareness on issues and empower existing culture relating to interpersonal and intrapersonal peace.

The GPAC states that as a developing country, Cambodia faces a myriad of issues from minor to major that has potentially affected the well-being of citizens. In line with Cambodia’s advocacy of peace, it is a crucial step to create and spread positive models that foster sustainable practice.

The statement added that the goal of the seminar, which was co-organized by Present Centre of Cambodia Organization, is to share knowledge and experiences, promote awareness on the methods used in relations to peace in different contexts of society and how it can create a culture leading to a peaceful and prosperous society.

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Self-awareness is essential for a healthy mindset. It allows us to understand our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment, so we can make intentional choices and respond to situations more effectively.

Venerable Hun Khamara, president of the Present Centre of Cambodia Organization, said cultivating a healthy mindset is the intentional process of nurturing a positive and resilient mental attitude that contributes to overall well-being and mental health. It involves actively adopting attitudes, beliefs, and habits that support emotional balance, self-awareness, and personal growth.

He added that cultivating a healthy mindset entails fostering positive thinking. It means consciously directing our thoughts towards optimism, gratitude, and self-empowerment. By reframing negative or self-defeating thoughts, he said people can develop a more constructive outlook on life and navigate challenges with resilience and determination.

Self-awareness is another integral aspect of cultivating a healthy mindset. It involves developing a deep understanding of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. Through self-awareness, people can recognize patterns, triggers, and areas for personal growth. This awareness empowers them to make intentional choices and respond to situations in a more mindful and effective manner.

He explained that mindfulness practices play a significant role in cultivating a healthy mindset and by practicing mindfulness, people learn to be fully present in the current moment, non-judgmentally observing thoughts and emotions. This practice enhances self-awareness, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being.

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Khieu Vichenon, Vice President of the Board of Director at the Present Centre of Cambodia Organization, said that adopting a growth mindset is also crucial in cultivating a healthy mindset. This embraces the belief that challenges and failures are opportunities for learning and personal development. It allows people to see setbacks as temporary and view them as stepping stones toward growth and improvement.

He added that self-compassion is an essential component of a healthy mindset. It entails treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and support. Moreover, by practicing self-compassion, people build resilience, nurture emotional well-being, and develop a healthy relationship with themselves that leads to peace in both intrapersonal and interpersonal.

Khieu Vichenon, Vice President of the Board of Director at the Present Centre of Cambodia Organization

In addition to these internal practices, cultivating a healthy mindset involves adopting healthy habits that support mental and emotional well-being. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress management techniques contribute to a healthy mindset. He said at the event.

He stated, “By surrounding ourselves with positivity and supportive relationships is vital. The people we interact with significantly influence our mindset. By seeking out positive and uplifting relationships, we create an environment that inspires and motivates us.”

Leng Monika, a dedicated volunteer of Youth Star Cambodia, passionately shared her perspective on building peace through fostering synergy in communities via volunteerism. She believes that volunteerism can be a powerful tool for creating positive change and promoting peace within society.

According to Monika, volunteerism acts as a catalyst for building peace by bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and uniting them towards a common goal. When people volunteer their time and skills, they transcend differences and work together towards a shared purpose, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

Through volunteerism, communities can address social issues, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized groups. Monika emphasized that when volunteers come together and collaborate, they can pool resources, knowledge, and experiences to create sustainable solutions. This collective effort not only addresses immediate needs but also builds long-term peace by addressing the root causes of conflicts and inequalities.

Monika firmly believes that volunteerism nurtures empathy and compassion among individuals. By engaging in volunteer activities, people develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others and gain a sense of responsibility towards their fellow community members. This empathy forms the foundation for building peaceful and resilient communities.

Leng Monika, a dedicated volunteer of Youth Star Cambodia

In Monika's view, volunteerism is not just about providing assistance, it is a transformative process that empowers both volunteers and the communities they serve. Volunteers gain personal growth, self-confidence, and a broader perspective on the world. At the same time, communities benefit from the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm brought by volunteers, leading to sustainable development and improved social cohesion.

Monika advocates for the power of volunteerism in building peace by fostering synergy within communities. She believes that by volunteering, individuals can bridge divides, address social issues, and create a more harmonious and inclusive society. Through their collective efforts, volunteers contribute to positive change and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous future.

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