The Power of Connection at The Global Youth Peace Summit
By Veronica Cooklin
There are certain barriers that we as human beings unwittingly set for ourselves and for others: judgment, self-consciousness, and a lack of acknowledgment of the true beauty and capacity for love that we all possess. These are barriers that one cannot fully understand the impact of until they are dissolved.
The result of the dissolution of these barriers is something truly beautiful in its enticing simplicity. For me, this magic can be easily summed up in four words: Global Youth Peace Summit.
My experience with the summit is one that I could never have anticipated. I went into my first summit two years ago with no concept of what to expect, as well as some characteristic cynicism.
However, upon arrival, my expectations, as well as my heart, mind, and spirit, were shortly shattered, rearranged, and finally uplifted. I was given the privilege to access a whole incandescent aspect of humanity I had never before seen, as a result of the unlimited space for authentic emotion and unconditional acceptance offered to Peace Summit participants.
I met people from all over the world who came from different backgrounds and cultures. Not only did I listen to their fascinating stories and witness displays of unique artistic talent but, as everyone opened up further and felt more comfortable in their vulnerability, we connected on a deeper level that surpassed any social interaction that I had ever had.
I was given the gift of hearing something that I’m not sure many others have had the privilege of experiencing: the raw and powerful insight into the human condition that can only be had from a place of truly unconditional love, which stems from acceptance of the flaws that we all have, and the knowledge that these flaws do not define who we are but only serve to make us more intricate and wonderful creatures and give us space to grow in the future.
The summit village is a space that represents the way the world could be with more consciousness: every interaction is kind, conversation is thoughtful, and there is a general potency in the air that inspires creativity.
The person that I am at the summit is the person that I strive to be in the rest of my life, because she is the young woman who uses her full potential and really thinks about how to better herself and the world around her. This is why I say that every single person could use a little GYPS in their lives.