When the USA team members of the World Harmony Run pass through the Gateway Arch on Saturday, May 12, they will have run through 17 states and had countless adventures since the start of their journey in New York a month earlier. Founded in 1987 by the late visionary Sri Chinmoy, the run is a simple but compelling way to encourage friendship and a feeling of oneness among citizens of “planet earth”. Everyone who comes to see them, young and old, will have an opportunity to hear their stories and hold the World Harmony torch, a symbol of harmony that has been passed from hand to hand by thousands of people including Mikhail Gorbachev, Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela.
Activities on May 12th include a 9:15 a.m. run from the Forest Park Visitors Center to the Tivoli Theater in the Loop; a 10 a.m. walk/run from the Tivoli to the University City City Hall, and a 10:30 a.m. ceremony at the City Hall where runners will share stories and the secret of their inspiration. There will also be a special children’s Harmony Run program at The Magic House at 2 pm. The Magic House is opening its Whitaker Theater at no admission fee for those attending the Harmony Run, although the normal fee applies to all other attractions.
Sri Chinmoy be-lieved that harmony and peace are dynamic qualities that could be achieved through prayer, meditation, and also by trying to go farther or higher than one thought possible. He emphasized the importance of continuing progress: “There is only one perfect road. And that road is ahead of you, always ahead of you,” Sri Chinmoy said.
Nayana Hein, a St. Louis native now living in New York who is coordinating the Run’s activities while in town, commented: “I hope St. Louis gives the World Harmony Run a huge welcome. I grew up loving St. Louis, and still do – its softness, sweetness and tender touch. This softness we can offer to the runners as they travel on. In return, we can gain some qualities we need from somewhere on the road they’ve been. That’s what I love about the Run – the sharing of the best in everyone.”
To learn more about the World Harmony Run and to follow its daily progress along the road, visit www.worldharmonyrun.org. For more information about the Run’s St. Louis activities, contact Nayana at nayana@worldharmonyrun.org or call the Run