http://stillpointmeditation.weebly.com/

Stillpoint Meditation, Flagstaff, AZ (2026)

10/12/2026

Indigenous Resistance Day, observed every October 12, shines a light on the often-overlooked history and resilience of native communities. Join us in recognizing their profound cultural contributions, persistent struggles, and ongoing fight for self-determination. Educate yourself, amplify indigenous voices, and support their initiatives.

History of Indigenous Resistance Day

The way to observe October 12 has evolved throughout history. For decades, indigenous groups everywhere have been raising their voices to fight for their rights and for their version of history to be listened to as well. How Latin America and its affected communities see the transition from pre-Hispanic times to the modern era is different from how European countries do. The Americas was once home to over 60 million indigenous people, but by the end of the 15th century, colonization reduced those numbers significantly, and many natives had to suffer through new diseases, forced labor, and persecution.

As a way to rescue its indigenous roots and revisit this dark historical period, many Latin American countries have their own alternatives to what we know as Columbus Day, such as the Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity in Argentina, the Day of Cultures in Costa Rica, the Day of the Multicultural Nation in Mexico, and the Indigenous Resistance Day in Venezuela, among many others.

Although the date was originally deemed Día de la Raza, or Day of the Race, all around, it has since been renamed. In 2002, the Venezuelan President officially first coined Indigenous Resistance Day, and the name has stayed ever since. The holiday redefines the notion that the Americas were discovered, as indigenous people lived and thrived there for millennia until the Europeans arrived. Since 2002, October 12 has been about reclaiming history and dignity for the indigenous people of Venezuela.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Helena Pfisterer on Unsplash

10/11/2026

Happy Coming Out Day! National Coming Out Day raises awareness and celebrates individuals within the LGBTQ+ community every October 11. This day champions the idea that homophobia thrives in silence, encouraging people to embrace their authentic selves. Learn about its impactful history, find resources for support, and discover how to be an ally.

History of National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day was inspired by a single march. 500,000 people participated in the March on Washington for Le***an and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987, generating momentum to last for 4 months after the march had ended. During this period, over a hundred LGBTQ+ identifying individuals gathered outside Washington, DC, and decided on creating a national day to celebrate coming out – this began on the 1st anniversary of their historic march.

It was Rob Eichberg and Jean O’Leary who first proposed the idea of NCOD. Eichberg founded a person growth workshop, The Experience, and at the time, O’Leary was the head of National Gay Rights Advocates. Eichberg, who would later die in 1995 of complications from AIDS, had said the strongest tool in the human rights movement was to illustrate that most people already know and respect someone in the LGBTQ+ community, and NCOD helps these people come to light.

Over the last 15 years, the Human Rights Campaign has chosen a theme for every National Coming Out Day — 2014 and 2013 were both themed “Coming Out Still Matters,” and the earliest theme (1999) was “Come Out To Congress.” There have also been different spokespeople for each NCOD. Some notable names include “Frasier” actor Dan Butler and Candance Gingrich, half-sister of Newt Gingrich, in the 1990s.

NCOD gains popularity and participants every year. Since its inception, countless public figures and celebrities have openly identified themselves as LGBTQ+, and yearly share messages of support and hope for those still in the closet. Notable celebrities who tweeted in support of NCOD in 2019 include Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and actress and advocate Sara Ramirez. The event plans to continue its efforts to eradicate hate and homophobia with friends and family coming out to dispel stereotypes.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Arthur zKrause on Unsplash

10/09/2026

Happy Pro-Life Cupcake Day! National Pro-Life Cupcake Day arrives every October 9, initiated by Cupcakes for Life to foster open dialogue on abortion through a non-confrontational approach. Sharing cupcakes serves as an ice-breaker, enabling conversations and educating the public. Join the movement by baking, sharing, and discussing this important topic.

History of National Pro-Life Cupcake Day

There is a lot of debate on the origin of cupcakes, especially since food recipes are passed down through families from generation to generation. The first notion of a cupcake was elaborated on in “American Cookery,” a 1796 cookbook compiled by Amelia Simmons, in which a recipe for ‘a light cake to bake in small cups’ was written. But the first reference to a cupcake was made by Eliza Leslie, a 19th-century American author in her book titled “Receipts.”

In the 19th century, the term ‘cupcake’ was used for two different purposes; cakes that were baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins or molds; and recipes for what later became known as 1234- or quarter cakes — a cake for which the ingredients were measured by volume, using a standard-sized cup.

Since then, these delicious small-sized frosted treats have become a favorite in many cultures and countries. Cupcakes have been used during birthdays, showers, anniversaries, and even proposals as a delicious treat to mark a truly remarkable event or feat in a person’s life.

National Pro-Life Cupcake Day was invented by Cupcakes For Life, an organization that started the National holiday. Their aim is to facilitate an open, non-confrontational, non-hostile conversation about abortion. The aim of the holiday is to bring awareness to the issue of abortion and honor the lives of unborn babies. By infusing cupcakes into a difficult and often contentious subject, the organization hopes to bring awareness to the issues surrounding abortion without coming off as hostile.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by luisana zerpa on Unsplash

10/07/2026

¡Feliz Semana Morazánica! Semana Morazánica honors General Francisco Morazán, beginning the first Wednesday of October each year in Honduras. This week-long observance fosters national unity and economic activity through vibrant celebrations and civic pride. Dive into the rich history, explore local traditions, and learn how Hondurans come together to celebrate their heritage.

History of Semana Morazánica

In Honduras, Semana Morazánica’s marked with considerable zeal. The occasion’s brought on by several observances occurring during the first week of October. Honduras is currently seeing a surge in economic activity. On October 3, the birth anniversary of Morazán, a national hero of Honduras, celebrations get underway. Hondurans honor the hero by attending demonstrations and paying tribute to him. Army Day and Discovery of America Day are celebrated this week. The majority of people organize week-long celebrations with nationalist and Honduran cultural themes.

During the structural overhaul of 2015, the Honduran parliament elected to combine the holidays spread over October into a four/five-day celebration that makes up for a long weekend. The concept resembles the American celebration of Labor Day weekend. Each holiday receives its due this way, and the remainder of the month is free from disruptions.

The long weekend is an opportunity for Hondurans to sit back and relax. Families get in touch during the week of celebration, and multiple generations come together to w**e and dine under one roof. The government also encourages Hondurans to plan intrastate travel and explore the beautiful country. The week’s filled with events organized by community leaders, and local artisans and craftspeople get a chance to showcase their work and earn a living. Santa Morazánica also covers Army Day, a proud day to celebrate the armed forces of Honduras and their contributions towards keeping Honduras a safe and livable country for all Hondurans.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Esteban Benites on Unsplash

10/06/2026

Happy Badger day! National Badger Day shines a light on these fascinating and ecologically important animals every October 6. Take action to learn about badger habitats, support conservation efforts, and advocate for their protection in the wild.

History of National Badger Day

National Badger Day is celebrated every year to appreciate the beauty of badgers and to share our love for these amazing animals with each other. The eclectic badger can be found all across the United Kingdom — with most of them being in south England. In North America, they live in the Great Plains region. Most badgers are members of the weasel family, Mustelidae, and mainly live in areas that are a mix of woodland and open country in a network of underground burrows and tunnels called ‘setts.’

The earliest traces of badgers date back several thousands of years. Today, they are almost a living symbol of the beautiful British countryside where they are popularly found. It’s no secret that these mysterious creatures bring massive joy to people lucky enough to encounter them in the wild.

Not just this, but badgers also play an integral part in the U.K’s ecosystems. Their existence contributes heavily to habitat heterogeneity, maintaining and regenerating soil health through foraging, and even helping to disperse seeds through their dung. They are also instrumental in creating new habitats for amphibians, invertebrates, and pollinators. Badgers also love to share and their tunnels even provide refuge for other wildlife.

American badgers are powerful and mostly nocturnal animals that capture their prey by rapid digging. Usually solitary, they feed mainly on rodents, ground squirrels, pocket gophers, mice, and voles. Other prey includes insects, reptiles, and eggs of ground-nesting birds.

Their European counterparts are omnivorous and consume earthworms, insects, small mammals, birds and their eggs, and also fruits and nuts. They are grayish with large black-and-white facial stripes.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

10/03/2026

Did you know? Simchat Torah, a central pillar of the Jewish faith, arrives on Saturday, October 3, 2026, to celebrate the annual completion and immediate restart of the Torah reading cycle. Jewish communities joyfully acknowledge the gift of the Torah, its role in religious life, and its enduring wisdom. Join in the vibrant rituals, including dancing with Torah scrolls, communal feasts, and special prayers.

History of Simchat Torah

Originating sometime in the Medieval period, Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion of one and beginning of another cycle of Torah reading. The holiday lasts one to two days, with some more Orthodox communities observing it on the day following Shemini Atzeret.

Unlike other Jewish holidays, Simchat Torah doesn’t appear in biblical texts. After the Prophet Moses established weekly scripture readings on Shabbat mornings and festivals, and the Prophet Ezra adding readings on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat afternoons, an order was eventually established.

Babylonian Jews divided the Torah into 54 sections to be read over a year. Later, 12th century European Jews began adding the Genesis reading to the Simchat Torah ritual to assert the belief that every ending leads to a new beginning. During the 20th century, the Simchat Torah gained new significance as a public assertion of Jewish identity, using the joyful and celebratory public dancing around the Torah to affirm and take pride in the Jewish religion and culture.

By Jewish custom, a new beginning must immediately follow an ending. During the Torah reading at Simchat Torah, the beginning of Genesis is read right after the end of Deuteronomy, closing and renewing the cycle.

In contrast with other Jewish holy days that center on the family in the home, Simchat Torah activities focus on the synagogue and the community. The holiday honors the importance of the Torah, Judaism’s holy book, celebrating with joyful dances and rituals that center the book as a pillar of the community. During the evening service, the rabbi brings the Torah through the congregation, who engages in a dance symbolizing their gratitude for the gift of the gospel.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Malik Shibly on Unsplash

10/01/2026

Calling all coffee lovers! International Coffee Day energizes the world every October 1. From its ancient origins in Ethiopia to its global omnipresence, coffee fuels billions daily. Join us in celebrating this beloved beverage by exploring new roasts, supporting sustainable practices, and sharing a cup with friends.

History of International Coffee Day

According to historical records, Coffee is originally from Ethiopia, and its discovery in Africa comes with an interesting story. Around the 700s AD, a herd of goats started acting strangely, almost as if they were dancing. Their owner, Kaldi, discovered that they were eating a sort of red bean and concluded that was the cause of their behavior. Kaldi decided to share his findings with a monk who required something that could help him to stay awake all night as he prayed; but another story claims that the monk refused and threw the beans into the fire and the pleasing aroma that came from it was just wonderful.

Suddenly, coffee made its way through the north into Yemen in the 15 Century where the beans arrived by the name “Mocha.” Shortly after, they became well known in Egypt, Persia, and Turkey as “w**e of Araby” and coffee houses started to open by the name of “Schools of the Wise.”

Next, Arabia became the gatekeeper for coffee, and these beans began a large-scale coffee farming in Southern India. In 1560 coffee made its way through Europe and quickly became popular, until Pope Clement VIII decided that the drink must be satanic. Under inspection, he gave into the glory of the beverage by baptism and declared it a Christian drink. As the 1600s rolled on and coffee houses sprung up all over Europe, the beans followed the wave of colonization and found themselves in America.

Finally, after a long time among humanity in 2014, The “International Coffee Organization” declared October 1, as International Coffee Day, an occasion to celebrate coffee as a beverage and raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Delightin Dee on Unsplash

09/29/2026

Happy Confucius Day! Confucius Day arrives every September 29, inviting us to delve into the profound teachings of the revered Chinese philosopher. This day honors his enduring legacy in ethics, education, and social harmony, which continues to shape thought across cultures. Reflect on his maxims, engage in discussions, and explore how his wisdom applies to modern life.

History of CONFUCIUS DAY

Born Kǒng Qiū and fondly called ‘Master Kong,’ Confucius is believed to have been born on September 28, 551 B.C., in the 22nd year of the reign of Emperor Xiang. He was born in the small town of Qufu, in the state of Lu, in what is now the Chinese Province of Shandong [or Shantung]. Some historians say Confucius’s father, Shu-liang was a nobleman and soldier. Sadly, when Confucius was only three years old, his father died and left him to grow up in poverty with his widowed mother.

Undeterred by his changed fortune and the ideological crisis prevalent in his early years, Confucius became an outstanding student-turned-master who devoted his life to creating an ideological change in his time. It wasn’t Confucius’s intention to start the first private school in China when he turned 22, but he was surrounded by able-bodied young disciples who looked up to him and called him ‘master.’ His earliest disciples were named ‘Yan Hui Zigong,’ and ‘Zilu’ — some of whom subsequently became noblemen and political administrators.

While in his 50s, Confucius was appointed Lu’s Grand Minister of Justice. Later, he spent his last years as an itinerant teacher spreading his philosophies across China. Although he regretted that his philosophies never had the expected influence on Chinese culture at the time of his death, years later, his teachings became the official philosophy of the Chinese government. Confucius didn’t establish a religious order, rather, he emphasized the need for the people to return to personal virtues — such as ‘chung’ and ‘shu,’ (equal love for self and others). According to him, these two virtues were the main components of ‘jen,’ or humanity, which is the foundation of Confucianism.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Denise Bossarte on Unsplash

09/28/2026

Have you ever tried Poke? International Poke Day, celebrated every September 28, invites everyone to enjoy the delicious Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish. Originating as a fisherman’s snack, poke has evolved into a global culinary trend. Explore new recipes, visit your local poke bar, or try making your own fresh bowl at home.

History of International Poke Day

In the spirit of Aloha, poke became a part of Hawaiian culture. ‘Aloha’ is the Hawaiian term for greeting and the dish is made as a welcome snack for guests. Previously, the raw fish used to make poke was primarily ‘aku’ or octopus, but nowadays, poke is made with salmon and shellfish as well. Considered comfort food, there are variations in the ingredients used in poke across boundaries. When salmon was initially exported to countries like Japan, it was traded in exchange for sea salt. In Japan and Korea, poke is consumed with soy sauce, fish, eggs, and green onions. Globally, the dish is widely consumed in cosmopolitan cities like New York, Tokyo, London, San Francisco, and Johannesburg after the migration of the Hawaiian population. In one of the restaurants in New York, the poke dish gets nearly 600 orders every day.

Between 2014 and 2016, the number of Hawaiian restaurants on Foursquare doubled from 300 to 700, all thanks to poke. Both the traditional and modern versions of poke are popularly demanded in these restaurants. In Hawaii, International Poke Day has been celebrated like any other festival. Sam Choy, a popular chef in Hawaii, kickstarts the celebrations with a three-day ‘I Love Poke’ contest. The contest is about who submits the best recipe for poke. Some of the recipes have unique additions like avocado, ponzu sauce, mushrooms, crispy onions, pineapple, and cucumber.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Andreas Rasmussen on Unsplash

09/25/2026

Happy Hug a Vegetarian Day! Hug A Vegetarian Day arrives every fourth Friday of September, shining a light on plant-based lifestyles and those who embrace them. It’s a chance to show appreciation for friends and family who choose meat-free diets. Learn about the benefits of vegetarianism, explore delicious plant-based recipes, and spread kindness.

History of Hug A Vegetarian Day

The history of Hug a Vegetarian Day is tied to the history of PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is the organization that founded the day. PETA was founded in 1949 by Ingrid Newkirk.

After being less than pleased by the conditions in an animal shelter, Ingrid Newkirk brought focus to the treatment of the animals at some shelters and how poorly looked after they were. She went on to establish PETA to help make the lives of animals safe and dignified. It was originally located in Rockville, Maryland, in 1980, until it later moved to Norfolk, Virginia. From there, it has grown internationally and become a leading symbol for the fight against animal cruelty.

Hug A Vegetarian Day was established by PETA to celebrate and recognize those who have transitioned to a meat-free and animal-product-free lifestyle. Being a vegetarian isn’t always easy. In many cases, the food options tend to be limited at restaurants, and sometimes vegetarians may even experience a strange hostility in social situations. Since vegetarianism is now becoming increasingly popular among ethical consumers and fitness enthusiasts, the options for the vegetarian palate are now wider. Today, it is relatively easy to find an alternative for most animal-based proteins. Hug a vegetarian and give them a pat on the back for doing their bit in saving animal lives. A greener diet also means that they are helping to protect the environment and the planet. Even for a day, Hug a Vegetarian Day is a great way to try out the lifestyle.

Information by Nationaltoday.com
Photo by Anastasia Vityukova on Unsplash

Stillpoint Meditation

10/12/2026

10/11/2026

10/09/2026

10/07/2026

10/06/2026

10/03/2026

10/01/2026

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

09/25/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Listing takedown request