Pablo Romo Cedano & Martha Elena Welsh Herrera: Exploring Mexico’s Soul, a Journey of Insight

Peace Boat was pleased to welcome guest educators Pablo Romo Cedano and Martha Elena Welsh Herrera onboard Peace Boat again. Pablo is a human rights advocate and professor, while Martha Elena is a talented dancer and educator. They joined the 115th Global Voyage from Yokohama to the lively city of Manzanillo, Mexico, and their passion for peace encouraged voyage participants to rethink the importance of basic rights and well-being.

A multifaceted nation

Mexico has a rich history with civilizations like the enigmatic Olmec, the mystical Maya, and the awe-inspiring Aztec, leaving behind fascinating legacies. Visitors to the country often just skim the surface, captivated by Mexico's culture, art, and music - undoubtedly, these are irresistible attractions and some participants joined piñata-making workshops led by the guest educators for added fun! However, Pablo took participants deeper, showing both the brilliance and shadows of Mexico, shedding light on its potential for conflicts and corruption. 

^{Looking at Mexico through different lenses}

Pablo gave three insightful lectures during his time onboard. He started by talking about Mexico's not-so-pleasant side, where conflict and warlords exist alongside its vibrant nature. In the second lecture, he explained concepts of peacebuilding and how it is being implemented by local actors in Mexico, involving initiatives to resolve conflicts, promote reconciliation, human rights, development, and good governance. In his final lecture, Pablo connected peacebuilding with issues like climate change, environmental problems, technology changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a leading peace activist, he tapped into his vast reservoir of experience in the realm of human rights to show the path towards making the world a more peaceful place. He pointed out that there are many schools for warfare but too few for peace education, and also highlighted the troubling complicity of governments and criminal organizations as the seeds to social unrest and the catalyst behind Mexican migration to the US.

^{Martha Elena on the power of movement}

Martha Elena focused on physical and mental well-being, showcasing the power of dance. With her background in both classical and contemporary dance, she guided participants through the therapeutic and transformative power of dance, and participants discovered that by moving our bodies, we can tap into our emotions and find inner peace by combining body and soul in perfect harmony. As she released emotions through graceful movements, Martha Elena’s dance embodied a sheer joy of flowing energy and happiness, resonating the rhythm of life itself. Her lecture brought a moment of respite from the weight of global conflicts and the darkness in Mexico.

As the voyage sailed to Manzanillo, participants learned more about Mexico's history, political conflicts, and corruption. Pablo taught how to tackle big world issues through peacebuilding, while Martha Elena reminded all of the importance of finding tranquility and well-being in our own lives.