I’m learning…

I’ve learned quite a bit as I’ve walked these past nine days. Sometimes, the lessons have come from the people I stay with or a phone conversation with a supporter. Other times, I am taught something by the people I meet along the way. And, sometimes I learn from my dog.

The folks who have hosted me have shared their homes and their families with me, they’ve cooked for me, they’ve shared their knowledge with me. I was moved by a conversation with one of the families around the dinner table, when a seventeen year old suggested that peace might be obtained through tolerance. We talked about tolerance of others, of situations and of ourselves. I have found myself returning to the thought of tolerance over and over again since that conversation. On another day, a friend offered to drive 45 minutes to pick me up (I hadn’t found housing for the night and was facing the prospect of my first night of camping) and drop me off the next morning. In my infinite wisdom, I determined that that was too much time and energy and declined the offer. When I shared this with one of the folks who helps me along the way, she suggested I look at it from my friend’s perspective. You see, it is possible that this is a way she could have given to the Walk for Peace – and I decided what was “appropriate”, thereby taking away her right to choose. It seems to me that tolerance is part of the path to peace. Another part is to let go of control and invite engagement.

On another day, I approached a man and his daughter and asked them
if they would be willing to draw a card from a special deck that I carry called 1conversation for Peace. They agreed and each drew a card. As has been the case with each person who has drawn one, the cards made each person take a deep breath and really think about their answer. One of the cards asked What makes your blood boil? How can you turn that emotion into love? The gentleman I was speaking with answered only the second question…”by being an example and treating others with loving kindness no matter how mad they make you.” Next, his daughter read her card – What music makes you feel peaceful? She responded by saying “Classical. I like classical because of all the different parts and how they sound together.” I was reminded of two things in this conversation. First, kindness in the face of adversity is peace. Second, collaboration (as in all the musicians and instruments in a symphony) creates community.

Yesterday, my dog asked on several occasions (by vocalizing), to get out of the buggy to walk. As is our routine, she walks for about a mile, I put her back in the buggy, and she rests until she’s ready to walk again. When she “talks”, I know she wants to walk. After each bout of walking, I give her water and a treat, which she happily receives. Here is where the learning comes in for me…I am best served by routinely drinking water, having small bits of sustenance at regular intervals, and by resting during the day. This routine helps me be at peace both physically and emotionally.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for teaching me about peace, tolerance, kindness, collaboration, asking for what you need, routine, peace.