Day 87

As I looked over the horizon this evening, I saw the beginning of an incredibly lovely sunset as the backdrop to the beautiful property where I am this week. There is an energy here that both excites and calms me – and I find that I am filled with a sense of Peace.

The day was full of lots of activities, many of which had the participants smiling at one another as they learned ways of being in partnership with each other. And, I found myself thinking (again) about how great it would be if everyone could have a similar experience.

And I thought about the people I’ve met along the Walk for Peace, realizing that whether or not I speak to them, I attempt to make eye contact with and smile at any person I come upon. For me, looking into someone’s eyes and exchanging a smile often bridges the perceived gaps that exist between us, opening up an opportunity to take our interaction a step further. Sometimes, it is a greeting. Others, it is the beginning of a conversation. I try and follow the energy of the exchange to see if there is an “opening” to deepen the connection with the other person. And, I continue to be touched by the response.

I received this photograph that my friend Katja Mueller-Kitney’s daughter drew for me today, and it brought me to tears. The beautiful leg with hearts around the knee for love and a tennis shoe on the foot, the perfect drawing of Chandler, and all of the peace and love added into the card that Hollie drew, made me feel as if she had looked into my eyes, reached into my heart, and smiled at me. Thank you Hollie!