Day 325

Today was the first day in several with sunshine and blue sky, and there was a feeling of lightness every where I went. After several years of severe drought, this region of Northern California has been inundated with so much rain that this might turn out to be the wettest rain season on record.

There is a local dam that has a break in its spillway, huge sink holes have opened up in town and highways and roads have crumbled in several nearby locations.

As I took Chandler on a stroll early this afternoon, I thought about the impact of the rains on the county’s infrastructure, and It made me think about the importance of a foundation in the things we might choose to undertake or participate in going forward.

I look at the body, mind, spirit connection within as the foundation of Peace in our world. When we tend to ourselves by getting enough rest, exercise, nourishment, community and spiritual support, we are able to be at our best as we do our work in the world. There is a clarity that comes with taking care of ourselves first, that helps us to be of service to others, as well as to the causes we wish to support. Also, it serves to provide the stamina we need in building Peaceful communities.

Another way to build on the infrastructure of Peace is to use Peaceful dialogue.  To express ourselves in a calm, Peaceful (and yes, sometimes stern) manner; inviting those who’s views are different from our own and offering respect, attention, curiosity and open hearted conversation.

Still another way to build an energy of Peaceful presence in communities, is by using rhetoric that is welcoming and inclusive. Speaking to the progress of a particular group, or to a common goal   can free/align us with others quite quickly.

When we are moved to action, it is important to remember that if we enter into it in a Peaceful manner, we will have the space, clarity, respect and authenticity that will engage and empower us to join together and be in community with others.