Day 75

This is my friend Joyce. I wanted Joyce to have a set of the 1conversation for Peace cards, and this morning, she got them! Joyce spends a great deal of time teaching non-violent communication in prisons, and when she speaks about it, I have the sense that this is part of Joyce’s life purpose. In early March when I spoke with Joyce about the Walk, she got really excited and was very supportive. It was a pleasure to catch up with Joyce this morning.

Shortly after, I sat in a meeting directly across from a man who was wearing this t-shirt. Interestingly, I found my self revolted by the image, and at the same time, very curious about the man wearing it. I was also aware of the assumptions that came into my mind simply based on the shirt this man had on. As I began to create a story about him based solely on my own ideas, I reminded myself that not only did I not know this man, but also that I didn’t know anything about him. When I stopped and let go of the ideas I was forming, I came back to an open mind/heart and wondered what we might have in common. I wondered too, how he felt when he looked at my shirt from his place across the table from me. After the meeting, I asked if I could photograph his shirt, and he agreed. I had hoped to engage him in conversation, but he turned and headed out the door.

Later in the day, I went for lunch at a little bistro called Valentina’s. After I had my meal, Valentina came and spoke to me, asking about the Walk for Peace. She had read a bit on Facebook, and was excited to ask me directly about the Walk. Valentina is a lovely, cheerful, charismatic woman, and I was thrilled to be in conversation with her.

This evening, I attended a benefit concert for my friend, Deb Foxen, who is having spinal surgery on Monday. There were lots of people there, and many of them approached me to thank me for doing the Walk. A good number of the people who I spoke with are folks I didn’t know before tonight, but who have been following the Walk through my blog. I was touched by the fact that people sought me out to thank me or to let me know they are interested. Later, as we conversed, Audrey, Ingrid and Pepper each agreed to pull a 1conversation for Peace card, and our discussion expanded from there. I invited the gals to take their cards and either keep them or pass them on – whichever felt most comfortable.

It’s funny, I hesitated wearing the Walk for Peace t-shirt to the benefit,  because I wanted the evening to be focused on Deb. And, as I was preparing to go, I decided to wear the Walk shirt after all. And you know, the very first thing Deb said to me was, “I’m so glad you’re here, and that you wore your Walk shirt”. Thanks, Deb.