Peace of Mind… (blog)

This morning, I had the opportunity to Walk with Chandler and my friend, Denise. We’ve been friends for a long time now and our Walk talks often wax philosophic; today was no exception. I won’t go into detail, but as we Walked, I was aware of a sense of deep gratitude for the years we have spent knowing one another. Denise is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. As we stopped for a brief interruption along the path, I took this photograph, which absolutely captures her essence. I also observed these sweet little rock roses in full bloom in the warmth of this gloriously sunny day. 

There is a feeling of Peace in the greetings that pass between Walkers on this path. Everyone who uses the path co-creates with everyone else to make the entire experience pleasant and safe for all (including the dogs). Walkers move over for joggers to pass, folks with dogs stop so the dogs can greet one another, and people engage with one another respectfully. As we Walked, Chandler romped in the foliage along side of the path, and at one point, she was following the scent of the tiniest little field mouse! As I halted her, we looked to see what she was after, and Denise mentioned that we wouldn’t have seen the little creature if not for Chandler’s keen sense of smell.

When we completed the Walk, Denise and I headed in different directions. Here’s what I know for sure. The Peaceful, joyful feeling I got from the Walk this morning has carried into my day. It has caused a ripple effect with the other people I’ve come in contact with today. And, as I think of Denise, I smile.

 

 

Last week, I had the beautiful experience of Walking for Peace in an absolutely gorgeous part of California, with my dear friend. During those days, I didn’t cover a huge amount of area geographically, but a quick video from the Walk, and the post about the days was received with excitement and enthusiasm. I’m grateful to all of you for your support, and for your interest in the Walk. For me, the three days Walking and the two days after were absolutely magical. There is a depth of conversation available between us that is absolutely life affirming. One thing I want to share with you today is the incredible sense of joy I felt in being in the open air, with my dear friend, experiencing the energy of each other as well as that of the people around us. Being able to Walk again felt like my heart was given a gift. In some ways, I felt as if this mini-walk (and retreat, thank you, my friend) was a chance to inhale deeply the Peace available to me, and to bathe myself in it without reservation. And the setting could not have been more soothing. At one point, I engaged a couple of young women in conversation, inviting them each to take a 1conversation for Peace card. I explained about the Walk, and we stood engaged in a conversation about Peace for about 5 minutes. As the gals read the cards, I saw a deep sense of recognition in one of them about a person she is in relationship with and the fact that she wants to work on that relationship. As she inhaled, I sensed that she was already feeling some Peace around the awareness of this as her next step toward Peace. What a lovely place to be, to share this experience with her. How could I not be grateful?

Yesterday and into today, I have been experiencing a myriad feelings around the explosion in Manchester, England.

I want to invite anyone reading to close your eyes for a moment and take a deep breath. As you inhale, feel the rage, distrust and disgust you might be holding toward the young man (and his associates) who was responsible for the explosion. And as you exhale, release the darkness by sending those affected (including those responsible), energy of forgiveness, love, strength and healing. For me, this type of intentional breathing is one way I find Peace in an otherwise untenable experience. It is also a way of acknowledging my own feelings about what happened. And, when I consciously invite and release the feelings through breathwork, I find a place of greater Peace within, which allows me to stay connected to the Dream of Peace for the world.

Today, I am grateful for the knowing and the feeling that the Walk for Peace is also a path into a deeper, more embodied state of Peace for me.

 

Yesterday, Doug, Anne Grete and I started out on what is to be a three day Walk for Peace in Marin County. The day was incredible – sunny but not hot and just enough of a breeze to keep us comfortable. As we began our planned 4+ mile route, we entered a trail that was rather steep and difficult for me to climb. To their credit, my amazing friends kept my pace (very slow and peppered with many stops) all the way to the top of the Fox Hill Trail, overlooking the ocean above Muir Beach.

As we prepared ourselves to traverse down the trail, Doug said his goodbyes, and Anne Garett and I were off. Going down the trail to the beach was also challenging for me.

What is important about sharing this with you is that there was a time when I would have forced myself to complete the three day Walk just as it was planned, particularly because I had posted the route ahead of time. However, I found myself totally open to changing the route, inviting greater ease for myself. This openness brought me a sense of Peace for knowing my own limitations, and in asking for what I need.

After a restful night in Muir Beach, Anne Grete and I decided to Walk to Muir Woods to see the redwood groves there. I didn’t really know the history of the Park, and was quite touched by the fact that the park was actually dedicated during a United Nations gathering on May 19, 1945. That the park would be referred to as a ‘temple of Peace’ and that this Peace Walker was able to enjoy the park on the eve of it’s 72nd anniversary, seemed somehow synchronistic.

As we Walked and greeted people, I found myself humbled by the regal majesty of the redwood groves. I felt a reverence for the stories the trees might tell, and wondered about all of people who have been through the park since its dedication all those years ago.

After we completed our journey through the park, we decided to see if we could get someone to give us a ride to our destination for the evening (Stinson Beach). After several attempts, we got a ride with a delightful German woman and her sister in law. We had a great conversation on the drive, and they dropped us off and went on their way.

We Walked, talked, laughed and even cried today. And I, for one, feel as if the Peace I so hope for in the world was bestowed upon me within my experience of the park.

Tonight, I am grateful for the fluidity and graceful way our plans have changed. I feel fortunate to know that in times of change, great or small, the surprises that might be waiting just around the corner could just be the gifts of a lifetime.

 

This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago on the beach at Half Moon Bay, CA. My friend Annemarie took the photo (unbeknownst to me) as I was Walking liesurely along the shore, enjoying the gift of time near the ocean. Annemarie and several other woman friends of mine got together for an overnight visit over the first weekend in May. Although the time we shared was brief and each one of us traveled from a different part of the world to be there, the way that each woman arrived and became fully present to each of the others was absolutely beautiful. For me, time stood still and there was a complete sense love, belonging and Peace in the hours we were together.

I am grateful for the friendships of these women, and cherish our connections. There is a way in which each of us is able to speak about out dreams, successes and failures while the others listen, encourage (sometimes gently and sometimes with a firm hand) and help us find our way back to ourselves when we veer. Oh, yes, did I mention we LOVE to laugh?

After my visit with the gals, I came back to Nevada County to begin preparations for the next part of the Walk for Peace.

This week, I will Walk for Peace in Marin County, CA. I’ll follow a route that overlooks the coast, travels through redwood groves and even has a substantial climb as part of the terrain. No dogs are allowed on this particular trail, so Chandler will remain with my land mates in Nevada County. I’ll be Walking Wednesday – Friday (May 17-19), and the route is as follows:

Day 1: From Marin County’s Coastal Fire Road up and out of the Tennessee Valley In the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and down the coastal trail to Muir Beach.
Day 2: Up Redwood Creek Trail over Santos Meadow to Heather Cutoff Trail where it meets up with the Coastal View Trail up and into Mt. Tamalpais State Park; then down the coastal hills through redwood groves and into Stinson Beach.
Day 3: Dipsea Trail from Stinson Beach returning to part of Day 2’s Walk, and over to Mill Valley

If you are in the area and would like to come out, I’d love to have you Walk for Peace with me (and my friend Anne Grete) for any or all of the route. The weather is expected to be beautiful – so remember to bring your water and wear your sunscreen!

I’ll be trying out some new technology (video, I hope), so stay tuned – it’s going be fun!

Peace,

A

On day 20 of the Walk for Peace, I met a man named Bruce in San Rafael, CA. I met him in front of Mike’s bikes, after getting the brake and tire repaired on the buggy. Bruce was excited about the Walk, and asked if he could jump for Peace instead of Walking. This picture shows Bruce’s jump.

On day 26, I met Bruce a second time. We sat and visited for about a half an hour, and Bruce shared with me about his involvement in the Peace movement as a young man and into present time. It was a lovely visit, and I was pleased to have met Bruce again.

On Day 404, I was invited to participate in a Climate March with a my dear friend Anne Grete, and another new friend Amy. The three of us marched with approximately 300 other folks in support of protecting our environment. Along the route, we were escorted by police. At one point, I had the chance to thank this police officer and to have my picture taken with him. We ended in a small park in San Anselmo, CA, where we rested befor beginning the Walk back to the car.

What happened next was quite a surprise. As we made our way back along the route, I could feel the presence of a someone walking just behind me. When I turned to acknowledge the person, I realized I had seen him before. “Is your name Bruce?”, I asked. He nodded and wondered aloud how I knew that. I mentioned our meetings of more than a year ago, and he smiled as he began to recall our encounters.

For the next mile or so, Bruce and I walked along side one another, and I heard stories of his participation in the Peace movement over the years, names of people he’d worked with, and memories of times when he was fully engaged in Peace work. And of course, I asked if he would be willing to take a picture with me, which he happily agreed to.

As I Walked with Anne Grete, Amy and the rest of the people that day, I felt as if we were connected to one another in alignment around taking care of our planet. And, as I Walked with Bruce, I was filled with a sense of gratitude for this kind hearted, soft spoken gentleman who feels as passionately about Peace as I do. I Walked for Peace that day, and I had the great honor of being the student of one who has Walked as well.

Today I went for what was to be the final test on my leg before I get on the road again on the Walk for Peace, and I have to say, it was an absolutely hysterical experience.

After waiting more than two weeks from when the test was pre-authorized by my insurance for the imaging center to call me, I decided to call them to schedule it. I was told that the test was designated “walk-in”, so no appointment would be necessary. I arrived at the imaging center at 12:12 pm, looking forward to getting the test and moving into my afternoon. The first glitch came when I walked up to register. The woman explained that I had to have an appointment, and I could use my cell phone to call scheduling  (the call would ring in an office just beyond the wall I was facing), to make an appointment. When I explained that it was scheduling who told me the procedure was a “walk-in”, I was given a number and invited to sit and wait until my number was called to be checked-in.

After I was checked in, I waited until an easy going radiology technician came to get me for the SCAN-O-GRAM. Yes, that is what it is called. The test is used to measure the length of my legs, to be sure they are even. When I walked in, I was instructed to take my shoes off and to stand with my back against a backboard that had a four foot plastic ruler crudly attached to it with bandaging tape. I stood, and the technician manipulated the machine until she had it where she could take the first X-ray. She had me hold my breath, took the shot, and told me to exhale. We went through the same procedure for the second X-ray. As she prepared me for what was to be the third and final X-ray, the technician realized that the camera could not be lowered far enough to get the third angle. The technician apologized and thanked me for my patience while she tried to determine what to do. I smiled, wondering why it hadn’t been thought out before the patient entered the room, but agreed to wait.

Hang with me folks – it gets better.

After consulting with someone else, my technician was going to have me climb onto a step stool that she had placed atop the platform that was already raised, and balance while she took the final X-ray. I looked at the step stool and indicated it didn’t feel safe, because the two legs at the front of the platform were actually only about 50% on it. After agreeing that it might not be safe, the technician suggested raising the platform with me on it, using her shoulder to steady myself as it rose. Again, I declined for reasons of safety. Both technicians thanked me for being so kind and for my patience. I asked if they always have this difficulty, and was told that “normally” this procedure is done on children, and that “normally” it is done with the patient lying down and a tube with a camera in it moving on a track along the length of the patient taking pictures along the way (CT imaging), but that when they looked at the order from the doctor, it said three images standing…I asked if they could contact the doctor, and was told that they weren’t authorized to make those calls.

Finally, the two technicians decided to bring a three step library ladder in for me to climb up on so that they could get the three images they needed. They carefully removed the taped ruler from the backboard and moved it to the ladder. Guess what? The first X-ray was going to be too high for the machine that held the tablet! So, one of the technicians donned a lead apron and volunteered to hold the tablet while the shot was taken. Ironically, she asked me to carefully lean forward without moving my feet or knees while she placed the tablet in position. After images one and two were taken, I was beginning to feel a sense of relief that this process was nearing an end. One more X-ray…and wha…wait! The metal bar on the library ladder obscured the final image!

Two and a half hours after I walked into the building, I made my way outside with the cd that held what images they did capture, and I found myself laughing out loud.

You see, when I walked into the room initially and saw the ruler, I wondered how accurate the test would be, given that it wasn’t even fastened in place. What I could not have known was going to follow, was so far removed from “normal”, that I couldn’t help but find the humor in it.

First, the ruler. Need I say more here?

Next, the state of the art equipment can’t account for a 5’4 1/2″ tall person to have three X-rays at descending points on the lower half her body?

Then, the request to climb into position on a stool atop a platform followed by the suggestion of balancing on a moving platform. Both ideas seemed a bit circus like to me.

And finally, a library ladder? They’re made of metal. The first thing an X-ray technician has you do is remove the metal from your body and/or your clothes, and this seemed like a good platform?

So, what does this have to do with the Walk for Peace? Everything. I could have met this situation with anger and frustration. I could have gotten boisterous or made the technicians wrong for not “knowing how to do their job”. They could have gotten irritated by their circumstances. None of that happened.  The entire time we were together, we were respectful and courteous. They were gracious about my patience, and I honored the fact that they were trying to find a solution. In the end, I thanked them for trying, and they thanked me for working with them. And, I had a hearty chuckle at the absurdity of the whole thing. I also thought about my Dad (an architect) sitting in his office laughing out loud while reading the story, which made me chuckle again.

I expect that tomorrow, I will put some time into getting the test reordered and written in a way that calls for the “normal” procedure. Wouldn’t it be funny if I got the same technician(s) next time?

 

This is my dear friend Lacey. We have known each other for over forty years. We grew up in the same town, went to the same schools and our families knew one another. As is often the case, after high school we went different directions, only to meet up again some twenty plus years later. Each time we have seen each other, the time has flown by with an ease I can only describe as Peace.

Lacey has a way of speaking that makes me feel as if I have been with her in her experiences; her vivid descriptions and body movements bring whatever she is speaking about to life. And when she’s speaking about her children or her husband, her eyes light up with both love and gratitude, which is palpable.

Although we don’t see each other often, Lacey and I pick up our conversations as if we’ve never been apart. With the assistance of social media, we are able to keep up on a macro level with what is going on in our lives. And, nothing beats getting a chance to actually hug, laugh, and spend time in each other’s company.

During the Walk for Peace, I have had the great honor of having several people from my past reach out to me, follow my blog and even invite me to spend time in their homes along the way. And, I have been hosted by many people I hadn’t known previously, for which I am grateful.

Being in community and learning about one another is one of the best ways to cultivate Peace we have. Whether we are long time or brand new friends, I welcome the opportunity to know you.

My friend Anne Grete and I will be Walking in the North San Francisco Bay area – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 17-19. I welcome anyone who would like to Walk for Peace with us to join in. I will post the route a few days ahead of time, and welcome inquiries as well. Feel free to reach out to me via the contact page, or other social media for details.

My continued reconnection with Lacey is a wonderful reminder to me, that each day I choose to be in community with other human beings, is a day in support of Peace.

Wisteria finds its way among cold, unyielding squares of metal

branches twist and turn

finding an odd sort of resting place among wire cages.

Days pass, branches thicken

becoming laden with lavender blooms

releasing

heady fragrance through the air.

Nature as art.

Beauty in unexpected circumstances.

Peace.

 

 

This is the view I had as I approached the doctor’s office this morning. I was struck by the sheer beauty in front of me, and everywhere I looked. And, as I was leaving, this whiteboard hung in the nurse’s station.

I cannot agree with Mr. Einstein more. Each time we choose to use force where empathy belongs, we take ourselves one step further from understanding toward irreversible actions.

When I read that a 21,000 pound bomb had been dropped in Afghanistan, I sat in my chair and wept. I was speechless. And I still have no words to express how I feel. My Dad and I touched briefly on it this morning when I called to wish him a happy 82nd birthday, and he too, couldn’t speak to it.

Later in the day, a long time friend of mine said she doesn’t believe world Peace is possible. Again, I felt gutted.

Here’s the thing:

I believe world Peace is possible. There is a place in each being that retains the desire to be “seen”, understood if you will. I have a responsibility  be with people in an open-hearted inclusive manner, inviting dialogue, respect, curiosity, love, community and understanding.

I’ve spoken a great deal lately about the need for individuals to take action every day toward Peace, no matter how small. Today, I invite you to consistently stretch, going one step further than you are comfortable in your own Walk for Peace.

I’m often told “everyone wants Peace”, and while I believe that is true, we have to see and know one another in order to bring the collective energy, thinking and actions into alignment for the sake of Peace.

How will you stretch yourself today? In addition to yourself, who is someone you want Peace for? How will you show that?

Feel free to reach out with your responses, I’d love to hear them!

 

 

My friends,

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been working out plans to begin the Walk for Peace (literal walk) again. While I have been recovering from my revision surgery and spending time on the ranch in Texas following the loss of my brother-in-law, your continued support and responses to my posts as well as your sharing individual actions you’ve taken for the sake of Peace have kept the Walk going strong. Thank you!

Now, it’s time to step it up – literally!

The Walk will be a bit different, as my plan is to stay in particular cities for a period of several days, Walking for Peace, speaking, being of service to the community I am in, and then traveling to another populated area and continuing the Walk. This way, I can plan a bit more ahead, which will be an invitation to have others participate by Walking or joining me in service, and I can be attentive to my physical needs.

I will begin in May with a three day walk in Northern California (much of it in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area), and then I will travel to Oregon and cities North. As is always true, anyone who is interested in Walking for Peace with me is welcome at any point. Feel free to reach out for more information.

On a different note, I have applied for a grant to help sustain the Walk for Peace. Also, I am looking into a not for profit status for folks who support the Walk by contributing. In the interim, I invite you to consider contributing (either for the first time or again) to the Walk for Peace. You can do so in several ways on the home page. And again, thank you.

We can effect a change in the unsettled world in which we live, by aligning and taking continuous action. Lets join together, taking steps every day, for Peace.