Peace of Mind… (blog)

Chandler and I took a nice walk with new friends Bodie (pictured above right) and Velina, enjoying the sun and incredible beauty of a clear blue sky after several days of heavy rain.

I met Velina a few months ago at a Walk for Peace Nevada County meeting. When I started the meetings, I had no idea if anyone would come; but people did come, and Velina was one of them. Since the meeting, I have learned a bit about my new friend, including her love for her little dachshund, which I completely identify with.

The walk we took was a chance occurrence. I happened to see a post that Velina wrote, saying she was thinking of taking a walk. On a whim, I responded by asking where, and in the blink of an eye, we were introducing our dogs, walking and enjoying each other’s company.

What feels important for this Peace Walker, is the introduction that we made a few months ago, the willingness to reach out over something we had in common (walking with our little dogs), and the delightful time we spent together. Each of these things is a direct result of the Walk for Peace.

Imagine if every week, we each reached out to one person we’ve met, even if only briefly, and became curious about what we might have in common. And then, if we took a chance and engaged that person in an activity pertaining to that common interest. Certainly, this is one of the ways that friendships are born.

It can also be a way that the energy of Peace is passed. You see, coming from curiosity about another person, opens our eyes and our hearts to others. It allows us to discover things about people, and sometimes, about ourselves as well.

At the very least, we may learn something about someone else. And, if we are consistent, the energy of Peaceful connection will ripple and grow exponentially.

What a gift that would be to the world…

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.

 

As the morning began, I thought about what I wanted to go into the day with as my intention, and I immediately knew the answer.

My intention for today is Peaceful presence. For me, this means being aware of experiences in the day that help me to receive the Peace that is around me, as well as being the Peaceful presence that others need to receive.

When I left to go run errands this morning, there was a large tree limb across the road, blocking me from getting out. My choice was to stay calm, and to help my friend, Tina cut and carry the pieces of wood to the truck, and then down to the wood pile. As the rain poured upon my shoulders, I was aware of the ease with which Tina and I worked together, and I felt the presence of Peace.

In each place I stopped to do an errand (my friends Denise and Rick are loaning me a car), I consciously engaged with the people handling my transaction – inviting a moment of connection, conversation and sometimes, laughter.

The presence of Peace is everywhere. I find that when I choose to be in Peaceful presence, I draw people to me who are attracted to the energy they feel. Unfortunately, with so much negativity and anger in the world around us, it is sometimes difficult not to get caught up in the energy of it. Fortunately, there is also a current of Peaceful, present energy that is available to each of us. Let’s stand together in the energy of Peace; it is nourishing, strengthening and empowering. And in Peaceful presence, together, we can accomplish anything.

 

 

 

As some know, I write an intention every day and post it in several places. I’ve been asked why I write an intention, and for me, the answer is simple. I do it as part of my daily practice, which is a combination of things that help me feel grounded in my body as well as centered in my soul.

Today, my intention is to cultivate inner Peace.

Over the years, I have found several ways to do this. One is to spend time each day in quiet meditation. During the meditation, I release expectation and open myself to what the day brings. This enables me to be present to each moment. As I prepared to begin the Walk for Peace, I donated or sold many belongings that I had acquired over time. The releasing of these things was both difficult and rewarding. Difficult because they held sentimental value for me. Rewarding because the people who received or bought my things were happy to have them. And, overall, having fewer belongings has made my life feel more spacious. This spaciousness brings me inner Peace. Still another way I find inner Peace is by being inclusive. What I mean by this is, rather than looking at differences as a way to separate myself from others, I choose to see them as a way to learn about people. Being of service to others also brings me inner Peace. Getting enough rest is yet another way to find inner Peace.

What is important for this Peace Walker to remember is that to maintain Peace within myself, I must be vigilant with these practices. And, in times of stress, changing circumstances or heightened energy internally or externally, maintaining inner Peace means increasing the amount of energy that goes into these practices.

I am grateful for the tools I have developed that help me to be at Peace within myself. While I won’t say I maintain this inner Peace 100% of the time, I have the ability to bring myself back to it at any time. Every day, every moment, inner Peace is possible.

As I come to the end of my last day on the ranch, I am feeling Peaceful. I feel fortunate to have been here to help, and, I feel ready to be headed to California. The time here has been so many things, I imagine I will be thinking about it for a while.

While I’ve been here, puppies have been born, grown and gone to the homes of the families who purchased them. And, an older dog passed away quietly one afternoon. Chandler’s father lives on the ranch, and he is a really sweet dog, who loves to have his tummy rubbed, every chance he gets.

The seasons have changed too. When I arrived, the days were hot, and the evenings comfortably warm. Since then, we’ve had rain, wind and even a few nights of below freezing temperatures. The trees were full of leaves, and now they hold the promise of new growth in the spring.

I too, have been through some changes during my stay. I have become aware of my physical and emotional limitations, and have been able to voice them. Another thing I’ve practiced here is defining the way I want to be utilized, to the greatest benefit of all, including myself. And finally, I have come to know a greater internal Peace, through feeling the grief of losing my brother in law, handling his belongings and feeling his energy all around the property.

I am grateful to have had this time on the ranch, for it has been, a true gift.

 

As the sun set on the ranch today, I sat for a moment on the bench outside and took a few deep breaths, taking in the colors of the coming dusk. I felt grateful for the quiet, and Peaceful in the energy of the evening.

Many years ago, I was at a week long training, and one of the things I found to be very helpful in grounding myself was to take a few deep breaths – inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth. I’m speaking of it now, to share a simple practice that has helped me over the years.

The times we are in today are moving faster and faster. Even the most capable of individuals can become overwhelmed by this. Taking a moment to consciously breathe deeply, actually shifts the energy within as well as around us. It is a way to slow down and become present to what is in front of us.

You might ask how this relates to the Walk for Peace. I would offer that when we take the time to shift the energy in the space around us, and in ourselves, it changes the perspective. When we learn to look at things from a different angle, there is more room for connection to others. Connection is the starting place of change in the world.

If we could learn to connect with the people around us by making eye contact, greeting each other, offering help to people we see struggling, etc., we could shift the energy on a global level. Rather than running at full speed ahead, take a few breaths, and be in connection with those around you. Watch how the energy changes – you’ll be amazed…

As we were writing the questions that would go into the deck of 1conversation for Peace cards, this question seemed particularly apropos, given the fact that I was preparing to embark on the Walk for Peace. For me, 100 miles seemed like a huge number when I began. I had no idea if I could walk that many miles. What I did know however, was that I was/am called to walk.

So, more than 300 days ago, I began walking. I also began speaking with people about Peace. Each day was filled with meeting people, having rich conversations with many different people in all phases of life. My energy and stamina actually became stronger as I walked. For me, the energy and strength comes from living a life on purpose. As a result, I feel Peaceful, and I continue to walk and talk about Peace today.

I will walk 100 miles for Peace. And, I will walk another 100 miles for Peace, followed by another, and another and so on.

As the Walk for Peace continues, I invite you to to walk your 100 miles by joining me. We have work to do, and together, we are Peace.

Almost four months ago, as I recovered from the revision surgery to my knee, I came to Texas to be of service to my sister following the unexpected death of her husband.

I took this photograph from the doorway of a building on the ranch known as “red shed”. My work for the past few days has been that of sorting through and organizing the contents in the building so that they are easily accessible for anyone who might need them. This is the building that houses the hand tools as well as the myriad nails, screws, picture hangars, nuts and bolts collected by my brother in law over the years.

Last week, my sister’s friend and I cleaned and organized “yellow shed”. It is where the larger power tools are kept, along with the riding lawn mower. The paint is there too, on the left. Second shelving unit. Across from the work bench.

I have felt deeply connected to my brother in law the past ten days – touching things that he touched, feeling his presence everywhere. I miss him.

Richard and I were unlikely friends. We had opposing views on almost everything. Still, we forged a relationship over the years that I truly valued. I always felt loved by him. And, I know he felt loved by me. We weren’t distracted by our differences, rather, we found the similarities. And in this, I found an easy, Peaceful connection with Richard.

I make up that everyone has someone whom they identify as their “Richard”. Totally different from us, and yet, similar. When we find the place where love comes in, anything is possible. Who is this person for you? And what can you do to find the similarities?

 

True peace is not merely the absence of war, it is the presence of justice.

Jane Addams

All over the globe today, people joined together to march peacefully for women’s rights.

Women marched…men marched.

Mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends…fathers, sons, brothers, boyfriends…

All marching together in solidarity.

Solidarity that transcends race, sex, religion, class, creed.

Solidarity for women’s rights.

Let the marching continue and the voices be heard.

That all women have rights.

That all humans have rights.

Let justice prevail.

For in justice, Peace resides.

Many years ago, I walked into a high end bedding store, and within a moment, I had tears streaming down my face. I had smelled a fragrance that reminded me so deeply of my maternal grandma that I was overtaken with the emotion it released in me. As I wandered around, I had a flood of memories of my grandma. I was thrilled to know that the fragrance was part of a line of bath products, and I immediately purchased several items. To this day, whenever I use the soap or hand cream, I close my eyes and smell the amazing fragrance, and I am grateful.

When my paternal grandmother passed away, I was fortunate enough to receive a small desk that she used as her dressing table. It’s stature was petite, as was my grandmother’s, and I often thought of her sitting at the table, preparing herself for the activities of the day. At one point, I was preparing to move, and I pulled one of the drawers out of the dresser, only to see a small plastic bag fall on the floor. When I opened the bag, there was a small scarf that I had seen my grandmother wear several times. And, there was a lovely fragrance eminating from the scarf. It was my grandmother’s perfume. I held the scarf up to my face, and I inhaled deeply, sensing my grandmother’s presence in the moment.

For me, there is a great Peace that comes when I connect to those who came before me. I am grateful for each of my grandmothers.  I feel as if some of the wisdom I find in my life is a reflection of each of them. I am grateful to carry their spirits with me, and to share them with others.