Peace of Mind… (blog)

As Chandler and I awaited our ride from Beaverton to Portland yesterday, she found a perfect spot to relax and enjoy herself. The coolness of the grass coupled with the warmth of the sun seems to have made her really comfortable.

Our host for three nights was a longtime friend of mine. Linda and I have known each other since before we were teenagers. She and her family and I and my family spent summers in a mobile home park where my maternal grandparents lived. The park was in Dana Point, CA, and our days were spent at the beach, swimming in the ocean and being in community with the other families who spent their summers there.

Linda and I have been connected on and off in the nearly forty years since those summer days at the beach, but having the opportunity to spend a few nights at her house was great.

We had a chance to catch up on some history, have a few meals together and just enjoy one another in the present. Thank you, Linda. I am grateful to you for your kindness and generosity.

After coming into Portland and heading into a bookstore for a look see, Chandler and I got picked up by my friend Honey. We got to Honey’s house, met her sidekick Leo, and settled in for the evening.

I’ve actually only known Honey for about three years, but she and I went through a rather intensive 10 month leadership program together, and there is a way that we are able to simply drop into conversation with each other that is an absolute gift.

Today, I  awakened feeling ill. At first I thought I might get up and go Walking anyway, hoping I would feel better along the way. However, I made a healthier decision by choosing to stay at the house and rest.

What is lovely about this turn of events is that I had an opportunity to get to know Honey on a deeper level, and I got to take care of myself.

Tonight, as I get ready to sleep, I am feeling much better. I am happy I took the time off. I’m also grateful for the friendship I feel with Honey. Sharing the day with her in a low key way, having great conversations and rejuvenating myself. I am slowly, Peacefully headed to sleep.

Yesterday, I left from a neighborhood of manicured lawns and well maintained homes, some with motor homes parked in front of them. The houses were stately and the cars neatly tucked inside garages when not in use.

From there, I made my way into a new and different part of Beaverton, where I was aware of yards in varying states of overgrowth. I also noticed cars on blocks, and houses in disrepair.

At one point, an elderly woman came down her driveway and I approached her to see if she would have a conversation about Peace with me. She immediately asked me what made me think I was an expert on Peace. I explained that not only am I not an expert, I am interested in what other people think about Peace. She began verbally attacking my character, going so far as to tell me I was crazy and I had no businessm”doing this”.

Fortunately, I found myself able to say that I would be happy to have a conversation with her, but that I didn’t understand why she would question my character. We continued talking for a moment, and she began to berate me again.  I explained for a second time that I would be happy to talk about Peace, but that I did not appreciate her personalizing the discussion in a way that made me wrong. At that point, she turned, and without another glance, went into her house.

As I made my way away from the woman and her energy, I wondered if she would ever think about the experience with anything but anger and disdain. And, I wondered what made her so fearful. I was grateful to have engaged her without becoming angry with or hurtful toward her.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, I found myself hoping that if nothing else, I had planted the seed of Peace in the woman’s heart. While I often do not see the direct impact of the conversations I have with people, I will hold this woman in my consciousness, and I will continue to surround her with the energy of Peace.

 

 

The shade of the evergreens and the Peaceful picnic table we shared this afternoon was a lovely completion to another day on the Walk for Peace. Chandler and I had the pleasure of having my friend Carly and her dog, Bodhi with us today, and it made for a wonderful addition.

All day long, people greeted us, petted our dogs, and engaged in conversation. From two young boys who shared about their dogs, to a mom with two youngsters who inquired about the buggy and whether or not I was happy with it, to a woman who was headed to continue unpacking after her first move in 27 years, to a gentleman who is recovering from back surgery and feeling the pain of beginning physical therapy, Carly and I enjoyed conversation after conversation. The flow of the day felt as if it had been choreographed perfectly, down to the last detail.

When we went back to the place where Carly and her fiancé live, Carly introduced me to everyone she knew. She also spoke with the people who joined us about the Walk for Peace.  I had a chance to meet One of Carly’s friends, a young woman named Bailey. This bright young woman sat with us for some time, and as our conversation progressed, we discussed what Peace is to each of us.

Later, we each drew a card from the 1Conversation for Peace deck, and then shared the answer to the question with each other. As is my custom, I invited them to keep the card until they felt complete with it, and then to pass it on, thus keeping the conversation for Peace going.

Tonight, I feel fortunate to have had the day with Carly and Bodhi. I’m grateful that ten plus years ago Carly and I became friends, and it has been important for us to reach out and to keep in touch with one another.

And, I’m grateful for another brpeautiful day on the Walk for Peace.

This is my friend, Donna. We met many years ago, when she hired me to work for the company she was with. Our connection was instantaneous, and has remained steadfast since the day we met. I find the time I spend with Donna to be full of ease and permission, and I am grateful we crossed paths all those years ago.

Donna was kind enough to transport and host me on Sunday, and then to get me to Eugene yesterday, where I was picked up by another friend (more about her in the next couple of days), who is hosting me in Beaverton (a suburb of Portland) for a few days.

Then today, I had an opportunity to Walk for Peace in one of Beaverton’s neighborhoods. It was a beautiful day here, and as I turned to close the door at my friend’s house, I noticed this sign, which I absolutely love!

I loved seeing this sign this morning in particular, because today is the first day Walking for Peace since my knee was injured over a year ago. And, talking with people is a huge part of the Walk for Peace.

Very early on today, I met a gentleman named Milton. He came and sat on a bench next to me, and began asking questions about Chandler. He then shared stories about his dog, and we settled into an easy discussion. Milton was intrigued by the buggy, and I explained that it is where all of Chandler and my belongings are. I also told him about the Walk for Peace. It is Milton’s belief that “…Peace will not come until the Lord returns”. I explained that I am Walking for and talking about Peace because feel it is a way for humans to find connection with one another in a world where there is a profound amount of divisiveness. What’s important about this conversation is that although we felt differently about how or when it will come to the world, we did align on the need for Peace. We continued our discussion, said our goodbyes, and Chandler and I were on our way.

Later, a kind woman named Joni approached the buggy – clearly excited about seeing Chandler. I introduced Chandler, and we began a conversation about the buggy and how great a “ride” it is for Chandler. I explained to Joni that Chandler and I are Walking for Peace, and told her about why the features of the buggy are so important. At first, she said I was going to make her cry, and then Joni immediately asked if there was anything she could do to support us. I thanked her, and invited her to follow the Walk and to share it with her friends and family. I also invited her to make a donation to the Walk if she felt so inclined. As the conversation ended, I felt grateful for another opportunity to discuss Peace, and the loving energy that it creates.

 

My friend Linda mentioned that whatever I was planning on posting tonight would probably be different after hearing the news of the shooting at the ball field in Virginia this morning. While I generally don’t plan what I’m going to write about in advance, I couldn’t have planned this.

I found myself feeling deeply saddened not only by the shooting in Virginia (where the gunman was killed), but also a separate, unrelated shooting at a UPS sorting facility in San Francisco where four people (including the gunman) lost their lives.

What concerns me about these and other occurrences around the world recently, is the deep seated issues we are facing, and their seeming ability to draw people into such states of rage and violence toward each other.

The longer we are willing to continue basing our actions on differences, disagreements and discord, the greater the degree of violence and anger we will face.

Today, my intention is prayers for Peace. The Walk for Peace is an outward expression of the prayers I have for myself as well as for the rest of humankind.

While the shootings today were not “linked to terrorist organizations”, the impact is still enormous. Families, friends and communities will be  dealing with the repercussions for some time. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache they feel.

What I can and will do, is continue to hold the people affected by today’s shootings in my heart, and each day, I will endeavor to be a stand for Peace in the World.

Nothing is more precious than Peace. Peace is the most basic starting point for the advancement of humankind.

Daisaku Ikeda

This morning, I happened to observe a small part of the Congressional inquiry and testimony of former FBI director Comey. As I listened to Senator McCain question Mr. Comey, I was struck by several things,

First, it seemed as if the Senator was having difficulty putting his words together. Also, it appeared as if the Senator was having a hard time following the responses that Mr. Comey gave.

Next, I noticed the amount of tension that was in the room. Members of the FBI sitting in solidarity with the former director, press corps leaning in to get the story, and a large panel of questioners – each getting an opportunity to question Mr. Comey. And, a small table in the center of everyone, where Mr. Comey sat for three hours, answering questions. While protocol was being followed, the feeling was one of intensity, highlighted by an us vs. them energy.

Finally, I read some of the the comments, tweets and posts that followed the testimony, and I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if someone had taken a moment to ask Senator McCain if he was alright. Or if Mr. Comey had been situated with the panel of questioners at the same eye level as him, rather than at a table where he was being looked down upon, literally, by the people tasked with asking him the questions.

What feels important about what I saw today is that there is a opportunity in every situation to invite interaction that is Peaceful, kind and helpful toward our fellow human beings – even in the midst of difficult, sometimes confrontational situations.

I, for one, feel that it is important to be open to what our fellow human being’s experience is. I want to enter into conversations with others in a way that invites participation rather than employing separation and an uneven distribution of power.

I have no doubt that today’s inquiry was difficult for all involved. The importance of such a hearing and the impact the testimony given may have could lead to enormous consequences.

My hope for each of the individuals is that they find it in their hearts to remember the humanness of all those involved, regardless of political affiliation. For in this recognition of the oneness of our humanity, we have the opportunity to foster Peace.

Today, for the third time, I spent my appointment with my coach discussing the feelings I have around the Walk for Peace and asking people to make contributions in support of the work I am doing.

In the beginning of the call, I expressed the thought that it seems “strange” to ask people to donate to something that I am choosing to do, and, that I have resisted putting people “on the spot” from the beginning. That is not to say I haven’t asked, but it hasn’t been easy. A little further in to the call, my coach asked “What are you doing when you don’t ask?” As I paused to think about the question, I realized that by not asking, I am actually devaluing the vision I have for Peace in the world. I had a moment where I was clear that asking for donations is actually about inviting each person to contribute to work toward Peace in the world.

I have chosen to make a commitment to Peace by devoting my time and energy to conversations, interactions and community building events. In twelve days, I will again begin Walking for Peace in the Portland, Oregon area. After several days there, I will head up to Washing to continue Walking, and go further north from there.

Tonight, I am asking for two things from those of you who are reading my blog:

First, please repost, share and retweet my blog posts. Each time you take an action like this, the support of the Walk for Peace as well as a global energy toward Peace grows exponentially.

And second, take a moment to donate to the Walk for Peace. Click on the link to donate, and enter an amount that is comfortable for you. Or, if you’d like, purchase a T-shirt or/and 1conversation for Peace card deck. Every donation is gratefully received.

Thank you,

Alexis

 

Yesterday, I had the great privilege of meeting Cheryl, Ward, Mary and Carol at a coffee shop where I had gone to do a little work. They were sitting close to me, and I overheard the conversation they were having.  As they spoke, I was touched by the respect and love that they shared with one another. And, they spoke about how important it is to support one another because we are all connected.

I walked up to the table and confessed that I had been listening in on their conversation and that the energy they were sharing felt very Peaceful to me, even from a distance. As we talked a bit more, Mary and Carol both indicated that they felt comfortable with me right away as we stood on line earlier to order our meals.

I shared the Walk for Peace with them, and they were very supportive of  me, the Walk and the work of being a voice for Peace in the world. After they drew cards from the 1conversation for Peace deck, we visited a bit more, snapped this photo and gave each other hugs. As I went back to my table, I felt grateful for the experience of meeting friends who are sharing Peaceful community with each other every other week.

And now, about 30 hours after that experience, I find myself reaching out and waiting to hear from my dear friends in England, two of whom are in London. Once again, the delicate sense of Peace is interrupted with violence and mayhem. I’m feeling a heaviness as the news comes in, anxiously wishing for a way to help.

Today, the way I help is to do what I can every day for Peace. It is to reach out to others in kindness and to withhold judgement. I can hold the people affected by the events in London, and the bombing in Kabul on the 31st of May in my heart with love and healing energy. And, I can be a voice for Peace to anyone anywhere, who will listen.

I do not know what it is to live in a war torn country. I do not know the feelings of losing a loved one in war. And, I cannot know the anguish of the people directly affected by the violence that has become all to commonplace in our world.

What I do know is that we are all connected. Perhaps only from a distance, but our energy overlaps; it spreads. So tonight, as I prepare myself for sleep, I will ask for healing for the friends and families of all who have been injured or killed recently, including the people responsible. And, I will ask for the heaviness in my heart to be lifted, so that I may continue the Walk for Peace.

 

 

For as long as I can remember, I have been an energy person. I’m deeply connected to my senses, my surroundings and the people I am in community with. Generally, if I’m in conversation with you, I am feeling the energy surrounding and between us as much as I am thinking about what we’re speaking about. Often, I can sense an energy without even knowing a person.

This is a gentleman I met at the Apple Store as we each awaited our turn with a member of the “Genius Bar” to help us with our devices. Although I was sitting with my back toward him, Rick’s energy was Peaceful and strong. What was nice about this was that I actually felt myself settle into a more relaxed state as I noticed it. After I completed with the customer service person, I turned and introduced myself to Rick. From there, as we waited for our devices to restore from the iCloud (just because I wrote it, doesn’t mean I understand a bit about how it works), Rick and I had a very interesting conversation about technology, politics and, ultimately, faith. Rick chose to share about a faith tradition that he has found a home in. I listened with rapt attention, soaking in the feeling of how grounding Rick’s faith is for him, and honored that he felt comfortable to share the information with me.

Just as I had felt Rick’s energy behind me earlier, he said he felt my energy and was comfortable with me.

My experience with Rick is not unusual, in that I have often had people tell me they feel safe or comfortable opening up to me. As I Walk for Peace, I look forward to being in conversations with people, sharing the energy of open hearted inclusivity, and continuing to build Peace in the world, one step at a time.

Thanks for the conversation, Rick.

This is my friend Kellie. On a day that could not have been more beautiful, we took a long Walk with Chandler, taking time to get this picture along the way. We’ve been friends for several years now, and I always enjoy spending time with her. Chandler is especially fond of Kellie (and her son, Daniel), and has stayed with them on several occasions when I’ve been out of town.

This Walk was full of interesting things for Chandler to explore, and she seemed particularly happy to be out in the fresh air. I had to take a picture of this little sign along the path – simple, worthy of a giggle and to the point, all in one quick glance.

I’m grateful to say that as I increase both the frequency and the distance of my Walks, my knee feels as if it is stable and able to support me.

I am looking for hosts in Oregon and Washington, so if you know folks in either state who might be willing to put me (and Chandler) up or allow us to set up camp in their yard, please contact me directly.

In the next few days, I’ll be completing the planned route, and before you know it, Chandler and I will be off!

Peace.