Day 5...believe

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to spend the day with the most delightful man… Dr. Roy Tamashiro, professor emeritus from Webster University. He is a peace pilgrim and travels 1000’s of miles each year to bear witness to those that have suffered immense pain from horrific acts conducted by humans, such as survivors or descendants of those that died in Hiroshima.

Through our many hours of conversation, I mentioned my struggles with simply defining peace… how can we work towards something that is so challenging to even define. Perhaps that is the scientist in me…

As the discussion danced in and out of possible definitions, descriptions of places peace might exist, Roy said this most profound thing…

“perhaps it isn’t really about the quest for a definition of peace but rather

do you BELIEVE in peace?”

Without more than one moment for a deep breath, I responded “yes, with all my being.”

But that question really took me aback.

Perhaps it’s not so important to “define” the word but rather to just be… to know the “essence” of peace.

So I ask you this… do you believe in peace?

Daily peace tip #5

There’s so much suffering, harm, and negativity in the world. It’s easy to witness this day in and out, in our homes, workplaces, communities, and the world. And it’s so easy to get sucked in…yet there’s also so much peace.

Today, I ask you to bear witness to all the places you feel, see, hear, taste, and touch peace. Jot down all the examples of peace you can find…

believe in peace.

Note: photos taken in Cordova, AK, July 2019

Day 4... softness

Light shines through the darkness. A softness of the landscape exists despite the stormy skies…

“...but the basic message I’m trying to convey is that to the degree that each of us is dedicated to wanting there to be peace in the world, then we have to take responsibility when our own hearts and minds harden and close. We have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s true spiritual warriorship. That’s the true practice of peace.”

— Pema Chondron

A softening of the heart and mind…

Opening what has been closed…

Resiliency…

All the ways that so many have been hurt… each one of us most likely in someway shape or form.

… perhaps it’s not the original instance that caused all of the hardening of the heart and mind but rather what we did after the fact. Holding on to the hurt and pain.

Letting go once again… to allow our hearts to soften.

This little book is filled with wisdom. Pema Chodron is a Buddhist nun and has written many insightful books. While the book is short, it’s a simple read for an evening or spread out over a few mornings. I’ve returned to these mini-chapters over and over.

I have not provided a link for this book. I am intentionally working to increase my purchases from local shops or using the library. I certainly have a ways to go in this area… Wouldn’t it be grand if local bookstores were able to thrive once again? Bringing young children to the local bookstore to become fascinated and intrigued by books…

Daily peace tip #4.

What can/will you do today to allow your heart to soften?

If you do yoga, perhaps a physical way would be to focus on heart-openers.

Maybe a walk to clear the mind and let go of stale thoughts.

A break from being indoors to get some fresh air…

Other ideas to share?

peace, one stitch, one step (if able), one breath at a time…

Christina

Note: photo taken in Reawick, Shetland; October 2019

Day 3... food and peace

“Without food, there is no peace.”

— Anonymous

Bottom line, no food, no peace.

But is there a way to foster our relationship with the items we consume day in, day out to promote peace?

Can we approach each bite, each meal with wonder?

Can we slow down to savor the flavors?

To be in awe of the energy it takes to grow/produce our food…

What a better way to connect with self than to cultivate a positive relationship with the food that nourishes and sustains our bodies.

There’s wonder, mystery, and awe in so many of our foods…

Daily peace tip #3

Today, as you eat each meal, pay attention to the food. Savor the flavors, the texture, the aroma, the moment…

Slow down and enjoy the meal, create space in your day to be present when you nourish your body.

For so many (but most certainly not all and that’s a different post), food is a choice.

Peace and “good” food…

What foods can you choose to eat that will promote peace in your life?

Note: All photos were taken in Shetland, UK. Garden photos are from Transition Turriefield

Day 2... a mantra

LESS

is

more

As the days get shorter and the darkness sneaks in earlier with each day,

beneath all those leaves, so many leaves, the foundation appears.

What was once hidden from our view,

is now exposed yet dormant, vulnerable yet safe.

It is here in the woods that stillness teaches us the way.

Less is more, letting go of the old, resting and recharging, preparing to emerge yet again.

Daily peace tip #2

Be intentional about creating space for peace. Identify a time and/or place you’d welcome stillness into your day. Perhaps you’d like to do this in the early morning while the house is quiet, or the evening when the daylight slowly slips away, or maybe it’s taking some time during the day to pause at your desk or on a park bench.

Be like the trees, less is more. Let go of something from your list of daily expectations.

What will you let go of for the next 21 days to allow you time to make space for peace?

I’d like to encourage you to leave a comment… your words might just be the spark someone else needs to read.