real peace

"Each one has to find his peace from within.  And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances."

~Mahatma Gandhi

::elizabeth::

This morning while I was attempting to do my morning body prayers and sun salutations the dog started barking and Jude was saying, “mommy, mommy I want….” Knowing that we had this quote picked out for this week, I thought to myself, “can I really be peace right now.” And that is the challenge. I am beautiful at being peace when I am alone on the mountain running, walking, or practicing qigong. I radiate peace after visiting a Friend’s Meeting or practicing zazen at a zendo. But it is easy to be peace when you have the cards stacked in your favor…way in your favor.

The challenge is walking the walk of peace in your daily life when engine lights come on, when there is no butter for toast, or when you have 15 minutes to do what normally takes you 1 hour. The challenge comes when you confronted by family members who do not share your views. The challenge comes when you read headlines that slip through your media filters describing oiling spewing endlessly into the ocean. The challenge comes when you are trying to do your morning prayers with the dog barking and your 4 year old shouting at you. How can we rise to the challenge and be peace then? And really it begins with asking ourselves that very question. Bringing awareness to the situation, taking a moment to breathe, and realizing the choice is ours instead of reacting mindlessly. These are the first tiny but critical steps on the path towards peace.

In each moment the way we find peace is different, but setting out with the intention is the very crucial first step. How we walk from there is what makes our journey uniquely ours.

::lisa::

In multiple situations in my life right now, I feel the pull toward other people’s realities, truths, illusions…whatever you want to call them. Sometimes when I feel caught right in the middle of it all, it can feel so confusing not only of how I feel but who I am. Deep down I know that it is through my truth and my heart that I will be able to find the peace that can carry me through the illusions that others uphold.

Through strengthening my heart and walking the walk of peace myself is the only way I can grow strong enough to share this message with others. As individuals, we can choose to live a peaceful life as best we can. We cannot, however, choose for others to live a peaceful life, because that is a decision that is only for oneself to make in their own readiness.

As I incorporate peace more and more into my daily rhythm, I can see my ability grow and strengthen from within to the point of acceptance of the chaos and disharmony all around me. I have seen the light of others before me and chosen to follow them on this path. Peace is the way…the only way, and my heart knows that very clearly. Sometimes it’s just better to let go and become a follower, because this is one way where being a follower brings you to a place of leading others. Together we can walk this path that is nothing short of beauty and abundance. Step by step we will change the world.

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We have a very exciting announcement to share with you all tomorrow in honor of International Day of Peace on Tuesday, September 21st.  Be sure to stop by...