Soul Vacations

Living Peace

I have been following internet coverage of the Monks as they walk for peace. Today they arrived in Washington D.C. However our walk is just beginning as we learn to not only walk in peace but to live peace. Focusing on our breath and surrendering to the sense of peace and calm is a continuing practice. A daily practice.

Some of you know my husband Bob has health issues. I have found myself in the role of caregiver, for which I was totally unprepared. Doctors scare me. This comes from past experience. So I am being given plenty of opportunities to practice mindfulness right now, not always successfully. I sit in waiting rooms focusing on the breath — breathe in, breathe out. I repeat to myself may I be calm, may I be happy, may I be peaceful. We can also direct this practice toward others, may you be happy, may you be happy, may you be peaceful, or taking it further, may all beings be calm, may all beings be happy, may all beings be peaceful.

These are not magic words that miraculously change the world. This is a practice, a way of being that is available to everyone, regardless of your religious affiliation.

The monks have reached their destination. But the walk for peace has not ended. Instead of reacting to everything going on around us, it is up to us to continue to walk mindfully through this world, sowing seeds of kindness and peace. If you need help getting started do a search for loving kindness meditation.

May you be well. May you be happy. May you be peaceful.

Thought for Today

“What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe.”

– bell hooks

Gloria Jean Watkins (September 25, 1952 – December 15, 2021), better known by her pen name bell hooks (stylized in lowercase),^[1] was an American author, theorist, educator, and social critic who was a Distinguished Professor in Residence at Berea College.^[2] She was best known for her writings on race, feminism, and social class.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_hooks

For more information on bell hooks please see the full entry on wikipedia.

Thought for Today

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” Saint Francis de Sales

The thought for today is one of those I need to write down and tape to the bathroom mirror. We live in troubled times. It can be especially difficult when we feel like there is nothing we can do to stop the madness. Sometimes all we can do is not become part of it. “Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

Peace With Ourselves

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”― Dalai Lama XIV

The Peace and Quiet of a Snow Day

It snowed a few days ago. I’m guessing 4-5 inches. That may not seem like much but for NE Oklahoma where we live now or SE Kansas where I grew up it is a lot. Everything pretty much comes to a stop. Churches and Schools close and even some businesses.

In the past. I have bundled up and walked in the snow or made a snow angel. I love snow angels!

But this year is different. The blanket of white covering us is deeper than usual. It’s quiet outside with little activity. And I am reminded that sometimes it’s okay to stay inside to rest, recharge and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Blessings to you. May you find your own little corner of peace and quiet even if the world hasn’t stopped for a snow day where you live.