WILDLY FREE ELDER
The Artistry of Aging
A Peaceful Heart In A Time of War
“We become the peace that the world needs.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Feeling feet kissing the earth walking the small park path, a hawks cry took my attention high up to the top of a barren tree. Like an art piece with smooth bark in varied configurations and a lone hawk sitting atop surveying her territory.
A rain storm yesterday left earth smells wafting through the air. creatures scurrying on the ground and up trees, sound of water running in the creek that traverses the park, and sun warming face. In spite of this park being located right in the middle of a small southern city downtown, the sounds of cars from above faded as nature sounds permeated my being.
All I could feel in those moments in time was peace. And an intense gratefulness for mindfulness during a time of war – not just in the Ukraine – but in many other areas of the world. There has always been human war and destruction of some kind…. senseless as it is.
How do we have a peaceful heart and transfer that to others in our every day vastly interconnected life where grief, tears and sorrow are shared….. even though we may be on the other side of the planet from each other ?
We could be the person or family running for their life to get to safety of some sort with bombs bursting around us, or living where severe weather patterns from climate change threaten our security of home sanctuary, or economic/political/racial tensions impacting our livelihood, communities and families.
Where can we turn for some peace of mind….when everything seems to be disintegrating around us?
How do we not become paralyzed by what is happening around us….and at times to us?
I am aware that each of us will find our own way of being with all of this. It feels vitally important to not judge others for the way they find some peace of mind in this unsettling time on the earth. Where information grabs for our attention in every moment that we allow it.
We all seek the medicine of a free heart and peace of mind. How best can we embrace that together?
One Way….
“We become the peace that the world needs.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Another way….
“One thing I’ve learned from spending much of my own childhood in times of war and political upheaval is the importance of cultivating joy during crises.” Ari Honarvar
From the article: https://gratefulness.org/blog/when-savoring-a-pleasant-moment-is-a-radical-act/
Yet another way….
A Mighty Purpose
“In this video, Bronwen Lankers-Byrne inspires us to stand up for that which we hold sacred. She reminds us that our singular voice matters, urging that, “Each time one person speaks out against injustice, they create a tiny ripple of change. And when many different ripples join together, they form a current which our leaders cannot ignore.” Green Renaissance
And another….
“What does silence mean to you? Is it something you fear and fill up with distractions? Or is it something you actively seek as an antidote to a stressful life? Visiting silence can be an adventure, a life changing journey into peace and quiet. In silence we can hear our own thoughts. Silence speaks for the part of life that is beyond words. There is space, inner freedom and creativity. We find a place within us that is centered, a place of trust. As the noisy demands of daily life make us shrink inside, in silence we expand. Don’t underestimate the power of silence.” Filmed in Springbok, South Africa. Featuring Nicky Morris.
And Everyone Can…..
Light A Candle: https://gratefulness.org/light-a-candle/
FOR PEACE
As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.
We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.
For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.
That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.
That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.
That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.
That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares
And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.
JOHN O’DONOHUE
From the book, Benedictus. https://johnodonohue.com/
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Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 3/10/22. Please feel free to share this post and link to WildlyFreeElder
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