natural objects of peace and connection 2014
life has a way of asserting itself when you aren't paying attention.
key words - not paying attention.
we've had happy busy and stressful busy this past year,
you know, we've been living at a heightened level.
i usually have grand plans of how i want to honor this day.
i would think about it and say to myself 'once x,y,z is done, i can get to work'-
but how it turned out
has more to do with what i have learned (or relearned) this summer.
life is in the moments,
the gestures - small and large
the words of kindness
the thoughts that create our reality.
let go - brass leaf 2014
it's about releasing what doesn't serve us
or others,
what holds us back from reaching our potential.
with gentleness
we can act, speak and think -
that is how we relate to the outside world.
but if we are plagued by fear,
do we know inner peace?
when i stand before my jizo
or the ocean
or gaze at the night sky
i feel a profound sense of calm.
when i take 3 deep breaths at different times during the day
to bring myself back to center
the serenity returns.
my goal is to increase the practices
so that my moments come closer together
and my life is lived more intentionally.
our world desperately needs those who are willing to commit
to principles of non-harming and harmony.
so this year,
my attention will be given to small objects - like rocks, sticks and shells -
that can be left on curbs,
boardwalks,
benches,
steps.
the hope being,
that moment of stillness
will be noted and cherished
and, in the end, shared in some way.
create your own butterfly effect.
you all have my deepest apologies for not being more present here this year.
just because international peace is formally recognized today
does not mean that work in the name of peace is not important
every second
of every minute
of every day.
so please come to share whatever you can.
there are dark forces at work in the world -
and your light is desperately needed.
mary jane
