Maybe Peace Really Does Begin with Me

I talk a lot about blocks and issues that stop us from raising our energetic vibration and manifesting the life of purpose we long for, but it's time to go deeper - and get more personal.

Over the past couple of years, I've noticed myself becoming agitated, frustrated and downright angry at what I sometimes call "idiot" drivers. You may have seen them - speeding excessively, flying solo in the HOV lane, weaving in and out of traffic without signaling. Just a few of my pet peeves… And yes, I’m embarrassed and humbled by this confession.

I've never been the type to lean on my horn, raise a fist or flash aggressive gestures. But these last two years? I haven't liked the person I've become. Not only have I started doing some of those things (thankfully, no aggressive gestures!), but I've also found myself yelling at people from inside my car - people who obviously can't hear me. Really, Kath?

You might say, "Well, that's just a sign of the times. We're all on edge." And maybe that’s true. But here's the thing: I teach and coach about the power of our energetic frequency, the Law of Attraction and how what we put out into the world comes right back to us. Get angry at people cutting you off? The Universe will easily serve up a few more so you can really marinate in that frustration. I'm not beating myself up here, but I know better. Which means I need to do better.

And that brings me to the heart of this post.

You may have heard about the group of Venerable Monks - along with their Peace dog, Aloka - who are doing a 2,300 mile, 120-day Walk for Peace, from Texas all the way to Washington, DC. The walk is a meditative tradition, and their aim is to promote mindfulness, compassion, loving-kindness and peace.  They share updates daily on their website and Facebook, and I've been following along.

I'm spiritual, but not religious, and I’ve not practiced Buddhism. Yet as I've watched their journey unfold through towns and cities - reading the story of the monk who lost his leg when a truck hit their escort vehicle, hearing about Aloka's leg surgery along the way, seeing their mindfulness while walking in heavy snow and frigid temps, their blessings and graciousness to the multitudes following them - I've been deeply touched at a level I never expected. Almost daily, I find myself in tears, sometimes sobbing. Moved by their deep faith, their commitment to peace, their love for all beings and their message that true change comes from within.

As I've sat with why this has affected me so profoundly, I've realized it's bringing up my own grief about what I see in the world. Whether it's the wars, political divisions, poverty, health crises, earth changes, greed or the multitude of other struggles humanity is facing right now, I'm reminded - yet again - that peace must begin with me. I can't expect the world to be at peace when I'm not committed to being peaceful myself.

So, this 2,300-mile procession has become a stark reminder, hitting me right between the eyes. Yes, I'm grieving for this world and all of our collective issues. But I'm also grieving the part of myself that forgot my own humanity. The part that sometimes forgets to live from my heart, to extend the same empathy, courtesy and compassion to others that I would hope they'd extend to me.

It's time I remember to be that loving, peaceful human I want to see driving in the lane next to me.

I wish you a most beautiful day. And as the Buddhists say: “May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace.”

Kathy