Walking in Peace

I rewrote this Chaplain’s Corner four times. I could not get the message right or the theme seemed off. Then, I decided to get out of my head and to look into my heart and to speak as a spiritual leader influenced by Buddhism instead of a trained creative writer. I’ve landed on the message of peace.

I am walking in peace. I’m working to maintain compassion for angry people showing their guns and their penchant for violence and division. I’m working hard to maintain compassion for those who decide not to wear a mask, thus endangering the wellness of others. And while some may believe that I am taking the easy way out, or that I am too passive, I would argue that I am diligently striving towards holding peaceful energy in a time full of chaos and separateness. It is what I have been called to do.

This is not a dharma talk on the illusion of separateness. I think if we all looked down deep, we would see what we intuitively know–there is no “us” versus “them.” You do not need me or anyone else to tell you that at our core, we are all part of one energy (whatever you’d like to call it). It is only through our forgetting (or failure to realize in the first place) our oneness that we cling to the illusion of separateness. Like I said, this is not a dharma talk on that illusion; rather, my focus is on peace, peace within and peace without. We must, no matter the chaos or division, maintain our peace. 

The Zen Master and Buddhist leader Thich Nhat Hanh is one of my greatest teachers. I found his words at a time of serious illness, a time when I was suffering both physically and spiritually. As he nears the end of this incarnation, I wish that I had written to him years ago to express my gratitude. The only way I can do so now is to walk in peace. Thich Nhat Hanh says, “We have to walk in a way that we only print peace and serenity on the Earth. Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your own feet.” So, I try peacemaking as a way to honor a man who has touched my life without even knowing me.

My walk in peace is imperfect. I still get frustrated with those who claim COVID-19 is not real. (As a chaplain I know its terrible effects on both those who suffer from it and their loved ones.) I still get frustrated with those who belittle female politicians simply because they are females. I still get frustrated. But, I am choosing to respond in peace by wishing the ill tempered a path to enlightenment. May they realize the true nature of all beings. May they open both their hearts and minds to unconditional love. 

May I too fully awaken to the beauty of unconditional love for all beings (even those who disoblige me). 

We are all works in progress (if we remember to progress!)

May you, dear reader, decide to walk in peace. May all who witness your walk be inspired to join the peacemakers.