SACRED PLACES

Sometimes life doesn’t turn out how we thought it would.

Sometimes curve balls get thrown at us and we jump so far to get out of the way we lose our place in the world.

Sometimes we deliberately step off the path we’re traveling on for the sake of others, not realizing how far off the path we’ll be going.

Sometimes these unexpected detours start to empty us inside.

We become numb.

We hide in a dark empty place to avoid sadness and pain.

We hide here to survive.

This dark place, this empty place, is really a sacred place.

In its emptiness, in its void, we can choose to plant sacred seeds

And our tears will water them.

These sacred seeds have names like acceptance,

Determination, gratitude and compassion.

If we allow them to grow,

If we allow them to fill the boundaries of who we are

And beyond,

We allow sacredness to be our breath.

We allow transformation to occur

In our souls.

This is the miracle.

Sometimes life doesn’t turn out how we thought it would.

Sometimes I wonder if this was the plan all along.

*May we keep the victims and families of the tragedy in Aurora, Colorado in our thoughts and prayers.

MY ‘PLACE OF PEACE’

I have a special place in my heart that I call my ‘Place of Peace’. It’s been with me for years. I must have pictured it a million times. It’s where I go when my world is full of commotion and my brain is on overdrive. I find peace and solace here, hence its name, ‘Place of Peace’.

I’d like to take you there now. Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing under tall shady trees. Sunshine peeks through the branches casting lazy shadows at your feet. Walking paths meander here and there around corners of hills and dales and the soothing sound of falling water comes from a gurgling brook nearby. Wildflowers peek out from behind rocks and bushes and the sights and sounds of little living creatures are everywhere. There’s a house here, very Zen-like, with white curving arches, old wooden beams, tucked away nooks, and lots of room for invited guests. Connected to this house by a crooked stone path is a structure composed of one long rectangular room. I like to think of it as a special place for the soul where one can meditate, contemplate, gather to celebrate, create, rest, relax, anything you want. One of its walls is made entirely of glass allowing the beauty of nature to remain with you even while inside. Its opposite wall slides open to a veranda, perfect for cloud watching, daydreaming, or moon gazing.

It’s been my hope to have such a ‘Place of Peace’ in real life. One of the main reasons is that I want people to be able to go to a place where they can calm their minds, experience serenity, connect with themselves again, and take peace home with them when they leave.

I’ve held this dream in my heart for a long time but I came to a realization a little while ago. I realized that I don’t need to manifest it in the real word - I can be my own ‘Place of Peace’. I’ve already created it inside of me. I’ve been carrying it with me wherever I go, experiencing its magic all along.

As for the main reason for my ‘Place of Peace’, I can do that, too. I can try to be a ‘Place of Peace’ for others. I can give them peace and leave them with peace in the way I interact with them. There’s a quote by Mother Teresa that says, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”  Kindness is a part of many things – listening, giving, receiving, having patience, showing compassion, to name a few. Kindness leads to peace and vice versa. In being these things with other people, I can make myself a ‘Place of Peace’ for them, or at least try to be. Of course, some people are easier to try with than others. It’s a learning process and a work in progress.

So my friends, what does peace mean to you? What does it look like? What does it feel like? Is it something you share? Are you acquainted with it? Remember, you’re always welcome to join me in my ‘Place of Peace’.

(As an aside, Japan has a special festival in honor of moon gazing called Otsukimi occurring every September.  I love the moon. Have you ever stopped to look out upon a moonlit night? Cloaked in ethereal blue moonbeams, the earth takes on a quiet stillness and mysteriousness not seen by the light of day. There’s a hushed tone to the air. It’s all very serene and soothing to the soul.)

SPREADING JOY

Random acts of kindness - they’re so great and wonderful. I love doing them. There’s a soul satisfying element to them. It’s like giving the gift of joy to others and ultimately, the gift of joy to oneself. For me, the best part of a random act of kindness is its unexpected nature. Recipients aren’t expecting the kindnesses bestowed upon them and this makes it all the more sweeter.

When I was 13 years old, I called the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon to donate some of my own money to their cause. I remember feeling so good and proud about donating. I felt like I was doing something really worthy. It was a way of helping people and making the world a little better. It continued to paying tolls for people behind me at toll bridges and handing out dollars to the homeless guy at the gas station. It was so satisfying to watch that man take my dollars and walk into McDonald’s to buy himself a hamburger and coffee. This inspired my skeptical dad to want to give, too. When my kids were younger, I’d make baskets filled with goodies and they’d help me leave them on doorsteps, ring the doorbell, and run away. We’d watch from behind a bush as the recipients of our baskets opened their doors to find the surprise waiting for them. Sometimes, when a salesperson has been especially helpful, I’ll ask for their supervisor. Their look of worry and dread turns into bashful smiles when I tell their supervisor what a great employee they have. So many people are quick to complain yet so few of us are willing to stop to praise and acknowledge those who deserve it. Try it sometime. You’ll feel great and so will they.

It feels good to give – words, deeds, unexpected gifts, even something as simple as a smile. Random acts of kindness spread joy and our world can use all the joy we can provide. In receiving random acts of kindness, people’s hearts are given a lift which adds a little spring to their step. It might even inspire them to pass on random acts of kindness, then more hearts will be lifted, more steps will be springy. Can you see the possibilities? Think about spreading joy in your little corner of the world. You’ll be uplifting others and feel uplifted yourself. I guarantee it.