![]() For the past 40 years, September 21 has been designated International Day of Peace by the United Nations, a call for 24 hours of non-violence and cease fire – a "sustained humanitarian pause to local conflicts." As I read that headline this morning, my first reaction was gratitude for living in a part of the world where there is no need for a cease fire, and where the only physical violence I personally see is filtered through the nightly news. But that doesn't mean that I don't worry, often agonize over the inequalities in the world. While all my basic needs – plus more – are met, millions of people starve, are homeless, live in fear of their lives, are marginalized, discriminated against, suffer from addiction/ illness/disability with no medical care or insurance. The list goes on. Then there's Covid; deaths topping 675,000 yesterday. Health care workers overworked, Hospitals overrun, mostly with unvaccinated patients. Masks vs no masks. I worry for my grandchildren who aren't old enough to receive the vaccine, for my 92-year-old mother who is vaccinated but receiving services from some caregivers who choose not to get vaccinated. Peace can be elusive, even on a sunny day in Maine. So I turn to the one thing that brings me peace, without fail, each time worry overtakes hope. I step out my front door. Drew and I find a trail minutes away from our Portland condo, park the car and walk into Nature. With each step, "The Peace of Wild Things" calms my spirit. I send Wendell Berry's poem to you along with the wish that as we individually become more peaceful, we will pass that peace on to others, and on... and on.
The Peace of Wild Things ~Wendell Berry When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. Drew and I send you peace.
2 Comments
Judith Courtney
9/21/2021 06:30:45 pm
Love this. I miss seeing you. We share many memories. Love you
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Todd
9/21/2021 09:10:12 pm
Thank you for your beautiful body thoughts, words and heart.💜
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After writing my books, Labyrinth Journeys ~ 50 States, 51 Stories and The Power of Bread, I knew I wasn't finished writing, or journeying. Please join me as I continue both and see where they lead me (and you!) ~Twylla Alexander |