Manifest (verb)… to show something clearly, through signs or actions; to make something happen by imagining it and consciously thinking that it will happen. (Cambridge dictionary)
Manifest peace…
How can I bring forth peace, walk with peace, in peace, for peace… today… here?
Earlier this year, I was inspired by a poem written by Christine Valters Paintner titled “I want to be the kind of woman” who was deeply moved by a poem of the same name written by Jenni Fagan. After listening to Christine recite her own version, I too, felt a need to do the same.
I want to be the kind of woman…
(after Jenni Fagan; after Christine Valters Paintner)
who plants a garden
to nourish self, others, and the Earth
who listens for the whispers of “yes,” peace, and self-compassion
whether they come in the turbulent gales of autumn
or the stillness of a hot, sticky summer night
a woman who lays down on the Earth
in all seasons and places, to be one with
the energy of the ground beneath her
gazing at the vast cosmos in splendor
who moves about with ease
and cares not what others say to her
for their motivations are their own…
and no longer for her to carry
to know the plants by name
and how we might be allies.
to soar with the owls at dusk and dawn
and dance with the coyotes late
into the woodland night…
the kind of woman who can surrender
to the mystery,
accept the not knowing,
release past hurts
and love to the moon and back again…
to lead with her heart
radiate kindness to all beings
be open to possibilities
and authentically embrace
“hello to here.”
Some days this woman is me… some times I need a reminder… and then there are those days when I need to recite this over and over to put me on the path again…
What is within our reach to manifest right relationships with self, others, and the Earth ?
Peace nugget #13
Yesterday you began writing statements or mantras pertaining to peace; phrases that can be used to “manifest” peace. Today, take some time to listen and/or read the poem by Christine Valters Paintner and then write down some thoughts. As Christine always says, “what shimmers for you?”
Ask yourself “What kind of peace person do I want to be?”
And if I might make a wee suggestion, jot down some of your thoughts… perhaps just a few words, phrases, or a poem. Maybe the title of the collection of your words might be “I want to be the kind of peace woman (or man or any other word that suits you).” We will be applying these statements in an activity at the end of our 21 day journey.
Other
Each morning at 5 am, I sit at my kitchen counter to write this peace letter to all of you. And some days, it feels more awkward than others… it may seem trivial to suggest that we create mantras, write poems, light candles as ways to bring peace to our lives… when there are wars raging around the world. So, when I write these words to you each morning, it is not done with disregard for all that is happening in the world. These words are here because I am wholeheartedly committed mending what I can, where I can and that means sharing thoughts, actions, and ways of being that build a world where peace dwells and violence has no place. Surely, there must be a different way for all of us to live in the here and now… words, intentions, communication, relationships… all of these matter in our daily lives. Individuals make up families who live in communities which comprise “society,” and the collective is all of humanity. So, individuals actions are vital for “peace as the way.”
These peace letters are a call to action, to mend what needs fixing, and to manifest peace in ways that are within your reach.
Peace is a state of being… and as several of you have said, “peace is a verb”… it is also the doing.
with each beat of the heart, stitch with a thread, and step in the world… peace,
Christina