Lesson #21: Pathway of Peace - Walk Softly
Introduction
The Pathway of Peace - Walk Softly is the twenty-first pathway. All of Life is based on Peace. When we are at Peace, we are in the Presence of God, and it is in the Presence of God that we grow spiritually and evolve. Peace includes unity, connection, wholeness and completion. Peace begins in the heart of the individual and then expands to others and the world. We are our most “human” when we are living in Peace. Peace comes to those who walk softly in the world.
Walking softly along the Pathway of Peace we move away from hardness and sharpness to tenderness and compassion. Everything about our lives is smooth and we easily meet and resolve any bumps along the way, we are supple and resilient. Kindness is our foundation, kindness to the land, to ourselves, to others, and kindness permeates our thoughts and feelings. We live and walk softly in the world. Softness comes from a place of strength and power. It is a choice to move like the waves, the air, the clouds. Softness is the true nature of Peace.
Prayer for Peace
Divine Spirit of Everlasting Peace, I acknowledge that Your Peace is within me and within all living things. This Peace is gentle and kind and I ask that your Presence within me brings gentleness and kindness into the world as I live each moment in Peace. I am so grateful for my inner Peace. And so, it is. Pau.
Affirmation for Peace
Today I choose to walk softly in Peace, knowing that in that softness is strength and enduring Love for all. I am the Peace I wish to see in the world.
Meditation
Be in your sacred silent place. Breathe in Light and breathe out Peace. Soften your facial features and soften your body. Soften your Heart and let the gentleness of Peace fill you to overflowing. Let the Peace flow outward for as far as you can visualize it going. Be the Peace. Be mindful when you return to the present moment, that your Peace is God’s Peace and will flow forever.
Spiritual Practices
Week 1 - Breath of Light. Be mindful this week of those times when you are not feeling peaceful. Stop and take a Breath of Light, breathe in Light and breathe out Peace until you are in Peace again. When you are once again in Peace, send that Peace out to the situation or the person involved. Know that the Peace of God is here now and everywhere.
Week 2 - Walk in Nature. Take a walk in Nature. As you walk along, pick up a stone that calls to you. It has a message for you about Peace. Think about the Peace the rocks and stone practice – just sitting in the same place for long periods of time. Time moves very slowly for stones. There is time to rest, relax, and just be. The stone may have a different message for you. Be still and listen. If the stone wants you to move it, take it to its new location. If you don’t receive a message to move, gently place the stone back where you found it. The stone needs to bring more peace to this place before moving on. Say a gratitude to the stone for giving you a message about Peace.
Week 3 - Unity and Peace. Visit your local Peace Pole and say a prayer for Unity for all people. It you don’t have a Peace Pole nearby you could install one in your own yard. Check out peace poles online or make one yourself. Every day this week, take time to pray for Unity and Peace. The International Day of Peace is September 21st. Join with other peace workers to celebrate this day. Pass on the peace to everyone you meet today.
Week 4 - Peace Walk. Take a Peace Walk. On your daily walk, send out Peace to every house you pass and every business. Make an effort to bless each person and animal you pass with Peace. When you return home, bless your own house with Peace and everyone who lives there. Only allow Peace in your home for this week and notice the difference.
Bonus Spiritual Practice - Peace is in Your Hands. Commit to bringing Peace into each moment. Take time every morning to connect with yourself. Bring Spirit, Mind and Heart together in Peace. Affirm that you will be peaceful today and will practice bringing peace to others and to all situations. In the evening review the opportunities you had to bring Peace into the world. Peace is in your hands.
Peace quotes to contemplate:
“Peace is our gift to each other.” — Elie Wiesel
“Peace is not something you wish for; it is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.” – Hafsat Abiola (Nigeria, b. 1974)
“Peace is not the absence of anything. Real peace is the presence of something beautiful. Both peace and the thirst for it have been in the heart of every human being in every century and every civilization.” – Prem Rawat (India and USA, b. 1957)
“You may find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.” – Eckhart Tolle (Germany and Canada, b. 1948)
“Peace does not mean an absence of conflicts; differences will always be there. Peace means solving these differences through peaceful means; through dialogue, education, knowledge; and through humane ways.” — The 14th Dalai Lama (Tibet, b. 1935)