I am inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. He is one of the few public figures that I never tire learning about. I continually revisit his messages of peace, non-violence, and standing strong in the face of fear, oppression and opposition. Watching footage of him speaking, I feel connected to him in a way that is beyond words.
49 years after his tragic death, his message of peace is just as relevant today. I am very aware of the diversity of thought, beliefs, and perspectives growing more passionate each day. I observe people expressing their views, explaining why they are definitely right and the opposing view is so wrong. What I understand is that we truly want the same things; to be free to live peaceful and happy lives. The differences is in how to create that and what it looks like.
The consistent root of this social unrest is seeing the opposition as an obstacle of our pursuit of happiness. We are sure that if they get their way, we will lose and suffer greatly. Each side genuinely feels this way. Fear stokes the flames of passion, and unrest becomes chaos.
Throughout my lifetime, I have witnessed and experienced various forms of violence and chaos. I have been broken down from the accumulation of these experiences and how I believed they defined me. That breakdown was the catalyst to stop being the victim of my experiences and deliberately create the life that I want for myself.
During this shift, yoga became a larger presence in my life. The consistent practice teaches me to notice more subtle nuances both physically and emotionally. Sensations in my body signal if I need to shift my position. Sometimes the smallest shift makes the biggest difference. A smile is a joyful sensation rising up through the center of my belly. A scowl is a weight pulling through my shoulders and down my back. This natural internal system guides me towards my highest good.
Sometimes I don't listen to my internal alert system, usually to avoid upsetting someone. Sometimes I have mixed feeling for the opportunities that are unfolding. That is why awareness needs to be coupled with intention. Intention can blaze through the fog of uncertainty, complacency and even fear.
As I set my intention for peace, I notice all the diversity that is present inside me. There is resistance, acceptance, attachment, release, darkness and light. I observe every thought and every feeling with the word "peace." The very word invokes many responses. I pay attention to every subtlety. I breathe in and breathe out peace. I engage and relax in peace. Peace is within me and around me. My intention becomes my meditation. My meditation becomes my prayer.
This practice of intention is repeated over and over again. It is repeated until the specific energy of the intention is surging through my heart and mind. The intention is reflected in my words and actions. The intention has transformed the point of my perception inward, so that it no longer depends on outer influences. My focus is on the quiet truth within me, while the external noise dims in the background.
Today, and through the days that follow, I wish you peace.
