Dear Friend in Peace,

Yesterday my friend Ali and I were talking about the trip we took to Bhutan 14 years ago. That was when we learned about BFT. The first evening our guide requested us to be ready the next morning and meet him at the van at 8 am.  We were all at the van as directed, all except our guide who showed up at around 8:12 am. He smiled broadly and said, "Welcome to Bhutan Flexible Time." He continued to explain: "Any reference to a specific time is a suggestion since we all know things can happen, a rock slide can cover the road, someone can oversleep, we must be flexible."  His manner and this practice of BFT felt gentle and expansive since it allowed each of us to be on time, if possible, but with everyone acknowledging that things can happen and accepting the need for waiting in peace. 

At a time when institutions we counted on to protect and preserve Mother Earth, our nation, and the people of this nation are deeply disrupted, peace might seem naive or a distant dream. However, peace is available to each of us in any and every moment we offer it a home in our hearts. Flexibility such as BFT creates an inner expansiveness in which we acknowledge and honor the truth that peace and love are for everyone, not just a favored few. 

How do we create this inner flexibility and expansiveness? We allow our hearts to guide us. Our minds could never do this, for they will offer reasons to hate and fear, but our hearts speak the language of BFT and expansiveness.  Our hearts hold the space, flexibility and expansiveness for PEACE to thrive.  

Opportunities to practice inner flexibility and expansiveness will present themselves daily. Ours is to practice listening to our hearts rather than the stories our minds wish to create. We practice by telling our minds, it is time for them to rest now, putting our hands on our hearts and listening. We listen, allowing our hearts to speak or be silent. Whatever we need to know flows from our hearts. Any and every time I remember to do this, all flows gently, lovingly, and peacefully. It will for you as well.

Why are the Venerable Monks who are Walking for Peace being followed by millions of people and greeted by massive crowds? The outpouring of love for the Monks is because people know we are here on Earth to be loving and kind and live in peace with one another. The crowds throng to see the Monks because they want to experience their loving kindness, their peace and their world of flexibility and expansiveness in which no one is excluded. Everyone who sees or hears about the monks is becoming more peaceful when they choose to listen to their hearts, listen to their families, and their neighbors. We can too. Peace is a choice in every moment.  May we allow flexibility and expansiveness to guide us in choosing peace now.   

Thank you for choosing peace in your thoughts, words, and actions.
Yours in peace and love always,
Donna

P.S.  Please pass on the peace by sharing this post with friends and family. They can join this mailing list, by writing to me at donnadday@gmail.com