Dear Friend in Peace,

As people of peace, it is up to us to consciously choose peace throughout each day.

Earlier this week, I found myself multitasking most inefficiently and uncomfortably and had the immediate feedback of the abject misery of being disconnected from peace. What a simple, yet profound act of liberation it was for me to see the possibility of peace, to literally choose to be peaceful by connecting to the peace always within us, however deeply hidden, and experiencing that peace instead of the misery of trying to do something that does not work. 

As in all things, the more often we choose peace, the easier it becomes, the more natural and simpler.  What a godsend it is to realize we can give ourselves the blessing of choosing peace in every thought, word, action and situation!  

While we may not have power over outside events, we always have power over our responses. This is the essence of the Peace of Choice and where we can learn from wise souls such as Anne Frank, who used her power to choose and see peace and love despite the outer circumstances in which she lived. Peace does not require a perfect world.  Peace does not require that we have our own way. Peace simply requires our wanting it more than anything else.  

I could see peace instead of this."

- A Course in Miracles

This affirmation has been a profound blessing for me as it has guided me from wanting to believe that I could see peace and choose peace into taking my power to see peace and choose peace instead of fear, time after time after time...This did not happen because I am special or clever. It happened because Peace is so very important to me. I know it is to you too and am so grateful for your commitment to peace for your sake and our world's. Knowing it is possible to see and choose peace in every situation is a profound gift. May we use it often. 

An essential part of peace for me always has been and always will be the beach.  Any time I have been troubled or worried, I turn to our beloved Mother Earth and especially to woods and beaches. This particular beach has a very special place in my heart since it is a natural one without houses or commercial buildings of any sort. For me, going to the beach is literally choosing peace, choosing to go where I know my mind can, and will, be restored to peace through the sounds of the water, the vast open space, the feeling of the sand on my feet as I walk myself back home to peace.