on thich nhat hanh and spreading peace

zen buddhist monk - thich nhat hanh

i wanted to share the news of thich nhat hanh's serious health crisis. like so many of you, i look to him as a guide on the path to peace and have learned so very much. he suffered a serious brain hemorrhage and is currently in the hospital. you can read more about it here. 

we all know that death is a reality, but that our time of death is unknown. it's not some dark trick, it's just the way of things. 

thay has given so much to the world - 

i wanted to give something back. 

for months i have had in my mind the creation of pieces that would work together to form a small sacred space. 

barry smith makes exquisite traveller's shrines

barry smith 2013 

mine are based upon my stitching and weaving, metal working and study of tibetan calligraphy. 

i had the mats and stones/shells firmed up. 

but not the metal. 

not until thay fell ill. 

and then i made an offering bowl. 

my offering to him for all he has done, 

to be used by others to make their own

ripples and ripples and ripples. 

mjd - 2014

mjd - 2014

may we all work towards peace

in our thoughts 

words 

and actions. 

a ripple in new jersey

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

the international day of peace has arrived. 

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

woven flags represent

connection to all

fragile strength

and the importance of remaining open. 

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

gently ringing chimes bring us back to the moment. 

woven peace flags with brass chimes - mjd 2013

and thich nhat hanh reminds us:

'the miracle is not to walk on water. the miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.'

peace is a choice,

live it.

words are abundant,

but are they intentional?

what i am reading 

if there is a profusion 

of anything 

these days

it must be of words -

blogging

tweeting

facebook posting

texting

you name it - 

but are they chosen well?

intended not to harm,

but to help?

to encourage?

to connect?

to bring the world peace?

words can travel across thousands of miles.

may my words create mutual understanding

and love. 

may they be as beautiful as gems,

as lovely as flowers. 

(p. 98)

we are at the four month mark before the international day of peace -

do you have any ideas about how you will leave your mark?

don't forget to visit peaceoneday.org - they have issued an interesting and powerful challenge.