My “Portal of Peace” at the westernmost entrance to the McKenzie River Trail, in the western Oregon Cascades (2023)

Approx. read time: 2:15 min.

Rain may come today. Or maybe not. In this still dark hour before dawn I listen for any sounds of a storm stirring.

I rehearse in my mind the list of things on my agenda. You know, things to do, places to go, people to meet; times I need to leave, the best order to create flow and get everything done.

But really, I discover, I have only one thing to do today. Only one. It’s not so much a “thing to do” but a way to be present, really present, to be real presence, to the people I meet and the world I touch.

It’s the way of Peace. Peace when I board the bus and greet the driver, as I sit among fellow passengers, exchanging comments with this one or that one. 

Peace as I enter the dentist’s office. Peace to the dental hygienist who, for an hour, will crawl around my mouth and clean my teeth. 

Peace as I walk a few blocks to the local bookseller. Peace as I enter in, greet the clerk, and pick up the books I’ve ordered. 

Peace as I dash through the rain to meet a friend for lunch. Peace as I place my sandwich order. Peace as my friend and I slip into good conversation. 

Peace as I board the return bus, as I deboard and walk two long blocks to the pharmacy, pick up my order, and wave my thanks to the pharmacist. 

Peace as I head back to the bus platform for my ride home. Peace as I check email, catch up on news, and return to the projects waiting on my desk. Peace as I cook a pot of rice for supper.

Peace: It’s the only thing, really, that is mine to do today: to do Peace, to be Peace. Everything else falls into place, into the flow, and gets accomplished.

Peace, I discover, is not so much situational as existential. It’s not about stepping up to be the hero, but noticing, and being present.

Peace does not depend on everything going my way, at the right time, but on my being a way to Peace for others at all times, especially in rough-edged situations. Doing Peace and being Peace keeps me rooted at my core, and centers me in my community in useful ways. 

Peace costs nothing but the risk of being vulnerable in the cause of costly Love. What a terrific mission we are given!

Doing and being Peace becomes our personal and collective expression of creative, joyful noncooperation with the anxiety, rush, and micro-brutalities of a world that has lost its center. 

Peace is our way to bless the world we touch, in the flow of the Spirit within. 

The greatest gift we have to share today is the gift of Peace.

How do you do Peace and be Peace? Send me your stories. I welcome your comments.