Finding Peaceful moments

Thanks to Becky Benes, Unity of San Angelo and the Peace Ambassadors, I've been living and breathing peace since Sept. 7.

I've attended as many of the talks as I could and each one of them has been enlightening. Each has given me a different window to look through, new ideas to ponder and a deeper sense of my own spirituality. Each has helped me connect to another human being and make a friend.

The Buddhist presentation was one of my favorites. What a sensory experience! Candles casting a golden glow on the Buddha figurine sitting between blushing lotus blossoms; the warm, sweet scent of incense wafting through the air and Thai music that reminded me of running, tumbling water. All this framed against the backdrop of a West Texas sunset.

More importantly, I've been experience more and more moments of peace on a personal level.

My kids have been having a blast making peace pinwheels and Peace Ambassador posters. They've attended many of the talks too. It gives me great joy that we can share this experience and work for peace as a family.

On Sept. 11, I went to pickup the wreath for the 9-11 ceremony, only to find that the florist has mislaid the order and there was no wreath. This was at 8:50 a.m and I had instructions to be at the site by 9:15 a.m. Yikes! My first impulse was to be annoyed. Fortunately, two thoughts blitzed through my mind: a) being annoyed wouldn't be peaceful and b) wouldn't really make the florists hurry more than they already were. So I took a walk in their green house while the wreath was being put together.

Later, as I drove to my destination, I told God that He was in charge of the traffic lights and finding me a parking space. You know what? He took care of it. :)

Another day I noticed a neighbor of mine. This gentleman is always hard at work in his garden --planting, trimming, watering etc. On this cool September morning, he was drinking a cup of coffee and just silently enjoying his garden. Still and contemplative. At Peace.

Then just recently, I was driving to work when a random truck driver flashed me a peace sign.

And today, I heard a quite, soft spoken woman share some powerful and beautiful Taoist messages, the gist of which is Peace comes from within oneself.

Brief moments of peace in my hectic life. And I enjoyed each and every one of them.