Peace

The Roots of Nonviolence.

There was a question posed during this weekend’s meditation – what is the nonviolent response to violence? That is to say, how do we effect the essence of peace in a world that has become increasingly intolerant? More specifically, how do we change that which is so deeply ingrained?

Our habit begs immediate reaction, though to what end? We want to see the outcome of our labor – now, not later…not, ‘in time’. Though, our response is often steeped in visceral emotions further complicated by the obstinannce of ego. In these clouded thoughts, we often lose our way; we forget how it feels to know a strong and lasting peace.

The moment we visit the headlines we feel oddly unsuited – separate from an all too familiar whole. And, because we don’t understand we become further isolated. Our breath reminds, though is it enough?

Author and Zen Buddhist Greg Snyder writes: “The Buddha was clear: thinking is action, and action has effects…if we want this violence in our nation to end, each of us has to do the work of clarifying the ways we have internalized and normalized the lethal opposition of domination and humiliation in response to life.”

Yes, we may fear – though, fear does not own us. How we treat others – the actions arising from thought – this is what defines us. And everything we wish – equanimity, peace, kindness – must find it’s roots first in the heart’s fertile soil.

In peace, my friends…

Namaste ❣

In Frost Covered Fields.

I passed a frost covered field on the way to the hospital this morning. And though my heart felt constricted, for a brief moment its radiance brought me peace.

In the middle of the field, a lone oak stood tall casting crisp shadows with its gnarled, aged limbs: somehow, even its sharpness shares a welcomed grace.

The light misses nothing – neither crack nor crevice nor ‘tucked away’ pain. Rather, it meanders and shifts until it finds its way – leaving only a hint of its memory in ambered grain.

In peace, my friends…I pray my words find you well.

Namaste ❣️

Remembering Our Love.


I went for a ride in the car last night, a brief outing in the days following my surgery. I’d wanted the benefit of cool, evening air – the scent of sweet grass and wild honeysuckle serving a wondrous elixir.

Sadly though, something else was there. My mind shifted to the images of brutality; a ‘sentence’ served at the hands of injustice. It was intended to be a peaceful demonstration; though, if that were the case then why were they armed?

Torches lit the faces of a malignant racism. Thousands poured into the streets like a ravenous snake though the crowds. “Blood and soil,” they shouted. As if the value of a man were theirs to secure.

American journalist, Dan Rather writes, “It defies reason to even write of such a thing.” Though, here we are – again, with newer lines being drawn.

In grade school I learned of man’s inhumanity to man, and – not wanting to believe, turned the other way. “They were men, just like us,” my uncle’s words rang clear as he recounted the horror of the Nuremberg trials.

I caught myself, for a brief moment as I looked into the face of a passerby, “I wonder if they think like them,” as a chill hit my spine.

That’s how it begins – fear first, then hate. But, that’s not what this world needs. This world needs our love more.

Though, how do we find peace amongst the blood curdling screams? In part, by asking – what do I wish more?

In this space, there are no sides – just one. One breath, one life – one collective human heart.

And, whereas – we can not define the ‘other’, we can encourage healing.

Maybe, I’m a fool – though I will not relinquish my heart to another’s fear. Rather, like many before me – my love shall rise above.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

Within the Buddha’s Smile.

I remember living in a small space on the north shore of Hawaii. The room itself was rather barren – a bed, some books and a kettle pot.

Week after week, I struggled to find the means; I had little money, and barely enough food yet I was the happiest I’d been in years. “Just this,” I remember saying each morning as I paused to take it all in.

Perhaps, it was the absence of distraction – the incessant buzz of technological things encroaching on my ability to ‘be’.

In the morning, the rhythm of the waves assured me…”Just this, and nothing else.” In this space, there were no worries, no labels…no afflictions of past.

“To be here and now, and enjoy the present moment is our most important task,” Thich Nhat Hanh shares. Though, curiously we tend to push it all away in favor of more ‘urgent’ tasks.

But, what could be more urgent than the security of your inner peace?

As we struggle to find balance, we must recognize that we are an agent of our own good.

Until then, for now…just simply be.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

A Single Cross in the Field.

There’s a cross in the field many miles from home. A soldier, they said – from the American Civil War; hanged for the crime of society’s perception.

Side by side, he fought – brothers of one nation; offering their lives for the freedom of all.

The American Civil War divided our nation, as musket fire shattered what remained of ‘family’. For four long years, the machines of war silenced men; how long might it take for this cruelty to be removed?

Though the muskets have been silenced, the war still remains – brother against brother using words as their ‘fire’.

As the saying goes, ‘war is what happens when language fails’,
leaving only the shadows of scattered crosses in fields. How could we forget that we belong to one another?

We are each the composite of countless connected moments; without which humanity can not survive.

Faith, courage, equanimity, justice – these are the attributes which compel us to greatness.

In peace, my friends…

Namaste ❤

The Lesson of the Yellow Rose

I spent the afternoon in my garden yesterday; tilling soil and contemplating the opportunity quite literally at hand.

Against the paled grey slats of the back garden fence, the yellow rose celebrated her climb. And bowing before the light that had served her, she cried – showering the earth with her satin tears.

Behind her, a Maple stretched offering the comfort of its ‘arms’ – the centuries old guardian knowing only too well this burden of loss.

It occurred to me that we often lack the trust; looking back to verify that which the eyes should plainly see – this present moment, unedited, absent the ‘frame’ of societal order.

Instead, we are lured by the incessant chatter and restlessness of mind.

Soon the gardens shall be full again, and these tests of faith nearly forgotten.

Though, these roots shall always remain…

In peace, my friends…

Namaste ❤

Like a Cottage in the Woods.

There’s a cottage along a trail in the woods. I stop there often – simply to admire the placement of stone amidst the mortared wall.

She stands beneath a veil of softened moss, her will outlasting a centuries long song…and, weathering of winds.

Though, she’s proud – she’s grateful more so for the capacity to feel these depths of humbled grace.

Knowing ‘the best’ remains for all to see.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

Copyright 2016 Tara Lemieux

The Motionlessness of Peace.

How often do we sit within the silence, my loves – wanting not for expectancy, rather yielding instead to stillness?

Do we understand the value of its essence? Are we bold enough to hold it within our hands?

Be still and lean in; what does this moment wish to say? Is she sharing with you the fiery brushstrokes of ‘cardinal’ perched high upon the whitened Birch branch?

Walk with me along this path, my loves. Where crystalline waters meet moss covered stone, and the red fox waits for movement.

Walk until your muscles ache, and the path is no longer familiar. And, when labored breath pauses to remind you of presence – take a moment to cherish its blessing.

This cacophony of life waits for no one, my loves. Let it pass, let it go…let it be.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

That One Sacred Risk.

How do we tend to our moments, my loves?

With the intention and capacity to offer joy from our heart? With cherished reverence for this life and our purpose?

Or, do we allow the current of ‘busyness’ to sweep us away?

All too often, we rush through our paces — we forget to rest within the gentle pauses, to embrace the simplicity of this day. It’s this simplicity that helps to clear our vision, to free us from the burden of a restless heart — and, to demonstrate the greater beauty in our lives.

Much like the simplicity of a Zen master’s painting – the brush stroke can never be forced; rather, it must embody the fluidity of an effortless grace.

Just as the candle risks to illuminate the darkness; and the heron risks to grace the dawn.

We, too, must ‘risk’ for peace of mind.

And, this simplification is, in and of itself, it’s own practice, my loves — engaged in those moments when we most fear we’ll lose our center. Quite often, the noise of our modern life makes it difficult to ‘hear’ — that inner voice, crying out for the comfort of heart.

“Our life is frittered away by detail,” shares Thoreau. “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.”

Indeed, that we might ensure these ‘distractions of heart’ — are displaced by the rhythm of a life, fully lived.

In peace, my loves…

And, on this day I wish you the blessing of an effortless inner peace.

Namaste

To See the Joy That Surrounds.

One of the most fundamental aspects of our spiritual practice is learning how to generate joy in each present moment.

Whether through careful observation of the magnificence which surrounds, or by way of life’s more simple things – we are constantly presented the opportunity to refine our practice. To transition our energy from that which detracts, to that which nourishes our soul.

And, we need it – don’t we, my dearest darlings? That deepened sense of care and appreciation which helps us to transform the suffering within. In doing so, we take perhaps our most direct (and, subsequently important) step towards healing.

Rather than being overwhelmed, we learn to embrace – as we recognize the criticality of this simple practice.

“Around us, life bursts with miracles,” shares Thích Nhất Hạnh “a glass of water, a ray of sunshine, a leaf, a caterpillar, a flower, laughter, raindrops. If you live in awareness, it is easy to see miracles everywhere. Each human being is a multiplicity of miracles. Eyes that see thousands of colors, shapes, and forms; ears that hear a bee flying or a thunderclap; a brain that ponders a speck of dust as easily as the entire cosmos; a heart that beats in rhythm with the heartbeat of all beings. When we are tired and feel discouraged by life’s daily struggles, we may not notice these miracles, but they are always there.”

My darlings, we are indeed a multiplicity of miracles ~ and, when we let go of that ‘holding on’ we shall finally know that peace.

Look around you, can you not see that joy?

With blessings of love and light, my friends ~ namaste.

❤️