The Ongoing Journey

Assisi and the Prayer of St. Francis

2012-02-02T09:02:00.000-08:00

What is it about a place that makes you want to wrap your arms around it, gather it up, fold it with very tight creases, pack it in your suitcase and take it with you forever? Something touches your heart, pricks a memory from another time, calls to you in some way.

You’ve had it happen to you. I know you have. It doesn’t matter where or when or even what. What was it for you? Are you standing on a rocky cliff looking over a vast ocean – lying in fine sand on a beach with the sun caressing your skin and warming your core – hiking in pure mountain air, hearing the trees whisper their song – in a crystal cave deep beneath the earth – on a quaint street in a tiny village – or someplace entirely different?

When I hear “Assisi” I feel like Pavlov’s dog. (I’m learning to control the drool.) When I see a picture of Assisi my heart opens the dam flooding my brain with loving memories and something deeper than my mind can reach, buried in the depths of my being.

It’s the embodiment of Love; its connection; its friends; its beauty, song, laughter, a freshness older than the mountains, its Oneness.

Assisi is synonymous with St. Francis. I think of one and the other pops up with it, tied together, bound forever, a blend of man and earth, earth and sky, trees and nature. And don’t forget the animals and birds. St. Francis called them our sisters and our brothers. He knew of our inner connection to All That Is.

So, when a fellow pilgrim sent me this video of the prayer of St. Francis set to music, sung with an enchanted voice against the backdrop of Assisi, I was right back there again, standing on the rooftops, walking the ancient streets, breathing the Italian air.

Once that place is touched I allow it to expand so I can travel deeper. Why did I go in the first place? Now that I’m back, what am I doing with it?

I arrived in Assisi at the end of a very long walk in all kinds of weather through the rugged mountains. We called it a Walk for Peace, to raise the consciousness. The consciousness that was raised was my own. I’m still the same person, mind you, and at the same time totally different.

I walked for peace. At first I didn’t know the peace I was walking for was for me.

Peace to me is being accepted. Therefore, I accept you as you are and I accept me just as I am. We don’t need to be fixed because we’re not broken.

Peace to me is being calm inside, letting whatever is happening to happen. Be assured that the outside of me is just as animated as it always was. The point is that there doesn’t seem to be any real reason to get upset over “stuff”. Change happens. We get upset when we try to keep life the same when life is changing.

Peace is being kind. There really is no excuse for not being kind. No one can make you mad or upset or happy or sad. If you think someone has that power over you, why are you letting them in your head? You may not choose the action but you certainly have control over your reaction to the action. If not, why not? Get a grip. Who is living your life if not you? Be kind to yourself.

Peace is freedom. Every time I decide to be peaceful I also become more free. The freer I become the more freedom I give. And you get back what you give.

St. Francis knew what he was talking about. What he wanted for himself is what he gave to others. How he wanted to be treated is how he treated others. Listen to the song again. Take from it what you can.

This video gift was given to me and now I give it to you.

Pace e Bene.

Direct from Assisi

2011-12-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

One of the people connected with the Walk for Peace is a professional photographer. Claudia Henzler lives in Salzburg and joined us in Assisi for the World Peace Conference that was attended by all of the walkers. Yes, even wheelchair bound Marcia who we all helped to navigate the ancient hills.

Claudia’s love of peace and compassion for humanity clearly shows in her work as she bonds with her camera to create emotive, inspirational photographs.

When she sent me this video entitled Practicing Peace, I knew I had to post it on my site for you to see the flavor of the conference for yourself. I was standing there in the crowd, seeing the proceedings as they happened. But Claudia brought me a whole other viewpoint – impelling and expressive.

I have no idea of how many thousands of people witnessed the conference that was held at two sites the same day. You’ll see in the video, the Pope sitting within St. Mary of the Angels Cathedral and in front of the little church that was rebuilt by St. Francis.

The church was literally in ruins out in a field attended only by beggars who were taking shelter from the elements. Stone by stone St. Francis rebuilt the church. Now the church has shelter from the elements by being protected by a massive cathedral.

That same afternoon, the Pope, his entourage, all the religious leaders and dignitaries traveled the few miles to St. Francis Basilica in Assisi where the conference continued outside in the courtyard. A huge screen was set up so more people could watch the proceedings.

That day and that walk lives on. There is no telling how many lives were affected by the events. Each life touched touches another life and it continues like ripples in a pond, not dwindling but getting ever larger.

I encourage you to visit Claudia’s web site www.henzlerworks.com and view her “photos with a message”. You can contact her through her site. She would love to hear your comments about her works.

Ciao~

Conclusion

2011-12-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

Conclusion – there is none. It’s an ongoing journey, an unfolding, a process of releasing, a new awareness, an inner expansion.

I have been writing about 7 points; Surrender, Trust, Patience, Acceptance, Non-attachment, In This Moment, and Rest. What now?

There is a new inner calmness, a sense of peace that I can’t explain. It seems that a line has been crossed that I can never step back over. In no way does calm equate dull. What happens is a new sense of freedom.

I remember saying to a minister friend that I wanted to be freer to be more me. He looked at me with a horrified look on his face and uttered, “You mean you’re not now?” Well, I was me but many times I stopped myself from doing something and other times I didn’t stop myself from saying something that was sarcastic, harsh or insensitive.

Yesterday I was with a friend, saw someone we both knew and was about to make a remark. Before I could even open my mouth a thought blared in my head, loud and clear – “What if his wife was standing behind you and heard your remark?” That was the end of that thought. Gone. Poof!

Mind you, it wasn’t a so called bad remark. It just wasn’t kind. So why give life to the thought?

What would have happened if I had verbalized the thought and brought it to life? Nothing. If I felt guilt because of it the issue would have been compounded. Two wrongs never make one right. (Yes, that’s a pun.)

I’ll tell you how I handled a situation I found myself in while driving. I was in a hurry at the time and a driver cut right in front of me then slowed down. Boy, did I yell! (The windows were closed in the car so I wasn’t heard but no one could mistake the expression or the mouthing of the words.)

As soon as I heard myself and felt the heat rise I stopped in amazement to my reaction. Then I congratulated myself for a totally human reaction and dove into the experience I was having. As soon as I faced my emotions head-on they dissipated.

I fully believe that I am here on this earth, living on this planet, to have experiences. The ones we label “good” we want to have more of. The ones we label “bad” we tend to stuff down, ignore, gloss over, or repress. When we do that, stuff and repress, those feelings and emotions live forever, grow moldy and stink. Not only that, they come back to haunt us because they have not been felt.

Surrender to the feeling. Trust in the process. Have patience with yourself. Accept what you have created within yourself. Be non-attached to the story and the results. Live the moment to the fullest by staying in the present. Treat yourself well and rest. You deserve it.

I would like to add that more than half of the walkers that were with me on this amazing Assisi adventure are still in daily contact with each other. We affirm each other, support each other and have the utmost faith in each other and the process of releasing, evolving, unfolding and expanding. I am blessed by them and blessed by you who are reading this right now.

Pace (Pah’ chey)
Peace

Rest

2011-12-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

And on the seventh day God rested. I don’t know if God really needs to rest but it’s a known fact that we do.

When we were in Gubbio I discovered that I had let myself become so fatigued that I caught what we labeled the St. Francis Release. It’s not the same as Montezuma’s Revenge which affects the lower regions. This was all in my head. I was trying to ignore the confusion and deal with the runny nose. But, finally, I came to my senses and opted out for a day.

If I were dealing with another person I would have told them to go to bed and rest. So, what was the problem with taking care of myself? Oh, there were all kinds of internal arguments going on. I’m strong. I can do whatever I set my mind to do. Everyone back home is counting on me walking 116 miles. How can I let them down?

You may have different reasons but they all boil down to the same lump of tar. Have you ever said or thought – I have to; they’re counting on me; I’m expected to; it’s expected of me; it’s the rule; I was told to; I MUST!

None of that is true. Let me repeat that. No part of that last sentence is true. I’m not telling you to slack off or ignore a commitment. What I’m saying is to be reasonable and take care of yourself. You were given a life to live and your job is to live it to the fullest according to the way you want to live your life.

I am willing to wager that you want to live your life in the best condition possible. That translates to taking care of yourself so that you can take care of someone else. If you’re run down, over worked, under stress, you are not doing the best job you can. And you’re not enjoying life to the fullest.

The morning of the seventh day of the walk I had the above chat with myself and decided to stay in the hotel all day. Of course, I first had to go with the group to visit the church dedicated to St. Francis and the wolf. If there had been any doubt in my mind about going back to the hotel or going on the walk it was instantly cleared up. My body needed help.

How do you know what you need? An ideal place to start is learning how to tune into your own body. You may think you’re hungry when you’re really thirsty and need water. Your body may require protein yet you reach for bread or a cookie. Maybe the driver in front of you isn’t an idiot, you just need more sleep.

If a valued friend of yours came to you to ask for something chances are that you would give it to them or see to it that they received their request. Do the same for yourself. You are your own best friend.

When we were walking we all walked at our own pace. We were never told how fast to walk or that we were too slow. There were times when a person simply could not go on, could not take another step.

One time one of our guides flagged down a car, spoke to the driver in Italian and secured a ride for one of the walkers to the point where the bus would meet us to take us to our accommodations for the night. We were always taken care of. ALWAYS. If you believe you will be taken care of you will be taken care of.

This pilgrimage set in stone the adage “live from your heart”. Forget the head. The head is the home of doubt, worry and fear. Besides, thinking is hazardous to your mental health. Love lives in your heart. Trust it. Love yourself truly and you will love everyone. Love everyone as is without condition and you will love yourself. We’re all in the same family!

In This Moment

2011-12-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that the theme “in this moment” seems to pop up more and more? There just might be something to it. If you’re not in THIS moment you must be in the past or the future and not the present.

Think about that for a moment – if you didn’t have to concern yourself with time. Babies are like that. When they’re tired they sleep. When they’re hungry they eat and stop eating when they’ve had enough.

I’ve had a few times in my life when there was only the present moment. This walk for peace was one of them. We let go of the day, the time, even the place. There was no concern as to which path we were on, where we were going or who we were walking next to.

We walked at our own pace which was great but the turtles and the hares quickly separated. After awhile we worked out a rhythm, a method so that we stayed closer, at least within yelling distance. We would take “catch up” breaks often and let the slower walkers go first. The fastest walkers would start last. By the time the giant steppers were in the lead it was time to take another break.

We lived each second as it flashed, stopping often for a Kodak moment. The majestic mountains we climbed (which, I swear, were pitched at 180 degrees) were adorned with living monuments of trees and scampering wild life.

Speaking of wild life, I remember passing a group of hunters starting out. Not one minute later a soft, furry bunny hopped across our path. As if on cue we all yelled, “Run rabbit run!” wildly waving our arms and stamping our feet. Hmmm. I wonder if the hunters shot anything that day.

We climbed the mountain in front of us to the next spectacular view of the neighboring peak and stood mesmerized. Some of us turned around as slow as the hands on a clock to drink in the wonder before us. I don’t know if it was the altitude or the plethora of foliage that had the air smelling so clean, so fresh, so crisp. I couldn’t breathe deep enough or often enough. I wanted to capture the smell, the taste, the newness of the air.

There has never been a time like the present in the whole history of the earth. We are evolving. The magnetic grid has shifted. Compasses point to an adjusted North. What a time to be alive! Today is the only day you have.

I thought about that when I was riding in the Red Car. (Remember the Angel in the Red Car story?) I sincerely took into account that that day could be my last one on earth. My reaction was to sit back and enjoy the ride while I listened to beautiful relaxing Italian music. If that was to be my last moment I was going to enjoy it, not spend it fretting over regrets.

Whatever you are experiencing is a gift. If you’re laughing, LAUGH. If you’re crying, CRY. If you’re sad, be SAD. If you’re mad, be MAD. If you’re happy, be HAPPY. Fully feel whatever it is you are feeling. Don’t ignore it. Don’t stuff it down. FEEL it. Now, I’m not saying to smash something or hit some body or to commit an action that you’ll regret later. All I’m saying is to OWN it. Own the emotion. Then it’s done. You’re finished with it. It won’t stay around to haunt you because you’ve gone through it, walked past it and released it.

And now you’re in a new moment. Brand new. No leftovers. Why do you think old people seem so old? They could be living with leftovers and regrets, with an old life. Be new! Live this new moment. It’s the only one you really have. And, you have all the time there is.

Non Attachment

2011-12-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

St. Francis is the epitome of non attachment. His father was a wealthy fabric merchant who expected Francis to continue in the elite tradition. One day Francis woke up to the fact that none of our worldly possessions really matter because its not what is on the outside but what you carry in your heart that really matters in the end.

Francis Bernardone threw away all of his tangibles, trappings and tricks and publicly denounced his inheritance. The more he gave away, the happier he was. He so impressed his friends with his freedom of spirit and his joy that they did the same and joined him eventually starting a new Order.

Non attachment is a big one that I have been working on for awhile. On the other hand, all 7 of these principles are equal in their bigness. On this Assisi Adventure I learned to let go even more.

First off, when you’re planning on taking a journey anywhere plus if there are other people involved (and it doesn’t matter if they’re family, friends you have known for eons or strangers) you have to allow room for other ways of thinking, doing and being. It’s a given.

I was prepared to be unattached to where I was walking or with whom; unattached to what I ate; where I slept; what I wore; even the weather.

One of my prized articles of clothing that accompanies me on every trip, except to Florida, is my ruana. A ruana is a wrap like a shawl or a serape that can be thrown over any amount of clothing for extra warmth, snuggled under as a blanket, bunched up as a pillow or folded up and sat on as a cushion. Mine came from Columbia, made of alpaca wool and given to me by a friend many years ago. Needless to say, I treasure my ruana.

When my friend, Marcia, fell and broke her ankle on day 3 she was right behind me on the downward side of the trail. I sat on the ground behind her and propped her against me so she had back support. It took a few minutes to discover that her leg was broken and decide how we were going to handle it. The effects of shock were an issue as well as the cold. Marcia needed a blanket, fast.

I was waiting for someone to do something and discovered that someone was me. Off came my cherished ruana to lay over my friend to keep her warm. I had accommodated people in the past and knew better than to consider any article a loan. Marcia was going to be picked up in an ambulance driven by Italian drivers and taken to an Italian hospital. I was prepared to never see my ruana again and gave it up willingly.

Another day on the walk one of the guides needed to write an important message and I gave up the small journal I was carrying in which to jot notes as memos for later blogs. A small book could easily be laid down and forgotten as we kept walking. Another moment of truth. How did I really feel about it?

Yes, I did get my ruana back and the journal. But, I took the opportunity to look inside, turn the light on and dust a few cobwebs out of the corners of my mind. We stuff our minds like we stuff our houses. Do we really need so much “stuff”?

What did I plan on getting out of this trip? An experience. That’s as far as I was willing to go. There really were no expectations other than meeting new people, seeing a beautiful country and walking and walking and walking. It was all left up to the Universe.

Sometimes we are so quick to judge by appearances that we miss out on meeting a beautiful person. The second day we were in Assisi, we were waiting for a local bus to take us to visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. Along troops this young man pushing a trolley with what looked like all of his worldly belongings stacked on it. He asked us for directions. Come to find out, he had been on a long standing pilgrimage for several years, walking, walking, and walking. We invited him to the concert James was to hold that night in a church. He came and brought a friend as well.

When you’re ready to consider learning the art of non attachment, take a trip, any trip, the longer and farther the better. You don’t have to go camping and sleep on rocks to appreciate your own bed and pillow. You could be in a 4 star hotel or restaurant and be uncomfortable.

When you step out of your comfort zone, ask yourself why you are distressed. You may want to start clearing your mental attic or basement of thoughts and feelings that no longer serve you. Release the trash of guilt, doubt, jealousy, envy and past hurts. They’re all rubbish and not worth being attached to.

Acceptance

2011-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Let me clarify a possible issue or train of thought right here at the beginning which is always a good place to start. Since we live in a dualistic society there is a minimum of 2 sides to every story, issue, point of reference, thought, etc. That’s a given. It all has to do with attitude and perspective i.e., the glass is half full versus the glass is half empty. There is a difference between being humble and being mush. The difference is attitude.

This journey provided lots of opportunities to have a change in attitude and to accept with gratitude. To accept with gratitude is a very valuable key. And let me tell you, a long hike in the woods, all day, all uphill, will build tons of gratitude.

When we would arrive at the next convent, or hostel, or small hotel, we were all very grateful. Sure we were tired and hungry (and twice wet from rain). We had been on top of the mountain and we felt on top of the world.

There was no choice of food selection, other than for those with special diets of vegetarian or gluten free foods. We ate what we were given and we were free to ask for more (until the item ran out). It was always fresh and made with care although sometimes not a personal preference.

If we were one of the stragglers and arrived late we shared a room with whom ever we were assigned. Sometimes we had the upper bunk, or we rolled into the middle of the mattress when we lay down. But we all had beds with clean sheets. The bathroom may have been in the hall but it was indoor plumbing.

Please accept this next story in the spirit with which it occurred. It may read like a small miracle which to me it was. But then, my life is filled with miracles. The fact that I even went to Italy was a miracle.

This story is about “The Angel in the Red Car” and it happened on the seventh day of the walk.

By day #7 I was exhausted and not feeling well at all. There was some kind of congestion going on and my nose was running like the leaky faucet in the hall. The walk this particular day would be the longest and the hardest. There were still 3 more days of walking plus our triumphant march into Assisi which I was not about to miss for any reason. If Marcia could make it in her wheel chair, well then, I could make it too.

At the time we were in Gubbio scheduled to stay at the same hotel for another night. It would be easy to remain in my room for the day. No packing or moving required.

James Twyman wanted us to visit one special church before the walk. The church honored the story of St. Francis and the wolf. We were never pressured to do anything we didn’t want to do. There was an inner compulsion on my part to join with my friends at the church, see them off and return to bed. So I did.

The church was small and charming in its antiquity. Well worth the effort. By the time the visit was over I had no idea which way was up. The brain was already back in bed and had ceased to function; eyes were glazed over.

Fortunately, 3 other women weren’t going to walk either and offered to take me with them. They planned on visiting one more church before returning to the hotel. Piece of cake. I certainly could hold up for a little visit to another church. Besides, there was no way this fuzzy brain could navigate the road home. Someone had given me a map but we were now off the end of the map.

We started walking and soon discovered we had no idea of which way to go. There were no visible street sign, none that we could see. We hadn’t a clue.

Finally, we came across a small store that sold cell phones. In we trouped to ask directions. One handsome gentleman customer was patiently waiting for the only clerk who was on the computer. They didn’t speak English. We didn’t speak Italian.

Laying out the little map on the desk, I pointed to the bottom of the map where I thought the hotel was. (Actually, I repeatedly jabbed my finger at the map as I was clicking my heels together.)

The clerk pointed down the street, turned his hand to the right, gestured some more and aimed to the right again. We took it to mean, “go this way, turn, walk on, turn again and you’re there.

We thanked him profusely with many “gracies” and a few “pregos” thrown in for good measure, went outside and conferred. Were we walking for 2 minutes or 2 miles? Where are we turning (twice)? No clue.

As we stood there commiserating on what to do, the handsome Italian gentleman sauntered out with his car keys in his hand, heading straight for his car which we happened to be standing next to. Without a word, he opened the back door of his red car and gestured to get in. So I did. By myself. The 3 women wanted to visit a church, not go directly back.

The car door was closed and off we went in the opposite direction! The driver turned on the radio to beautiful Italian music and sped away. Sinking back into the seat the thought that rolled through my head was, “This could be my last day on earth. It’s a nice day.” I was gazing out the window admiring the view and the blue sky.

Mind you, I had no ID on me, not even my name. No phone numbers and no phone. I didn’t even know the name of the hotel. One of my friends had said it had “Umbria” in the name but that was also the name of the district.

Neither I nor my friends knew the driver’s name, make of the car or it’s license plate number. Nothing. And off he drove and drove. For how long, I have no idea.

When the Red Car stopped, we were right in front of the main door to my hotel! I was safely home. The fine Italian gentleman got out of his car, opened my door and held out his hand which I gratefully accepted. We hugged. Off he drove as I shuffled into the sanctuary of my room.

Was I crazy? Was it a miracle?

I trusted my intuition and accepted what was offered. I had asked for help and help was given. Everything in my life is for my benefit. In other words, if I so choose I can benefit from anything that appears in my life, even a runny nose.

Accept what is offered with an attitude of gratitude and count your blessings. You have way more than you will ever realize. You are blessed more than you will ever know.

Patience

2011-11-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

Whenever you ask for “patience” know that you are going to get opportunities to learn patience. Having children, training pets, growing plants and living with someone all involve having and learning patience.

Taking a trip also involves patience. You have to wait in line, wait in another line, deal with communication issues which may include another language, and tons of other situations.

The pilgrimage also provided opportunities to have patience with myself, not to beat myself up but to give myself lee-way and breathing room. You learn to do with what you have and make the best of what is available.

When we were walking there were times when the path was so steep that all I could do was to put one foot in front of the other and hope for the best.

After awhile they became the “kiss the earth” hills. I was bent over so far that my face seemed to be only inches away from the ground, so close that I could kiss the earth. When you finally make it to the top you want to fall to the ground and kiss the earth.

So as I was crawling upwards I would glance up from time to time to see how far I had to go. I would look up and see a curve and sky and know I was about to reach the top. Yeaaa! I could make it to that curve, I knew I could. Guess what I saw when I went around the curve? Right. Another curve. And another curve and another curve.

When I finally got to the top, on this one particular day, I threw myself on the ground and announced, “I’m not moving. When you’re ready to go, roll my body down the other side.”

Walking every day gives you plenty of time to contemplate. Sometimes, someone would bring up an issue or say a particular word or phrase that would pinch a sore spot prompting tears to flow. You ask yourself how that could be.

There is nothing wrong. The wound is healing. What is occurring is that this is the time for the next layer, a deeper layer, to come up to be healed. We all have wounds, scrapes and cuts that need soothing. When they are stuffed down and ignored they don’t go away. Hiding hurts does not make them magically disappear. When the time is right the bruise will surface to be transformed.

Patience has to be one of the requirements of a bus driver. Our bus driver had patience oozing out of his pores. More than once when he was driving our 4 lane wide bus down the driveway size mountain roads we would come to a mere crawl on a hairpin curve.

The fourth day of the journey, careening toward us down the hill was our mirror image. Could these gargantuan vehicles succeed in slithering by each other? The buses met, whispering to each other but never touching and then lumbering on to their private destinations. I think the buses may have been made of rubber.

I’ve often found that patience is doing something else in the meantime.

That reminds me of a politically incorrect story that happened while waiting in a lunch line in a little teeny Italian village. I don’t think this small store ever had 40 people trying to cram into it in its entire existence. They were definitely not set up for a group experience.

We lined up about 10 at a time with most of us waiting outside the establishment. After about 15 minutes my buddy and I squeezed inside to wait a little longer. The first item that caught our eye was a small bottle of wine right there in front of us on the shelf. It very well could have hit the floor and shattered if we had not quickly grabbed it.

Some how the top came off and again we rescued the floor by consuming the contents. We still had to wait in line but we were happy while we waited. I did say we were in Italy. They have wine with lunch in Italy. We were only keeping up with the locals.

I am now an expert on patience. I’ve been stretched, pulled, pushed, ignored and applauded. Is there anything left that I can’t handle? I don’t know but I’m sure I’ll find out.

Oh yes. While waiting to go through Customs back in the States, I was sniffed out by the Security dog. I had to fork over my apple and pear that I was saving for a snack. No sweat. I felt Phrantastic!

Trust

2011-11-24T12:20:00.000-08:00

Trust is a small 5 letter word that is huge and carries a lot of weight. I have never really had a hard time with trust. Trust is my first response until I am given a reason not to trust.

But, the trust I am referring to here is the knowing that all is as it is meant to be. Whatever the situation, what ever the outcome, something good and beneficial will be forthcoming. You may have to wait a bit and have patience but that is all part of the lesson.

Trust your ability to find your own way. Stand on your own two feet. That’s what you have feet for, to stand on, to move you forward or in another direction.

Trust that you have a place. You are valuable. After all, there is only one of you. Even if you’re one of a twin or triplet, you are unique, an original, and important. In fact, you are so important that you will always be taken care of. You do have to let go of your own schemes and plans in order to be taken care of.

I’ll give you an example, a story of what happened to one of us on the pilgrimage.

It was the third day, early in the afternoon. We had trekked up a steep mountain side and were preparing to go down the other side which was equally as steep if not more so. The narrow path continued through the woods and was strewn with small stones and carved by the rain into ruts.

Marcia was behind me. We had progressed only a few minutes when I heard “OH” and a thump. Turning around, I saw Marcia on the ground holding her leg with her foot at a very strange angle. We all stopped walking and rushed to her aid.

Fortunately, 3 of us were nurses and many were healers. A splint was made from a Camel back. Marcia was covered with wraps and jackets and held to keep warm. She was calm. An ambulance was summoned.

When we knew that help was on the way, we left her with a nurse and an interpreter, trusting that all would be well. We continued on sending love and healing energy as we walked, even using the echo factor of the mountain to send her messages. She heard us and felt our love and concern.

Marcia stayed on the trip but not on the actual walk. She was wheelchair bound with both bones broken in her leg knowing she would need an operation back in the states. Her spirits never dampened. She was there to see the Pope in Assisi.

This was the third and last major accident. Robin had fallen on the first day and had 2 breaks in her right arm. George went to her aid when she fell and twisted his knee so badly that he was out of commission for a good part of the walk. I don’t know how she did it but Robin continued to walk with her arm in a cast.

The point is, they all knew everything would turn out fine and it did. They all trusted. They relied on their intuition and ours.

One more story. This one is about a bus ride on our very first day. We had walked. We were tired. The bus picked us up to take us back to the convent at Santuario della Verna for dinner and a second night’s stay. As we were winding our way up the narrow pass, a car came careening toward us on our side of the road! For all appearances, it was an accident waiting to happen.

But wait! We were on their side of the road at the exact moment that they were on our side of the road. Do not try this on your own road. Not recommended. We were in Italy. Things are different there.

My last word on trust is this: Thinking is hazardous to your mental health – rely on your intuition.

Surrender

2011-11-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

How do you surrender and at the same time live your life the way you want to live, to live life to the fullest?

Perhaps the easiest way to explain my interpretation is to tell you to get out of your head and into your heart. One of my favorite sayings is: “Thinking is hazardous to your mental health.”

I’m not talking about surrendering to rules and regulations or to the government nor to any other organized or formalized type of association. I’m talking about surrendering to the Higher Power that resides within you.

And the only way you are going to find that connection is to go inside your own self, say “hello” and wait for an answer and wait and wait. The hard part is to not beat yourself up while you’re waiting. Oh, you’ll get all sorts of thoughts and thinking popping up. But when you get beyond the thoughts, even for a moment, you come to a place of connection which will expand and become an inner peace which develops into an incredible freedom.

Sound familiar? It’s also called meditating. (Stop sighing and keep reading.)

One of the major reasons for meditating is to get out of your brain. Give it a rest. Let go of the incessant chatter, stop planning and conniving. Just be.

You’ll get to meet yourself. The real You that lives inside; the part that is connected to All That Is. What you’ll find is a handy ability called intuition that will grow and develop the more you use it, the more you rely on it.

I used to meditate because I thought I had to. Now I meditate because it feeds my soul, my inner self, my Higher Self. Now meditating is a necessity, like breathing.

No one can tell you what to do, how to live, who to be. I can only share with you my part of the journey and the extra steps I learned on the walk to Assisi.

I surrendered to the day, the walk, the direction (straight up at all times until it became straight down the other side), the weather (we walked in the rain two days), and the snoring.

Oh, let me tell you about that, the snoring, right now.

The 41 of us stayed at convents, hostels and small hotels (none 4 star I assure you), for 1 or 2 nights. Each establishment had different accommodations, either 2 or 3 or 4 to a room, we never knew which we would get. We never knew who we would share a room with and often heard, “So, who are you sleeping with tonight?”

Since I’ve lived by myself for several years I’m not used to someone snoring the minute their head hits the pillow. This one particular night there were 3 of us sharing a room. As I was gratefully pulling up the covers, the first woman was already comatose and sounded like she was sucking the plaster off the ceiling. The woman in the middle instantly regretted being in the same room and wished for plugs for her ears or duct tape for her cacophonous friend.

My one voiced remark was, “I wonder if St. Francis snored?” We both fell asleep without another qualm.

Part of surrendering to “what is” is being able or choosing to change perspective. Drop your plans. Take a different tack. Release the issue. Give up your expectations and every one else’s. Let go. What are you holding onto anyway? Whatever it is it’s really only a thought in your own mind. Give it up.

Surrender to the music and dance.
Surrender to the joke and laugh.
Surrender to the embrace and love.
Surrender to life and live it to the fullest.
Surrender to your Self and Be.

Pace e Bene.

What I Learned On The Walk For Peace!

2011-11-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

My original intention was to write a blog a day while on the walk, and send it along with photos to post. That never happened – obviously. I did write a blog after the first day of the walk, chose pictures and attempted to send it to my VA to post.

However, the Universe had other ideas.

The result is this: an overview, which this blog will be, and 7 key points or tools or benefits that were made clear on the walk. Of course, I’ll add in personal and group stories to bring the experience more alive and closer to you.

I’ll tell you about “kiss the earth” hills, broken bones, my angel in the red car, inside jokes, communications without language, the St. Francis release, a few other stories and share photos.

If I had to title the whole experience with one word it would be a word that I learned on the trip which is Hokahey. Hokahey is an American Indian word which literally means, “This is a good day to die.” Think about that for a moment.

If you were to die right now and leave this dimension, what in your life would not be completed? Would you have any regrets? Granted, there are always more things to experience, there always will be. I’m talking about up till now. Is there someone you need to forgive? Is it yourself?

We’re all going to leave this dimension. Everyone who has taken a first breath will one day take a last breath on this earth. I don’t believe we end. We simply change form. But I digress – back to the walk.

On the plane ride home from Rome I thought about what the trip meant to me. What did I learn? What meaning does St. Francis hold for me? He must mean something since I have walked in his footsteps twice, visited his birthplace, laid in the hollow of the rock he slept on, sat where he meditated and visited his final resting place as well as his dying place.

Physically, Francesco Bernardo was a short man whose ears stuck out. He was wealthy, happy, friendly, lovable, loved to love and wanted to make a mark for himself. He wanted to become a Knight which was a bloody pursuit to say the least.

With a gift of fine armor from his father he went off to war and was captured. To make a long story short, he changed his mind, became disgraced because of it, was rejected and chose to live as a beggar. Francis denied his wealth and took up a life of poverty but one which included generosity, gentleness, forgiveness, freedom, happiness and most importantly, love.

I learned from him to always follow my heart no matter who it displeases or what expectations are not met – mine or others. I learned to look beyond what is seen with my eyes and see with my soul. I discovered that very often my need is simply a preference which can be changed at will, if I will to change it instead of pouting, becoming cranky or withdrawing.

Our 10 days of walking always started with an hour of walking together in silence. I took that time to pray for you and all those who sent me prayers and all those on my list who didn’t send prayers. The list grew each day as I thought of other friends, co-workers, relatives, and people met by chance. I prayed for everyone I could think of and those I couldn’t remember. I prayed for myself as well.

These are the one per blog points that I will write about, the things that stood out bold, the messages I received, the important thoughts that came to me:

1, Surrender = giving up control, setting intentions, releasing expectations.
2, Trust = all is as it is meant to be, intuition.
3, Patience = waiting, perseverance, communication.
4, Acceptance = eating what is offered, receiving with gratitude.
5, Non-attachment = sharing, giving away, making plans, agendas.
6, Living the moment = valuing what you have when you have it.
7, Rest = self care, asking for what you need, in tune with your body.

Has my life changed? I would say my life continues to evolve, constantly unfolding, becoming more, being freer, daring to live as I am. I am exactly the same yet totally different.

Pace e Bene.

Peace Walk Update

2011-09-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have already met some incredibly generous loving people and I haven’t even taken one step of the peace walk yet. Or maybe I have.

Let me tell you what has happened so far.

I mentioned to a song writer, musician friend of mine, David Patrick Bryan, about the walk and needing to raise funds and he immediately offered to gather some of his friends together and put on a concert for me. That blew me away! He asked Diogenes Ruiz, William Burton and Nitia Steward to perform and they did. Quite superbly I might add. Unity Church of the Triangle hosted the event as their offering to First Friday in August of Raleigh. Great success!! Kudos to all the artists, the church, the staff, all the volunteers, and all the folks who attended.

Megan Huber from the Pittsboro Chapter of Coffee and Contacts has offered to provide me with Shaklee protein bars and energy boosters for the walk. I’ll pace myself so I’ll continue to walk and not start flying.

Cheryl O’Grady from Foot Solutions of Brier Creek has sponsored me with the most incredible pair of walking shoes call Chung Shi. They rock! These shoes actually help you stand up straight and correct your posture. Amazing!

Good friends of mine have offered me all kinds of items like a little traveling laptop, tiny Flip video camera, light weight back pack to carry day items, an international phone and spent many hours with me making the Peace Bracelets.

My daughter, Grace, her friend, Debbie, and grandson, Bryon, spent more hours helping me put the Peace Bracelets together. Lots of laughs those nights!

There are constant request for the beautiful Peace Bracelet. Have you gotten yours yet? Reiki energy has been added to them as a special blessing for all who wear the bracelets.

And donations keep pouring in from all over the country. I only have about another thousand dollars to go and the goal of $5000 will have been reached.

Trainers have offered tips on training for the walk. I’ve even been pointed to free exercise classes which I am taking with much gratitude, enthusiasm and sweat.

I was gifted with a 2 hour class in releasing sore muscle pain which will help me and all the other walkers to be able to keep on walking day after day. Julie Donnelly of Julstro.com taught me her fabulous technique. Many thanx!

What fun I’ve had handing out the silicone wrist bands debossed with “May peace prevail in my heart.” It’s quite a thrill seeing the bands worn on so many people’s wrists.

The best has been saved for last – the prayers. I have asked people, like you who are reading this right now, to send me their prayer for peace in their heart. What do you need to help you to feel peaceful inside right now? If you’re not sure how to write a prayer, just send me your thoughts and I’ll write it into a prayer for you. This prayer will be prayed every day of the 10 day walk, all 187 kilometers, just for you. Send me your thoughts right now.

Like I said at the beginning, maybe I have already started on this walk for peace. Be assured that all that I’m giving out is already returning to me. Every step I take for myself is for someone else. Every prayer that I pray for some one else is prayed for me. My heart has grown by leaps and bounds. Peace has expanded. It’s reaching out to touch you right now, just like it touched me.

Pace e Bene
Ciao.

The Hermitage of St. Francis Assisi

2011-06-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

The following writing was sent to me by James Twyman, the leader of the Walk to Assisi coming up this October. All of us 43 pilgrims are already in contact with each other via a closed group of the Beloved Community. Ingrid, the woman who put the video together, will be joining us once we reach Assisi after walking the 187 km. from LaVerna.

Read James' note and then please take a few minutes to enjoy the video
"I wanted to share a short video that was sent to me by my dear friend Ingrid in Assisi. You'll all be meeting her on the journey. She has lived there for several years and really holds the energy of Francis and Clare. Such a wonderful light and has given me so many gifts.

"This is the Hermitage, or the Eremo, which is about a 45 minute walk up Mt. Subasio from Assisi. We'll all be going there, of course. It's where Francis used to retreat to, sleeping and praying in a small cave. He always wanted to stay and never come down, but Clare said that it was not his role to hide, but to share his light with the world.

"The same is true for us, especially on this journey we'll be enjoying come October. It is still uncertain how public the pope will make the prayer gathering, and we all pray that he will honor the memory of his predecessor by letting public participate in many ways. Pope Benedict is certainly no John Paul II, but we send him our energy and prayers to help him stay open to this important gathering, allowing it to be a symbol of new openness and peace. I believe that it is no coincidence that we will be there, a kind of sign of the new era of cooperation. One way or another our presence will be felt, and our mission will be accomplished. I know that you share that knowledge with me. This is going to be a turning point for each and every one of us."

To enjoy the video please visit the link.

Thank you,
Phran

The Assisi Adventure

2011-06-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Trip Details and Itinerary

We lovingly call our Walk for Peace “The Assisi Adventure”. It starts with flying into Rome two days before the actual walk then board a bus to arrive in La Verna.

October 14 in La Verna! This is one of the most sacred towns in Italy, where Saint Francis received the Stigmata. The first day will be a time to meet one another and prepare for the journey, as well as see the holy sites.

October 15, Day One of the walk: Walk from La Verna to Pieve Santo Stefano on foot. (18km) This very sweet town is the famous site where the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherd in 1400.

October 16, Day Two: Walk from Pieve Santo Stefano to the village of Via Maggio. (14 km) At the end of this day’s walk, we’ll be bussed back to Pieve Santo Stefano for the night

October 17, Day Three: Walk from Via Maggio to Sansepolcro. (24 km) This town is so beautiful that it was once described in an essay by Aldous Huxley, which so impressed a British Captain that he refused to bomb the town during WWII. Sleep in Sansepolcro two nights.

October 18, Day Four: Walk from Sansepolcro to Le Burgne. (14 km) Again we will be bussed, this time back to Sansepolcro, the previous town.

October 19, Day Five: Walk from Le Burgne to Città di Castello where we will sleep for the night. (13 km)

October 20, Day Six: Walk from Città di Castello to Pietralunga (Candeleto). (27 km) Sleep in Candeleto.

October 21, Day Seven: Walk from Pietralunga to Gubbio. (28 km) This is the town famous for one of the most beloved stories of Francis where he tames a wolf that had been terrorizing the town. We stay at the Convent of San Secondo for two nights.

October 22, Day Eight: Walk from Gubbio to Biscina. (21 km) Then we’ll be bussed back to the Convent of San Secondo.

October 23, Day Nine: Walk from Biscina to Valfabrica. (15 km) We will spend one night in this village. Half of the people will stay in a nice hostel and half in a small hotel, but dine together.

October 24, Day Ten: (13 km) Walk from Valfabrica to finally arrive in Assisi at lunch time. We will spend four nights here at the Hotel La Posta. We will have at least one, perhaps two days to visit the town, including the tomb of St. Francis at the Basilica, and San Damiano, the first chapel Francis rebuilt and where St. Clare lived most of her life.

Add all of those kilometers up and you have a grand total of 187 km! Since the towns are not evenly spaced we travel any where from 13 to 28 km per day. It’s not hard but you do have to keep going no matter what your feet are telling you.

October 25 – 27: We will participate as much as possible in the gathering of world leaders, at the World Peace Conference, as well as the Concert for Peace with James Twyman, our fearless leader and the most peaceful man I know.

October 28, Last Day: Return to Rome. Getting from Assisi to Rome is very easy by train I’m told so that’s probably what I will do.

This trip is such a joy and a blessing for me in which to take part. One of the greatest joys will be to carry your prayer the entire way. I will be thinking of you every day and walking your prayer into the earth for you. BUT you do have to send me your prayer so I’ll have it.

I also encourage you to donate to the cause by sending your check to me, Phran Gacher, 842 Oakwater Drive, Garner NC 27529 or via Pay Pal (on this site) if you wish to use your credit card. Include your address and I will send you the blue wrist band that declares: May peace prevail in my heart.

Ciao!

Send Me Your Peace Prayer!

2011-05-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

The walk for peace from LaVerna to Assisi in Italy doesn’t start until October and the excitement I already feel has traveled through the group of 40 adventurers hiking the 187 kilometers together. We come from the mountains and the prairies, the deserts and the oceans, the highland and the swamps. We walk with open hearts, our feet pressing your prayer into the earth.

I haven’t been to LaVerna but I’ve been to Assisi. I remember walking from St. Francis’ Basilica on one side of Assisi to St. Clare’s Basilica completely on the other side of Assisi. That it was all uphill was not surprising since Assisi is in the mountains. What was surprising was that walking back was still all uphill.

My closest guess is that 187 km equals 131 miles which we’ll do in 10 days. I’ll put the complete itinerary in another blog so you can follow along.

Through Divine Inspiration the idea came to me that since I’m going to be walking for peace why not take with me prayers for peace that I can read along the way. Yes, it’s a beautiful country to look at but I’m sure I could read a prayer while I’m walking and still have plenty of time to ogle and chat.

So here’s the deal. On the Walk for Peace page on this Perfect Ceremonies site there is a form you can click on to write down your own special prayer. Send it to me and I’ll carry it with me on the walk to the World Peace Conclave in Assisi.

You can also add a donation, if you’re so inclined, by clicking on the Pay Pal button, or if you prefer to write a check then send it by mail or hand me any amount in cash when you see me. When you donate include your address and I’ll send you a silicone wrist band embossed with the affirmation, “May peace prevail in my heart.” The bands are in light blue, the color of peace, are soft, about a half inch wide and stretch to fit any wrist. Nice! Or as my son would say, “Neat!”

Other spiritual explorers on the walk are collecting prayers too. One said she wanted to make them into a book. Who knows? You could be writing a prayer that could one day show up in print!!

Reading your prayers every day will help keep me focused. It will also connect me to you. Every time I read your prayer I will also be praying for you personally.

If you think you don’t know how to write a prayer, don’t let that stop you. Think of it as a wish. I know you can make a wish. Send me that. Send me your wish for peace. Or send me your wish, your prayer for yourself.

If I can say a prayer for you that will help you feel more peaceful, then we have started having peace in the world. Peace begins with you and with me.

The Italian word for peace is pace (pah’ chay).

Pace Bene.

Be The Peace You Want To See

2011-05-11T08:31:00.001-07:00

You may have seen that someplace before. I didn’t make it up and it’s not one of those lofty, airy-fairy ideas that is impossible to reach. If you’re reading this, the message is for you. Keep reading. It’s possible to be peace – at least some of the time and every little bit counts.

Each and every time you’re able to feel peaceful adds to the peace in the world. Each and every time you’re fearful adds to the fear in the world. You count. Your feelings count. What you project counts. Maybe you can’t be peaceful every minute, but, every minute you can be peaceful counts.

Maybe you feel like you have no control over what happens out there in the world. It could be true. You may have caused a rumble or two in your house but you probably didn’t cause one of the earthquakes that are happening in the world today.

The one thing you and only you have control over is yourself. The Creator gave you free will which means that you get to control you which also means that no one else has that right nor do you get to control anyone else. Works both ways.

Think about these suggestions for being peace. They work for me. You may want to try them.

Start first thing in the morning before you even get out of bed. Decide what kind of a day you want to have. Every day you wake up on the right side of the grass you get to determine your day. You could decide to be happy or bite someone’s head off or stretch your capacity for calmness.

Too late you say! You’re already having your first cup of coffee or tea or shake and you forgot to set your intention. Start now. If you’re breathing its not too late. Decide if you want to look at the up side or the down side.

Really! You know that old saying about the cup being half full or half empty. It’s true! How do you want to perceive it? Will your day be partly cloudy or partly sunny? Since it’s your life you get to choose.

One way I stay peaceful is to give the other guy a break. Say a driver cuts me off in traffic. I used to really get upset over that. But, I’ve cut in front of cars myself. So, when someone does it to me perhaps they’re in a really big hurry because someone needs their help, or they didn’t notice I was there. I don’t take it personal which means I have no reason to get mad.

Another one is when you’re kept waiting. There could be a ton of reasons why. One of the secrets to patience is doing something else in the meantime. Now a days when I have the occasion to wait I see it as another chance to take a deep breath or two and allow my body to relax. Yes, I do. I call it a mini-med. You could take that as a medication or a meditation. Either way deep breathing WILL cause you to relax and feel calmer. We’re not talking about hyperventilating we’re talking about slow deep breaths in and long exhales.

How about if you’re called an idiot, or stupid, or clumsy? You can’t do anything about another person’s opinion but you don’t have to believe them. When Viktor Frankel was in a Nazi concentration camp suffering torture every day he remarked, “You can’t make me hate you.” He would not let them into his head.

Another opinion is another opinion. An opinion and a preference is a personal matter. You decide what’s true for you. You decide if you want to remain peaceful or do you want to get mad. Sound too simple?

I’m not talking about ignoring a situation or making believe an issue doesn’t exist. I’m saying to refuse to be upset. Be a duck instead. A duck doesn’t mind being in the rain because it doesn’t get wet. A duck does not have to dry off. The water rolls off the back of the duck. The water never gets in to wet the duck in the first place.

Next time you get cut off or have to wait, be a duck. Be the peace you want to see in the world. Be the peace you want to be.

Walking For Peace

2011-05-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

In September of 2005, on the afternoon of my ordination in Assisi, Italy, I started a walk for peace from Assisi to Rome, a distance of about 100 miles. It was quite a life changing experience that 65 of us shared as we walked in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. He had undertaken the same walk 800 years before in order to see the Pope. We too saw the Pope. We’re not quite sure if the Pope saw us.

Our walk was lead by James Twyman, known as the Peace Troubadour. The Torch of Peace and Hope had been passed to him for us to carry on our walk. Its flame represented the Truth present in all of us.

I can see us now, gathered together in the courtyard of St. Francis’ Cathedral, with Hotel Sabasio, where we had stayed, right behind us. The torch was lit, a section of the mile long Cloth of Many Colors was unfurled for some of us to carry, and we listened to the words of encouragement from James to start us on our 10 day pilgrimage through the beautiful small towns of Italy.

James was telling us that we were now instruments of peace. We would be walking with our hearts open, walking our prayers for peace into the earth. We were called to be Ministers of Peace. Our loving, peace-filled energy would ripple out to affect the entire world.

Then James led us in our Office of Peace which we said every day. This Office is made up of the 12 prayers from 12 major religions which originated in the Peace Conclave that had been called by the Pope in 1986 to seek out the sameness in the religions not the differences. (You can read them on the Peace Bracelet page.)

At the very end of this starting ceremony one of the walkers stepped forward to read our intention, our inner mission which we all had composed. It went like this: “We are Peace Walking. We will search for truth and balance. We understand with our infinite hope, creativity and integrity that we are love and compassion in the world. We are celebrating a unity for all, a state of grace, joy and perpetual peace. And so it is.”

Two by two and one by one, we turned and left the courtyard, waving to all as we walked. We mingled with the people on the narrow streets some of which were only large enough for one small vehicle to pass at a time.

Onward we walked, literally, over hill and dale, hiking in and out of villages and mini towns only stopping for lunch and whenever nature called. Somehow it seemed easy. Sure we got tired but never crabby. It’s pretty hard to be crabby and peaceful at the same time.

One day we had been erroneously routed on a highway. By detouring around the major road we added a few miles. I think that day we walked 18 to 20 miles. You just keep going. You really have to because your luggage is at the ending point of the day so you must reach the pre-chosen ending point. We only carried a day pack with water, snacks, tissues and little plastic bags for the used tissue, and whatever else we chose to carry for the day. Oh yes, a poncho to keep us a little dry in the rain.

One day, as we were passing a row of houses, a young boy ran outside waving and yelling, “Ciao, pace bene.” (Loosely translates to “Hello, good peace to you”.) You know he went to school the next day telling all his friends that he had seen the Peace Walkers.

The story had spread. People in cars honked and waved. Women leaned out windows to call their encouragement and yell “Pace” (pah’-chay) - Peace.

Each night we stayed at a different hotel. Each was beautiful in its own rite. Each had its own personality and charm.

I think the 10th day when we arrived in Rome we were practically trotting we were so excited. My heart sounded to me like a big base drum proudly beating in my chest. I was sure everyone could hear it. If there was any doubt of my feelings all you had to do was to look at my face. It was the same look all of the walkers were wearing. Our faces said, “We have walked. We believe in peace for you and me. We have arrived. It was all worth it – every minute and every penny.”

Would I do it again you ask? Today I know the true answer is YES! I have already signed up for the next Walk for Peace which will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the World Peace Conclave to be held October 27, 2011 in Beloved Assisi, at the very same cathedral.

A new page has been created for updates so you can follow along with the excitement of the preparations. This walk will be 187 km from LaVerna to Assisi.

More information to follow so keep tuned in.