Hi friends,

“Don’t look away, lean into the suffering. It’s the evidence of the humanity that binds us.” – Elissa Altma

The past week has been difficult, and I have at times wanted to close my eyes and bury my head and heart in the sand.

It is painful to witness what’s happening in the world, and I feel so many things: Disbelief, guilt, horror, despair, disappointment, intense sadness, anger, faith, and peace.

I have spent a good deal of time reflecting this past week on what my practices of meditation, yoga, and qigong impart, especially now, in this time of war.

When my body and mind are flooded with all these feelings, my practice reminds me that I am capable of finding stability in the moment so that I may listen to the wisdom of the Buddha, Patanjali, and the Dao.

They are my constant companions; they help me find strength, compassion, resilience, faith, and yes, the hope of peace.

Peace is more than a state of mind, it’s a matter of being. Practice helps me remember this. Sitting quietly allows me to integrate the waves of my mind and see what I need in the moment.

Working with the energy of my body intentionally helps me to create balance and shows me where movement that is too hard, difficult, or forced will do nothing more than deplete me.

Too little, or not enough will dampen my spirit and leave me feeling heavy and uninspired.

Finding the right formula leads to liberation and my ability to self-regulate, adapt, and find peace.

I believe ones own expression of peace is an energy that is needed at this time to flood the world.

Thich Nhat Hanh says, “If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society will benefit from our peace.”

So, if we are lucky enough to have been born into the realm of a precious life that is not in a war zone, may we use our practice to hold space in our hearts for those that are suffering and oppressed and do what we can to support them.

May our practices help us build inner strength, compassion, and fearlessness to shine a light on our own inner turmoil.

Let that light be the knowledge and insight to prevent that confusion from escalating into anger, blame, aggression, and pain toward ourselves and others.

Lama Tsultrim says she believes “Meditation is a form of activism.”

Let the energy of all of our practices, fortify us to take skillful action and fly the white flag of peace.

I want to continue to do my part and hold the space to support you and your practice; I look forward to sitting with you and practicing together.

It is knowing that our shared humanity has the power to bring us together, this too brings me great peace.

Much love,
Michele