Walking in Beauty - Mindfulness in Protest

The senses are heightened during a crowd gathering, rally, protest or March.  Using the principles of mindful walking to prepare oneself and participate in such an experience can support a more favorable process and build momentum for ongoing action.

Before I ventured to the Women's March SLO #wmslo #whyimarch its was good to review the principles of Mindful Walking #peditation and connect to the peace principles I have been cultivating alone and with groups walks in open spaces. 

I also reflected on over 25 years ago, when, during the initial stages of the Gulf War I watched as U.S. involvement began to escalate. The awareness of divergent opinions became more acute as well. Soon the voices in the media representing diverse opinions began to challenge the status quo and comfort of daily life. I began to feel a tug and pull of heart and mind, from my own spiritual inner tranquility and my external works as a budding political analyst.

What was my response going to be and how would I reconcile the convoluted international pressures and intentions behind the war with the struggle to prevent education and help ready our society with a sense of cultural understanding.

In the next few days I was blessed to have an engagement in Washington D.C. The night I arrived the airspace above Federal buildings was electrified as helicopters landed at the White House. The news channels were abuzz with reports of that President Bush would declare war. Gazing and listening, I observed the juxtaposition of my senses and the National Monument – a tribute to a man the once united the U.S. in a common purpose. First thing in the morning I walked to the White House, beckoned by the sound of drummers who'd gathered at Our Peace Park. I joined in as they continued a heartbeat of drums inciting a great vibrational reverberations that spurred my senses. It ignited my involvement and launched my response and avoided a sense of disenfranchisement. 

The experience strengthened my involvement in community dialogue. And, among protests, letters, and showing up we built a better understanding and safety was achieved in appreciation of diversity including residents representing voices from the Middle East.

To engage in a protest march can be a journey of understanding. Something calls you, an initial or sustained stress where collective action is one of many important responses.

January 21st, 2017 was the emergence of the Women’s March on Washington 2017 and Marches throughout the U.S. and Internationally. "Emergence" because many citizens found collective voice and optimism. Others may have been encouraged to become further involved as I had in 1991. 

This guideline brings the principles of Mindful Walking which can be a help to sustain a path of peace and activism. Through peace courage, action and humility we may find we share the common path.

There may be other challenges you are feeling in your life, your community or family. The path is helpful with all types of challenges. The fundamental exercises help to hone a response and celebrate the focus on Peacemaking or "Walking in Beauty".

Initial Stress: Recognize the process or actions have caused emotion or pain and possibly fear. These emotions can have physical manifestations. Begin by understanding how you are feeling in the situation and become clear that these feelings could be triggers so continue to review your outlook and connect with your feelings and needs.

Urgency/Having to Do Something: the situation has compelled a need for action. Taking actions is often best exercised with clarity and planning. While you begin to declare and take action, reflect on how the response is "right for you". Continue to review your feelings and needs to plan an authentic response. Use familiar tools of meditation, self care and healthy activities to help you dissect areas of empathy. 

Experiencing Conflict Among People: If your path makes you an Agent of Change conflict may be inevitable. Here you begin to embrace conflict and find your voice, communicate your thoughts be it on Facebook, among family members or even in random exchanges. This polarizing stage can stall your response.  Remember the qualities honed from time in reflection, walking in nature or prayer. Try to empathize and avoid negative thoughts to take hold. Patience, respect and understanding are at the core of change.

Avoid a Sense of disenfranchisement: keep with your plan, cultivate understanding, remember self care and ask for help.

Get/Stay Informed: If the stress is a collective issue there will be other groups, peace organizations, or mentors from spiritual or educational groups that provide information, sharing and common reflection. You may also find encouragement from the readings and experiences of iconic leaders such as Gandhi and M.L. King, Jr. or trusted media outlets.

Right Action/Walking in Beauty: Begin to Be Loving, Be hopeful, Be Peaceful. At times this will seem arduous but “get off of the mountain” of the stress and conflict and find ways to increase resolve to employ these potent tools for change.

Discovering Your Strength:  Mix it up. Try small contributions or long-term actions such as making calls, writing letters, or helping to organize an event. A plan will give you more confidence towards maintaining your path to peace. Go to trusted groups, mentors or attend forum where you can get information and take new steps.

Wayfinding/Synchronicity: When the time comes for action you have a choice to become involved in a community activity. Public events, marches, ongoing protests and campaigns are out there. Stay open to forums that are right for you, watch for signs that bring insight on your journey to peace. Attempt to do what you can and share while being watchful.

Showing Up: With good groundwork your truest intentions begin to move forward. With inner resources available this may be to moment, the commitment leads to momentum. 

Continue in Peace.