The Energy Was Palpable

The energy was palpable. Standing on the side of the road in the cold and winds I watched, and from off in the distance the first signs were the flashing lights of the police cars signaling their approach.

And then, slowly but surely, the monks arrived. Some of us handed them flowers which they graciously accepted.

They smiled as they walked by; their faces shining with such bright light and simultaneously holding their very grounded energy.

The monks had been walking for over 100 days, much of it barefoot, to bring the energy of Peace. They braved the cold, the winds, the rain and the snow, and still they walked. They had set out from Houston in October; it was February when I saw them in Northern Virginia.

Stopping each evening at a rest place where they would teach. Teach about mindfulness and about peace. Their message was simple; “May you be well, may you be happy and may you find peace.” The task can feel daunting, but in that space and in that energy it felt possible. So it became a message of hope.

Being in their presence I could feel the energy they held, the energy of peace. A salve for my soul. Those of us present were all longing to experience that energy, and left, I hope, with the knowing that it is possible. That energy is real, it is healing, and it is what we need.

I hold such gratitude for their sacrifice in making this journey and for their message of Peace and Hope. May we all find peace.