Wandering with Purpose … ( 05 / 20 / 2012 )
Wandering with Purpose … ( 05 / 20 / 2012 )
“ A pilgrim is a wanderer with purpose .” ~ Peace Pilgrim
Exactly one year ago today I completed my 40 day , 900 + mile Peace Pilgrimage from Chattanooga ( Tennessee ) to Pompano Beach ( Florida ). I did so “ on Faith ”, traveling the entire distance without using any money whatsoever and never once asking anyone for either food or shelter . Needless to say , it was quite the experience , and might one day make a great book … And yet , that is not why I am writing today … Today , I am writing to let you all know that each and every one of you are already walking a Pilgrimage with just as much potential — that each and every one of you are already living lives of great Power & great Meaning . Indeed , it is not necessary to walk hundreds of miles “ on Faith ” to inspire others … It is not necessary to give up all your possessions or to dedicate every waking moment to Love in order to become a potent Force for Good .
You see , every moment of your life is itself a Pilgrimage ; every instant is filled with immense Power into which you can tap . Every meeting with another person is an opportunity to set forth towards the greatest of all destinations — unconditional LOVE . And it doesn ’ t take 40 days of difficulty to get there … All it takes is the guts to reach out and openly Care .
“ We never touch others so lightly , that we do not leave some trace .” ~ Peg Millin
Every time we look away — every time we refuse to take this very short yet all-powerful Journey , we contribute to what is “ wrong ” with the world . And yet every time we have the Courage to reach out to another human being — especially when it is difficult to do so ( i . e . to life ’ s strangers or to our enemies ), we gently shake the Universe … And so , my dear Friends , I leave you today with the fondest of fare-wells ; wishing for you all the deep Peace & unbridled Joy that only come to those who choose to take the shortest and yet grandest of Journeys … the Journey to radical Kindness .
“ May your travels be safe , but not cautious … And though it not be that for which you ask , may you receive compassion . May you encounter challenges and conquer their reservations , and may those difficulties strengthen your faith . May your steps evoke seeking … and may your words inspire Love .” (~ with Katie Kasch )
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