Peace...Pass it On

Illustration by Tahi Wiggins

“It is my conviction that there is no way to peace. Peace is the way.” ── Thích Nhất Hạnh

I did an interview last month about the Kekoka Yoga Retreat (KYR) with Shey Khandro, a former Buddhist nun who is now a spiritual mentor and fine artist specializing in mindfulness, compassion and inspiring action.

Because the retreat had taken place on the UN’s International Day of Peace, Shey asked me how leading the retreat all these years had influenced my personal views on peace and community involvement. I told her that every aspect of KYR was peace; that yoga practices like asana, pranayama, mindfulness, and sound healing were all tools that helped us tap into the peace within, what the yogis call our true nature.

But “peace within” was not enough, I said, and mentioned that the theme for KYR 2017 was “Peace…Pass it On.” I had chosen the theme that year based on Opening Circle the year before when I had asked our attendees to share a one-word intention for the retreat. The overwhelming majority had answered, “peace.” Not surprising, given the divisive political rhetoric that had become the norm in 2016.

As the year moved forward and the politic rhetoric was anything but peaceful, I thought about that circle of faces craving peace—parents, professionals, teachers, caregivers, retirees, people struggling with illnesses, finances, relationship conflicts... I thought about the above quote from Thích Nhất Hạnh.

The Upanishads tell us that our thoughts become our words, our words become our actions, our actions become our habits, our habits become our character, and our character becomes our destiny.

In other words, peace begins within us, and from there it ripples outward.

I know so many of you who continue to find practices—yoga or other—that help you tap into that peace within. I know so many of you who intentionally cultivate kindness and compassion through positive rather than divisive speech. I know so many of you who tirelessly support causes in your communities and beyond. The love and energy you put into these practices is exactly what I’m talking about.

The above image was created for our KYR 2017 program cover by Christine’s daughter, Tahi, when she was 16. She’s now 23 and a graduate student studying glacial hydrology at the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute.

To Tahi, Shey, and the rest of you peaceniks: Thanks for passing it on!