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Joanne Valerius, W A M M Intern
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A WAMM member responded to this column, reminding me that we are doing the work we do for the world’s children and that at least we “have tried” to embrace peace. It is hard, on this beautiful spring day in Minnesota, to find peace of heart when we have been barraged with scenes of torture and abuse during the war in Iraq.
Perhaps it is more necessary than ever to take a break from the wars that are going on—especially the war that rumbles inside of us as we, in our peace-making efforts, express our anger and frustration about military madness through letter writing, marches, vigils, etc.
What I am suggesting this month is to find a few minutes to “ground” yourself. Literally, I suggest that you take a comfortable chair outside to a nice plot of grass, a city beach, or perhaps your peace garden. This is an organic, non-chemical-weapon, peace-giving and earth-loving exercise meant to give us a sense of grounding in a world that lacks the simple foundation of human dignity.
Follow these simple steps to get back in touch with Mother Earth, and take root:
1. Sit comfortably in a chair.
2. Take off your shoes and socks. (Perhaps help a friend to do the same.)
3. Dig into the earth using your toes and heels.
4. Wriggle the earth over and through your toes and feet.
5. Imagine that you are a seed being planted into that particular spot of the earth.
6. Breathe in and out, using your own favorite mantra. For example, as you inhale, say, “Peace in,” as you exhale, say, “War be gone.”
7. If you have some water handy, pour it over this space. (Yes, you might get a bit muddy.) Imagine that your seed has rooted.
8. Don’t forget to keep breathing.
9. Imagine what your seed is becoming. Is it a peace sign, a poem, a flower, nourishing food?
10. Thank Mother Earth for the few moments of relaxation.
11. When you are ready, return to the world, and continue the cause of peace.
Please email me your ideas for relaxation and rejuvenation. |
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© 2004 Women Against Military Madness. All rights reserved.
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Complete June 2004 Index - click here
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