The alarm sounds, we give thanks and start the preparation for our day. Breakfast made, body is nourished…we are ready for what the day brings. With intention of bringing peace and love to all we meet…we head out the door.

Ignition started, slowly making way to the open road, we breathe peace and love once more. With a smile on our faces we head to the interstate in hopes of a smooth drive to our work day. Last light before the highway, smile still on our face, we turn onto the interstate. Slowly accelerating to travel speed…something happens.

Upon merging onto the highway, the car to your left fails to let you in with what appears to be a deliberate acceleration of his own vehicle. Our breath stops for a moment. At this moment we have a choice…speed up to pass with anger, honk the horn in rage whilst slowing down, or simply slow down and allow them to hurry about their day.

We are not in a hurry to spread love, we just do…therefore slowing to allow the hurried commuter to go on ahead. Breathing once more…with peace and love as our passenger, we continue on the commute. Not more than a mile up the road we are greeted by another hurried individual, this time riding our butts. Once again our breath leaves us…leaving us with a choice…but this time it is different.

Instead of allowing the person to simply pass, which you do, there is an exchange of their hurried anger. They flip you off, with an unfriendly gesture…as though your going a few miles over the speed limit was not adequate for their hurried lifestyle. They blame you for their poor commute…what do you do? Darn those choices…smile and wish them well, return the unfriendly gesture or harbor their anger as your own, ruining the start of a beautiful day.

Luckily for you, it is a beautiful day, filled with many miracles forever in your favor…thankfully you are open to seeing them. Witnessing another miracle within the self, as you let go of their anger, allowing peace and love to fill your vehicle once more.

Arriving to work, about to make way to your favorite parking space, you are cut off by someone you have never met. With a stern glare shot in your direction, again choices present themselves…smile and allow this hurried person to take your spot, offering them silent blessings, lose your cool, getting out to confront them (we know how this goes…and usually doesn’t end well for one of the people involved, further accentuating the anger presented in that moment and carrying into the day), or simply picking another spot.

The work day begins, with intent of making a positive impact, something goes wrong with the equipment. Further, the engineers are unavailable to fix it for at least a couple of hours…delaying the loving kindness that you so wished to share. What to do? Just be.

The truth is we are all faced with decisions or events that challenge our love and compassion that exists within all of us. Our differences as people create many conflicts, as we all want to make an impact in the world. In our choices of how to be in any given situation, we are defined in how we react to the dilemmas of the day. The angry people, the inadequate working conditions, the misfortunes in life…all present an opportunity to share loving kindness.

Mother-Nature is a great leader in how to be…she just is. No matter the slaughter of her sister trees, destruction of her beauty, she stills gives selflessly to all…allowing all to enjoy her presence. Sadly, too few enjoy her company…getting caught up in the monotony of the day. Those who do, risk being ‘weird’ as they go out for walks in meadows, swim in refreshing waters that our Mother provides.

For today, and all days forward, I choose to be ‘weird,’ enjoying all that Mother-Nature has to offer. When my days get to burdensome, I shall retreat to her quietest places…returning my breath to Peace, Love and Happiness.

Stepping into the Canvas with hopes of being weird. No longer playing the game of the masses, but of the few who find peace and joy all around them. Taking note of the flowers in bloom, birds singing, the wind comforting my soul and Mother-Nature as my guide…Ani Po