I love the 60’s! The music, my tie dye t-shirts, my bell bottoms and of course peace and love.

Although I was born in the 60’s I was too late for the peace and love revolution, but the good news is, peace and love never go out of style and that’s where I choose to keep my focus.

Last week I went to a café in Bayfield and as I was waiting for my drink to be prepared, I glanced over at the wall where upcoming events were posted.

As I was scanning the posters, one caught my eye. It had kind of a 60’s flare.

This poster wasn’t promoting an event, it was promoting a random act of kindness which intrigued me even more.

The sign said, ‘Take What You Need’ and at the bottom there were tabs you could tear off - Forgiveness, Grace, Clarity, Security…. No name or organization was associated with this.

What touched me deeply was that someone took it upon themselves to offer this random act of kindness in such a beautiful and creative way.

And it worked.

After reading it my body felt energized. I felt happy.

After the café, I went and sat at the beach. It was a picture-perfect day. As I sat there, I was reflecting on how peace and love really are everywhere, we just need to be open to seeing and receiving it.

Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in world affairs and wonder ‘where did the love go?’ and it can bring a feeling of powerlessness.

The truth –

Love hasn’t gone anywhere.

It’s a matter of what we choose to focus on and nurture.

Sometimes we may feel like the world’s problems are too big, how can what we do make a change or difference?

We can make a difference.

It starts by cultivating peace and love in our own hearts.

I know when I take the time to compassionately be with myself, it affects the lens in which I see myself and the world. I want to share it just like the person who posted the sign in the café.

How can you find peace?

Take action.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Stop searching for peace on the outside.

Start exploring the depth of peace on the inside.

Consciously choose where you wish to place your focus and how.

Take time to BE with you.
Offer random acts of kindness to you.
Nurture yourself Ask 'What do I need?'
Meditate
Observe
Connect to your breath
Feel your feelings
Treat yourself like you would a best friend

When we invest the time to cultivate greater self-love and peace within, we then have the privilege of sharing it.

I choose to keep my focus on peace and love. Peace and love never go out of fashion.

My wish for all of us, is to embrace the peace and love within our heart and soul and share it. As John Lennon sang ‘All we are saying is, give peace a chance.’

This will be the last Mindful Monday until September. I am taking a break for the month of August and am excited to return in the Fall with an inspired energy!

Wishing you a wonderful rest of your summer and sending love and peace to each one of you.

Diane