Last night, in an early cool Austin evening, a girl sat down across from me at a local cafe, and said, “I just want to be silent near you, is that ok. I won’t take anything, but you walk in Peace, and I need to be near that right now.” Wow—that was a nice compliment.

Often i feel tumultuous, as my personality is so sensitive to my surroundings, and often dynamically volatile or reactive, but I’m glad that Peace is coming off me, despite myself. That the place in which I’m really sitting or seated internally, is emanating regardless of how i feel in the moment!

Another guy, I often see around town, who has had a tough life, today said,

“I always appreciate saying hi to you.” I’ve had so many moments like this this week, again despite being very busy and not feeling like I’m doing a great job, as I’ve been moving outside my “gift set” lots this week-spiritually stretching, as they say.

“Being reminded of how limited we each are, and yet, how boundlessly we can bless, when living in His Spirit!” as one early monk put it.

 People need to ground and feel safe to be themselves, and I hope that I am an honest authentic, creative, and safe place of Peace for others-a tree others can rest near, even if just for a moment. More and more, that’s what makes me happy.

Also been given several things for free this week, and I felt like they were offering it to something beyond me.

I like reminders like this. Just to be a place of Peace is often the biggest gift we can be, especially in our tumultuous times. Thankful to still be here this week, and that my presence might be a blessing in spite of myself.