Long Walks On Leafy Streets

9/26/2013 Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells, ME (Thanks to Nicole)
Stillness is one of the most valuable treasures of this world. I am happiest and most peaceful when I can listen to the sounds of raindrops, a bird chirping or a twig dropping from a tree. Whether it is early morning at home before the world has awakened or in the twilight hours walking through a quiet street or trail, nothing brings one closer to nature and our own true self than stillness.
Yesterday evening Nicole and I participated in a book group meeting at our dear friend Susan’s studio office near Dupont Circle. We discussed Thich Nhat Hanh’s new book “The Art of Communication.” [See the post on 9/12/13 for more about Thich Nhat Hanh]. We always enjoy visiting Susan’s studio. There is a sense of peace and a stillness that is perhaps partly a reflection of Susan’s personality. We meditated for a few minutes and took turns sharing our thoughts about the book and the role communication plays in our lives.
While I enjoyed the reading and the discussion I also enjoyed the pauses in between when we all sat still. We could hear the sounds of the streets of Dupont Circle and the dogs barking. Yet the sounds did not seem to intrude into the stillness.
The book group is part of a larger community called Washington Mindfulness Community. This group was founded by our dear friend Richard Brady inspired by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. We practice meditation and also share our experiences with our effort to live mindfully. It is hard to describe what living mindfully means, in a few sentences. The best way to learn is through Thich Nhat Hanh’s books. As a close approximation I would say it is about living with love and compassion for oneself and others. Doing that requires staying in touch with one’s true self, undisturbed by the emotions and thoughts that buffet our minds everyday like the winds whipping up the ocean. Our true self lies calm and peaceful like the ocean under the waves. On sunday night we were fortunate to have Richard lead us in a question and answer session. Although Richard is now retired and lives in Vermont, he visits this area now and then.
Before the book meeting we walked to the circle that gives Dupont Circle its name. It used to be one of my favorite hangouts. There is a fountain in the middle with statues. Around the fountain there are two concentric circles of benches separated by a park with several tall elm trees. I like the circle because you can sit in the benches and watch people from all walks of life. It is always busy with people moving around. Yet I find it relaxing because it also feels like a break from the busy-ness of life, knowing that there are others who are also sitting there and enjoying the day. These days I don’t get the time to go there that much. If I want to relax or take a break I go for a walk in my new neighborhood near Takoma. But whenever I get a chance to visit Dupont Circle it brings back memories of my younger days. Recently the people from the mindfulness group had a picnic in Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park, just across the street from the Diplomat Apartments where I used to live. We enjoyed meditating and chatting under the tall oak trees of the park. After the picnic I biked to Dupont Circle down 18th street. It was one of those gorgeous days when just being outside was a pleasure. I felt like I was 26 again. They say it is not very good to live in the past. But once in a while it is good to reminisce and relive the past. Because when you look back at it you realize that, although at that time you may not have thought it was great, whatever happened was for the good and it helps you make peace within yourself.

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