Series of Lenten Walks taking place in Montezuma

     ​  Beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18, the season of Lent is a time of reflection and recognizing our own separation from the Holy within us. It requires us to be present in the moment, to shut out the distractions and just take time to listen to what the Creator and Sustainer of our lives may want to say to each of us. Some choose to give up chocolate, smoking, or some other type of personal fast during the 46 days to Easter Sunday, but mostly out of rooted traditions, and not for some meaningful purpose to draw closer to what brings us peace in our lives and with our loved ones and neighbors. 
      Our community and our world needs peace more than ever right now. We are divided at every turn it seems. At one time, being divided meant Hawkeye or Cyclone, Cardinals or Cubs, pineapple on pizza (or not). But today the division runs deeper, algorithms control our thoughts and selective rage over this or that has become the norm. Even our ecumenical connections that were once pillars of solidarity in our communities have become divided over who is included as part of belief, while ignoring one another’s shared values in faith. We could use a good cleansing. 
       Recently, 24 Buddhist monks completed a 2,300-mile walk to bring awareness to our need for peace. The group began their journey in Texas last October and walked 109 days in a variety of weather conditions, mostly barefoot, and ending in Washington D.C. on February 12th. Upon their arrival, a spokesperson for the group said, “peace is always with us. It’s been with us, never left us, never leaves us. We are too busy chasing. So, now, all we need to do is just slow down.”
      During this season of Lent and beginning with Ash Wednesday, all are invited to slow down for a short walk for peace, each Wednesday evening at 5 pm at Bonham Memorial Trail in Montezuma. The walk will begin at the Clark Street trailhead and will make a round trip journey to Barnes City Road and back. 
       The walk will occur in silence, so no devices, no earbuds, etc. Just listen for the footsteps of others near, far and walking beside one another, or take the time to silently pray. Making eye contact with other walkers, or a simple greeting of “peace be with you” is encouraged. The walk will go on in rain, snow, or shine. Much can be learned by listening to the languages of nature if you just pay attention; just dress accordingly. 
       Walk coordinator, Terence Blain Herrera shared, “these weekly walks are intended to bring us closer to the way of peace in our community, and to remember we never walk alone in this life. The weekly walks are not sponsored by any church or denomination in the community. I just wanted to invite others into finding a time to practice a way of mindfulness with the hope that we can strive to share in peace. All are welcome to participate, faith or no faith. This is not a fundraiser, not a race, not a competition, but a pathway of discovering peace together again. When I think of experiencing greater peace, I always go back to the old carol, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (and let it begin with me).” Terence adds, “If you are unable to physically walk each week, ask a participant to hold a photo or a note with your name written on it so that all may be carried along the same path.” 
        The final walk will be Wednesday April 1, and just before the beginning of the Christian Easter Triduum of Maundy Thursday evening through Easter Sunday.