WALKING

     I wrote the following piece several years ago when Bush Senior had invaded Iraq. Unfortunately, it is still relevant today, especially now that our new fearless leader has gone and done the same - with terrible results for our country and the world.

     These days, I'm walking. I have a car. It's sitting in the garage now, until the war is over. I'm walking. When I'm not walking, I'm riding my bike or taking the bus. And I stop often, and I stay slow because I don't want to be a part of a speeding machine, especially a war machine going so fast!
     Walking, I'm not part of the problem, the need for war, the need for gasoline. Walking, I have time to think and feel and notice how the clouds move across the sky. Walking, I meet folks and hear how others feel and what they think. Walking, I am much more a part of everything, sharing.
     It is difficult to stay centered now, hard even to find my center! There's an incredible amount of personal anger and negative energy being channeled through the war. There is an equally incredible amount of denial - folks acting as if the war doesn't exist and life is normal.
     The truth is that life will never again be what we have called normal. For most folks in the world, it never has been what we Americans have called normal. If we are to survive long range, I suggest that folks would be wise to put their trust into friends and family and not into institutions, especially not into those that have brought us to this brink of catastrophe. We need to come together and take care of ourselves. It is time.
     The main thing for right now as I see it is that we need to balance that terrible and potent darkness of the war with something equally awesome and potent of the Light. So, enjoy the good fortune we have, living here in this world of beauty. Radiate joy and love. And remember, we need to try not to be angry, even at ourselves. Anger feeds the dark tower. And we're here trying for the White Tower.

Eugene Marks