A Parcel of Peace

It was over a year ago, on a cold wintry night in early January, that I gathered with a circle of friends in the home of the inspirational person who brought forth the concept for the work of One Thousand Acts of Peace. The concept of committed Acts of Peace that start individually, bringing about a change in our lives, and thereby spreading to the lives of others through daily acts of peace, intrigued me as a revolutionary idea that could be a template to start a grassroots movement for peace. And to change a world so full of hatred to a world moving toward peace. The evening lifted all of our spirits, filling us with a hope for this opportunity to be seized, and to make a positive change in our world. 

After that evening, I considered how I could implement One Thousand Acts of Peace in my own life. I have often grappled though many layers of disbelief and the seeds of doubt that negative thoughts will sow in a person’s mind. How can I possibly bring about peace in my own life let alone cultivate peace in other people’s lives? I am not strong enough, and I am too selfish a person, were some of the many intruding thoughts discouraging my spirit from acting. I believe that inner peace is a lifelong endeavor, but have been reminded through instruction that staying with a discipline can bring about results. 

When I thought about how to create an environment for peace in my life that would positively impact others, I thought about my travels. In my business of real estate, I have been traveling around the world for the past seven years. Two years ago, I traveled to Nicaragua and was captivated by a country so enchantingly beautiful but also gripped in miserable poverty. I immensely enjoyed my time exploring the southern Pacific coast of Nicaragua, with many miles of pristine, secluded beaches, perfectly curled waves that beckoned to a few intrepid surfers, breathtaking volcanic islands arising from lakes that I viewed against a backdrop of an incredible sunset, the charming colonial city of Granada, the warmth and hospitality of the Nicaraguan people -- many of them very poor, but rich in spirit. Nicaragua is a place that is changing, moving forward with basic infrastructure. New highways and coastal roads are going in, plus power plants, residential and commercial real estate development projects, golf courses, schools, hospitals, ports and marinas. 

Nicaragua is a place I have decided I want to spend time in. Last year, I purchased a parcel of land a few miles from the fishing village of San Juan del Sur. I am slowly developing the property with the idea that it will be a place of peace, for meditation and retreat. I have carved in a road to the top of the hill, planted mango, almond, guava, avocado, orange, and lemon trees. When my manager called me last week with the wonderful news that we hit a great amount of water where the chosen well site has just been drilled – some thirty gallons a minute! – I could only think it was a gusher of living waters of peace. I am planning to build the meditation center this year that will overlook the Pacific Ocean. The project name is Actos de Paz. I hope some of you will be visiting!

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