Wow, seven days in the high desert definitely helps to clear one’s mind. I am not sure that I could have asked for a better time away (except maybe for it to have been longer, have included more down time in nature, etc.). It was a great time away, to say the least. While away, we attended a conference and work shop focused around creating Nonviolent cities and spaces. The day before the workshop and the day after the conference, we participated in two vigils commemorating the 70th anniversaries of the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Our vigils included sitting in sack cloth and ashes as they did in Nineveh to repent of the destruction that was created. There were also energizing speakers sharing their current work towards Campaign Nonviolence. Below are a few things that I would like to share that I learned while away: 1. You cannot drink enough water to keep you hydrated in the desert. 2. Being around people with positive energy working on positive work is a great way to rejuvenate. 3. You never know where you might meet a fellow Disciple. 4. Nature has a great way of refreshing one’s soul and mind. 5. Taking time away from the technology that keeps us so distracted is most important. Peace and blessings! Nat
