Today is World Gratitude Day & International Day of Peace. What can I do to express gratitude and serve peace?

Step out of the way when needed, also show up and offer service based on respect to other sentient beings, and of course, our beautiful planet when needed. Yesterday afternoon in Australia, on the 21st of September, I wrote this on social media. I think it encapsulates how recognizing and respecting the Divine in others makes way for us all to live not only peacefully but joyously and gratefully.

“This afternoon, two women were walking their out-to-pasture greyhounds. Meaning, they were former racers or breeders and cared for lovingly after a life of no doubt, significant trauma. One of the dogs was in a large baby pram, and the other trotted beside it. They headed toward me on the footpath. I noticed the foundation jacket and charity brand leads on the dogs and felt happy they at least had found some reprieve from racing. As we got closer, the women began to veer onto the nature strip because of the COVID 1.5-meter restrictions. I quickly yelled, “No, no, no need. Let me move for you!”
They both burst forth excitedly, “Thank you, thank you. You are so kind!” and one of them added as I passed, “You are the first person ever to do that!”

I am not telling you this story to show how kind I am. Quite the opposite. Can you imagine that these two kind-hearted souls, humbly caring for dogs in such a beautiful manner, thanked me for stepping out of the way for them? Anyone encountering them should have thanked them and made their passage easier, don’t you think?

Come on, Melbournians/Australians, get off your phones, look at the wonders that folks are doing for other sentient beings. We can do better than forging our way through at the expense of others.”