Walking for Peace: featured on the DAILY GOOD platform!

Mony and Alberto in Venice, Italy

"I needed ten years to properly digest all that occurred during those thirteen months of walking. Although I was declaring over and again that peace begins within, only with time would I fully comprehend the power and profundity of those words.

I would come to understand that we are all on a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery. There are many who walk this path consciously, others still not.

My Walk for Peace began as an active response to a situation that I saw (9/11); but the true path I was walking in reality had little to do with peace in Jerusalem.

It was a path of initiation, a journey into the inner realms, one whose intention was to heal the wounds and divisions that I hosted there, so that the Light that is our essence may fully manifest and declare its presence in its rightful home: the heart.       

The Jerusalem I was walking towards was always within me; a state of grace, perfection and peace that I know one day will be reflected in the Jerusalem that I see in my outer world."

💖

Click HERE or on the picture to read the full article.

Thank you DailyGood.org for the opportunity to share our story on your incredible platform. And thank you to the thousands of people who have read and shared this article. 🙏

~Mony 


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#monydojeiji #albertoagraso #walkingforpeace #consciousness #pilgrims #CaminodeSantiago #RometoJerusalem #innerjourney #pilgrimage #peregrina #peregrino #buencamino #conciencia Alberto Agraso #Jerusalem #WayoftheSoul #WayofLove #love #peace #ligthworkers #caminandoporlapaz #light #spirituality

Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

 

On this night many years ago, Alberto and I celebrated Christmas Eve in Bethlehem, ending a 13-month pilgrimage for peace.

Like the Wise Men, we too had journeyed from afar, following a six-sided star. It was one of the persistent signs that guided our journey. We naturally assumed it referred to the Star of David, confirming our pilgrimage to the Holy Land. But it was so much more!

We didn’t plan to arrive in Jerusalem or Bethlehem on Dec. 24. I see now that it was one of those seminal moments – like the many we had during our walk – where a greater Hand was orchestrating the events of our arrival so that we may understand the mystical meaning of this sacred day. We were led to the people and circumstances to be physically in Bethlehem and to participate in the outer celebrations, but to mark the inner significance of this birth in a completely unrelated manner.

In stillness. In silence. In simplicity.

In our hotel room, we each lit a candle and gave thanks to all the forces that had delivered us there safely. We offered our deep love and appreciation for the journey we had just completed and the many lessons yet to be revealed.

We bowed in reverence to the Light and the Love that was being born that night in the cave of our hearts.

We brought gifts as well, offering a heart that had been broken open and its darkest recesses filled with love. We brought a mind whose ideas and constructs has been torn down and rebuilt on a foundation of truth and higher thought. We offered feet and bodies that had walked in service to that Love, and that committed to do so over and again.

It is a Love that is eternal. A Light more brilliant than a thousand suns. It heals all. It beautifies all. It comforts all. It illuminates all.

It is the Divine essence of who we are, a universal consciousness of brotherhood, compassion and service. It is what is born again at this time, and what we delight in celebrating.

May this Light shine ever so brilliantly in your lives, always. <3

Mony




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#monydojeiji #albertoagraso #walkingforpeace #consciousness #pilgrimage#pilgrims #peace #CaminodeSantiago #thewayofstjames #theway #peregrinos#light #love #Christmas #ChristmasEve #ChristConsciousness #lightworkers

VIDEO and AUDIO - Pilgrim Story Hour, Death and Birth

I have long been fascinated by teachings related to the sun.

When I learned that ancient pilgrims also walked a path more ancient and sacred than the current Camino, following the Milky Way or path of the stars, I couldn't help but reflect that pilgrimage was an opportunity to follow the path of the sun, so that our own light may shine more brightly.

I hope you enjoy this short reflection.

Keep shining!

#pilgrimage #pilgrims #CaminodeSantiago #Camino #WayofStJames #Caminostory #storytelling #storiesthattransform #journeysthattransform #travel #adventure #walkingforpeace #walking #innerjourney #RometoJerusalem #consciousness #Ottawa #monydojeiji #PilgrimStoryHour #podcast #video #peace #love #adventuretravel 

AUDIO and VIDEO, Pilgrim Story Hour - Carrying Precious Cargo

As pilgrims, we spend much time preparing the physical aspects of our journey, and often neglect the fact that we are pilgrims walking to a destination that many consider sacred, and one they may never visit in their lifetimes.

On this episode of the Pilgrim Story Hour, I share stories of some of the precious cargo I was asked to carry with me to Jerusalem, and what I learned from the process.

The YouTube VIDEO is below, along with all other episodes of this series. My channel is http://www.youtube.com/c/MonyDojeiji.

The AUDIO podcast of this, and all other, episodes is on:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mony-dojeiji/

and iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/pilgrim-story-hour/id1138028764

Thanks for tuning in, and for sharing!



#CaminodeSantiago #pilgrimage #pilgrim #storytelling #podcast #webcast #consciousness #RometoJerusalem #walkingforpeace #innerjourney #walking #sacredjourney

Mony and Alberto speak about their walk at First Unitarian Ottawa

In this one-hour presentation with Q&A, at First Unitarian Ottawa, Alberto and I share the story of our walk to Jerusalem. We hope you enjoy it!

Christmas Eve in Bethlehem

This evening is special for so many reasons.

On this day many years ago, Alberto and I arrived in Jerusalem, ending our 5000-km, 13-month pilgrimage for peace from Rome.

We hadn't planned it that way, but there we were the afternoon of Dec. 24, at the doors of the Old City, at Bab-al-Khalil. We would learn that Bethlehem was open that day to pilgrims wishing to celebrate. And it was indeed where we celebrated Christmas Eve.

I have photos and souvenirs from our time there, but this particular nativity holds a place in my heart. It is simple, carved by a local Arab artisan from the woods growing there. It's missing a shepherd or two :-)

But when I look at it, all that emerges is love. A magic transports me to a time and place where I feel the hush and witness the wonder and light that were born that night.

I share with you that wonder and that light, sending its blessings to you and your loved ones on this, and every, holy night.

Rome to Jerusalem - interviews from the way

These are some of the TV interviews that we did during our walk from
Rome to Jerusalem. One is with Croatian national TV and the other is with an
Albanian TV station that was located in Serbia/Montenegro. They give you an
idea of what we looked like during our walk back in 2001-2002.

Enjoy! :-)

Reflections on 9/11

This day, 9/11, remains in my memory as the catalyst for the greatest journey of my life.

While on the Camino in July of that year, I received the inspiration to walk the Way of the Soul to Jerusalem. I was decided, confident that this was my path, seeing only possibilities and paying no heed to the nagging fears that insisted on surfacing…until I got off the Camino.

Conversations with family and friends only focused on the craziness of the idea, of a woman walking alone along the side of the road through countries unknown to a region that people were trying to escape from. My fears began to win over my heart. I began to put aside my calling, and to listen to reason, to fear.

9/11 shook me out of that stupor, and placed me on the path of action, of following my heart even when I didn’t have all the details worked out, of trusting in the invisible forces that had guided me on the Camino, and that were guiding me still.

I reflect on this day often, how easy it would have been to fall deeper into fear and shut myself off from the world. I saw that same struggle on the faces of so many people. Despite the horrors of the day, I also saw so much grace and dignity, so much love and compassion, so many people refusing to bow to fear and to carry on, choosing to light the way rather than close off in darkness.

If there can be a gift from this day, it was to witness that choice and to feel its power reverberating into the heart of all creation.

Namaste <3

Responding to Conflict

During moments of conflict, Alberto and I are sometimes asked why we keep silent, why we don’t add our voices in support of one side or another, why we don’t publish inflammatory remarks or images, why we don’t condemn what we see. How, we are asked, can we be silent when image after image shows evidence of the inhumanity and cruelty being perpetrated?

Of course, at times, I feel overwhelmed by anger and despair at what I see. I keep asking myself: when are people going to wake up?  When are they going to realize that war solves nothing, no matter the arguments from either side?

It is by choice that we retreat from the heavily-charged emotions and drama. It is by choice that we disengage from destructive and negative energies. There are enough people voicing their outrage, their condemnation, not only on the streets, but on social media and media of all kinds. There is no doubt that awareness of this situation exists. The big question is: now that we are aware, how do we proceed?

Experience has shown Alberto and I, over and again, that wherever we place our attention and our energies, especially passionate ones, will inevitably manifest in our reality in ways we can’t even imagine. Let me give you a simple example that happened to us just today that powerfully demonstrates what we mean. During lunch with a friend, we spoke at length about our recent experiences with people who invade our personal space asking for donations to the charity or cause they represent. It was a passionate conversation with each of us sharing our different stories. Not ten minutes into our conversation, a woman approached our table and, leaning into us, began to ask for money, in the same intense way that we were describing at that moment. The restaurant was full, and our table was in the center of the floor, but she, as if pulled by some invisible thread, came directly to us first. She eventually made her way around all the tables, but we couldn’t help but be amazed at this indisputable synchronicity.

This is but one small example of so many more we can share that demonstrate how intense, focused attention on any subject can make it appear in our reality.

We certainly don’t condemn those who choose to condemn. We applaud the efforts of those trying to create change in whichever way they feel works best for them, and which honors their beliefs and who they are. When we see angry protests, judgments of right and wrong, attempts to create divisions, calls for retribution… to us, these are energies which are adding to the anger, the judgment, the divisions that already exist. Despite their often noble intentions, by focusing so much negatively-charged attention, we feel that they may be amplifying the conflict more than healing it.

We prefer to seek out those who are choosing to create peace and reconciliation despite the horrors they are living. We place our energies and attention on the builders and peace-makers. Although the media may not report on them, they exist. Among them are: Palestine-loves-Israel, Israel-loves-Palestine, Iran-loves-Israel & Palestine, Parents Circle - Families Forum, YaLa-Young Leaders, Jews and Arabs Refuse to be Enemies, Jerusalem Hug, The Peace Factory, Peace It Together, Leading Leaders for Peace, and so many more.

We look within, always, to heal the divisions within our own hearts, from the personal to the emotional and spiritual, believing that inner peace and unity will manifest in outer peace and unity. As Gandhi said, we must be the peace we wish to see in the world.

We hold the image of a united people in our minds, feeding it with our thoughts and belief that it is not only possible, but happening, using the examples of the above-mentioned groups as a foundation.

Above all else, we remember that we chose our life and circumstances for a purpose, just as surely as every single human being on this earth has similarly chosen, for reasons our earthly minds cannot fathom, but which a greater Wisdom and Love does indeed comprehend.

And as difficult as it is to do, we hold on to the belief that, no matter how heart-wrenching the imagery or stories told, the life of each and every one of these individuals served a grand purpose in their spiritual journey and the journeys of all those whose lives they touched.

The days, or moments, when we feel strong and connected with Source, we extend the Light and Love to envelop all of creation, sensing this energy penetrate to the Divine core of every being, just as we feel it penetrating ours. In this way, we lift ourselves and the world around us.

In the silence, we create #peace.

#makepeace #iampeace #JewsandArabsRefuseToBeEnemies.

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Camp in Ottawa

On August 16th, Alberto and I were invited to share our journey of the inner way with a group of Israeli and Palestinian youth who are here from Jerusalem, joining a group of young Canadians, at Peace Camp Ottawa (@PeaceCampOTT), in activities and programs that foster peace-building. What an amazing group! It was a privilege to be among them and to contribute, in some small measure, to the work of peace that each is doing. For me, a bit of a dream coming true, and very emotional. Thank you all. Shukran. Toda. And much love

Short Stories from our Walk for Peace

With so many experiences to share from our pilgrimage to Jerusalem, it was impossible to include them all in one book. So we have decided to start posting some of these short stories, many of which give deeper insight into the existing stories in the book, and others which simply stand on their own as interesting stories.

The first story takes place on the Camino, where I received the initial inspiration to undertake the pilgrimage. It is called "The Oracles". Here, you will meet the legendary Tomas, the Knight Templar of Manjarin, and learn the important role he played in my final decision to walk for peace. I hope you enjoy it and buen camino!


The Oracles



On Jerusalem and Rainbows

A few days ago, I watched the Spanish book trailer of Coelho’s latest book called “Manuscript found in Accra”. I had no idea what the book was about, and so was very surprised to learn that the story takes place in Jerusalem, in 1097, on the eve of the Crusades entering a city whose major religions had hitherto been living in peace. While awaiting the imminent invasion, the people gather to ask a wise man to speak about various themes: life, love, fear, death. It reminded me a great deal of Khalil Gibran’s “The Prophet”. They also discuss what makes up the soul of the city, and decide to hide it until the conflict is over and peace is restored to the land.

Jerusalem, and that entire region, had been on my mind lately, of course, because of recent events there. Although in my heart I know that the path to peace is inner, I was having a difficult time holding on to that. I couldn’t find clarity. I couldn’t calm my emotions. Even after watching a spectacular TED presentation on how to stop violence without becoming violent, I couldn’t find centre.

At the same time, for the past week, I had been reading with my daughter (as part of her homework) about Jerusalem and the Crusades. We were specifically reading about the year 1099, when the Crusades captured Jerusalem.

Clearly, these were not mere coincidences. There was something there for me to consider; so I decided to go for a walk to see if I could gain some clarity.

The day was clear, the sun was brilliant and the air brisk; so you can imagine my surprise when I saw the trace of a rainbow around the sun. Now, I love rainbows. They are magnificent creations and, to me, represent the highest symbol of divinity and grace. Whenever I see one, I feel as if the heavens are saying hello, reminding me of their presence not only in my life, but in all life.

I thanked that little rainbow for appearing, and tucked it away as encouragement from the heavens to feel hopeful. I continued on my walk, enjoying the day, and as I looked up once again, I could not believe what I saw. In that clear blue sky was what I can only describe as a smiling rainbow, or the bottom arc of a rainbow. I was beyond incredulous and stopped to look at it for the longest time. Even when I thought I lost it a few times during that walk, whenever I turned a corner or looked through some trees, there it was again, a little fainter, but still fully visible. I took some pictures with my phone, but can’t seem to download them. The picture above comes from the Internet, but is what I saw.

That rainbow was with me for over half an hour. As I walked back home, contemplating its significance, I stopped to pick up a discarded piece of paper along the path and couldn’t contain my amazement. I brought it home, the final traces of that rainbow saying its final goodbye as I got to my front door.

Here’s the paper at my feet:

It was a Rainbow Mine firecracker wrapper, made by the Mystical Distribution company! Clearly the heavens and the rainbows were speaking to me that day, trying to bring me the clarity I sought. And so, as I sat to meditate later that night, these are the words that emerged. I’ve only done minor editing.

There is no outer. There is no other. There is naught but the inner: the rebellion within; the massacre within; the bloodshed within as the forces within you try to unite. The ground on which their reunification must take place is on the land of the Christ, in the realm and kingdom of the Christ light (or Buddha or Krishna light…here, I refer to that universal Divine light that transcends all dogma and religion, whose essence is Love). It is upon this light that all parties, all divisions, must merge into. What you are seeing in the outer planes is the inner revolution; the resistance to the consciousness that is overtaking your soul and the soul of the planet. The soul of Jerusalem is in the hands and hearts of its people living together. That is the soul that is uniting, and that is resisting. All you can – and MUST – do is keep the terrain, the land of the Christ in your heart, pure. Keep it sacred, untouched by these passing currents. Take into your heart the suffering and pain that you feel from all sides, and TRANSMUTE IT. Bring it back to balance, to harmony, like the beautiful music that you have been hearing of late; the music made by Palestinians and Israelis coming together to create harmony. It is happening.

Embrace within your own heart the Palestinian and the Israeli, the aggressor and the victim. Both archetypes are within you, and are playing themselves out for you in this aching drama. Bring them into you; and as vehemently as they struggle, you shine equally as brilliantly. They are closer than ever, even though they seem so far apart. Hold the light steady. Keep the terrain clean. Do not abandon them now. Radiate the love that you are, and allow the anger, the fear, the antimony to dissolve. That is your only role. Keep gazing within. Keep the warrior’s heart clean and strong. Prepare the land for unification; for only in the land of light will darkness naturally, and of its own volition, dissolve.

Blessed be.

Perhaps Coelho is right. The soul of Jerusalem does reside in the heart of each and every one of its inhabitants; in their hopes, in their dreams, in their highest of intentions and tiniest of acts. But it also resides within us too. We each carry a piece of Jerusalem, and it is up to each and every one of us to heal our piece: that part within us that is in conflict, the bully and victim within us, that which is silent within us and that which clamours to be heard…and all those fragments that refuse to bow to the Light, to the Love, that is our essence. Only by healing those shattered pieces within our hearts may we be able to offer that all-important peace to the whole.

And so I thank you, inner conflict, for revealing yourself to me in this way. Without you, without this external drama, I wouldn’t be at this place now, grappling to find wisdom and meaning. Thank you Israelis and Palestinians for taking on this terrible role, so that we may see the conflict and division in our own hearts. I am preparing your land in the meadows and valleys of my heart, where you may finally rest and find strength and wisdom in the glory of the Light that you too are. Thank you, thank you and thank you.

September 11

This Sunday marks the tenth anniversary of an event that forever changed our world.  It most certainly changed mine. 

On that day, I was in Lebanon visiting with my family after the death of my grandmother.  I had just finished the Camino in northern Spain a month earlier, walking the 800 kilometres with an intention to find direction in my life, knowing only that I wanted to do something for peace.  I had quit my corporate job, thrown on a backpack, and just started traveling.  From Egypt to Turkey to Greece to Italy to France…they all hinted at what my life could look like, but it was the Camino that finally defined it.  Through a series of incredible coincidences, I decided I would walk for peace along the Way of the Soul, a path more mystical than physical, to Jerusalem. 

I felt inspired, ready to start right away.  On the Camino, everything seems possible; but away from it, ever so slowly, it all just seemed like one big crazy idea.  I mean, come on, a woman walking alone along the side of the road to Jerusalem?  As much as my heart was calling me to do it, my fears were equally as loud in stopping me.

So I listened to my fears…until those attacks.

They galvanized me into action; and not because I suddenly had no fears.  They were still there, but at that moment, contributing something constructive to peace seemed to me more important than my fears.  The fates brought into my path all that I needed to begin walking, including a Spanish man named Alberto, who would join me on this Walk and also forever change my life .

There are so many events going on to commemorate 9/11.  One that I especially like is the Walk for Humankind.  I considered organizing one here in Ottawa, but the more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that yes, I want to walk on that day, but that I want the moments of that walk to be inner-focused.  I don’t want to carry banners or shout the message of peace to the world, but rather reconnect with that feeling of peace within me, truly feel it, embrace it, and then once again bring it into my seemingly-mundane, everyday world. 

That was perhaps the grandest teaching of my walk to Jerusalem, and one whose nuances and implications I still experiment with.  Ultimately, my walk for peace had nothing to do with Jerusalem, and everything to do with what I carried with me and offered to that divided land.  That’s why all journeys are sacred, for they all inevitably lead to the same destination: the inner. 

I invite you to go on that inner walk that day.