15 Comments
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Gigi Coe's avatar

Hey Melissa! If you are on IG check out @tarynsmithmovement. She is rowing across the Atlantic. Although nearly through with her row, her past posts are wonderful. Today’s post, #42, is great. So inspiring.

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

I’ve been following her on Reels. Quite a challenging experience. The other day she his a low moment in her row.

Kalpana Jain's avatar

What a profound story! Thank you for writing this!

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

Thank you, Kalpana. Of course, I thought of your writing on spirituality as I contemplated the feelings I have in watching the monks on their Walk for Peace.

Ann Mikols's avatar

I started following the Walk for Peace this week. I will share your Facebook post and ask others to share your message that gave me a feeling of love, hope and peacefulness. I appreciate the gifts you gave me against the backdrop of horrors I see happening in our country.

Onward ❤️

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

Thanks, Ann, for your incredibly kind words about my own. I’m glad you’ve started to follow their Walk for Peace.

Lois Fiore's avatar

It's a profound comparison - the Monks' Walk for Peace and the marching citizens in Minneapolis today in below-zero weather.

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

I’m so grateful that we have the inspiration of the monks’ walk and the courageous protesters in Minnesota at a time when we are surrounded by the horrors of ICE. Thanks for taking g time to share your thoughts.

Mary Jane Checchi's avatar

What a great piece!! I had not followed the Walk for Peace, was only vaguely aware. The inner strength, the spiritual strength of the monks is moving and humbling. You pulled me into the story by beginning with Aloka, what a wonderful story in and of itself.

Thank you.

Cathy Grimes's avatar

I love how you have captured and shared the feelings so many of us have for the monks and their dog. Thank you so much!

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

Thanks, Cathy. I’m not surprised to discover that we’re on the same page with our feelings about Aloka and his human family.

Lisa Laskin's avatar

I have been loving the story of Aloka.

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

Reminds me of Newt!!!

Kay Drew's avatar

Hi Melissa--I too have been following Aloka and the Walk for Peace. I'm so glad the monks are out there providing us with an antidote to the horrors of ICE and the regime. As you say, the contrast could not be starker! But, awful as things are right now, I'm inspired by the March for Peace and by the terrific nonviolent resistance of the people of Minnesota. Thanks for this piece!

Melissa Ludtke's avatar

I appreciate you sharing your experiences in watching these very different street scenes happening in our divided nation today.