Roy’s Sunday Letter for February 15, 2026
Practice For Lives Well Lived
There have been two large events taking over my notepad and content of this week’s Sunday Letter. The first and most significant was the returning home of Ft. Worth’s own Buddhist Monks. On Saturday, Beth and I joined thousands of others in anticipating the final miles of their so very intentional “Walk for Peace.” We stood with respect with other followers of all races, ages, genders, and faiths as the Monks and Aloka, The Peace Dog, as they came into view. A Santa Fe friend drove 11 hours to be a witness and to be inspired.
If you or I took a walk around the block or along a river or mountain trail, what might be our purpose? Let’s say our purpose was the same as the Monks, peaceful living and loving kindness for all people. Now, can you make that same walk, with the same purpose, in good and bad weather for the next 110 days, or for the 2,300 miles of their dedicated Walk for Peace?
I openly shed tears as the walking line of monks came into view and took their final steps to enter the Temple grounds and gardens. We do not often witness their level of dedicated purpose on behalf of others, with no benefit to themselves. Along with t-shirts and music, there may be other productions being developed as entertainment, education, or one of the arts. My hope would be we can allow these Monks to simply walk, chant meditations and blessings for all of us and continue their Practice of Mindfulness, Kindness, and Peaceful Living.
The second is the Winter Olympics. Events are shown in the afternoon with a replay in the evening. My informal observation would be half of Olympic events are decided by the stopwatch. and the other half by more traditional Judge’s scores.
Ice dancers, alpine skiers, and other Olympic athletes dedicate years of creative and hard practice before a live event. The Monks are dedicated to walk, to serve others. In a different way, each event or competition shows the Olympian’s faces, their families, coaches and when the outcome is achieved or when less than hoped for, with no trophy or place on the winner’s stand.
Although there are some thirty-five or older athletes, many, if not most, are twenty to twenty-four. When the jump, rotation, or team effort fails we see patience, the physical and the emotional strain in their faces. So, as always, the Olympics is ours to watch the unfolding of achievements with the help of drones and reporters who help us appreciate what we have watched.
Roy, Monks and Athletes, heroes all
I did not attend the return of the Monks but I watched it on television. I was so impressed by the quiet displayed by the crowds. There was no shouting, yelling, just silence as they proceeded on their way and you know how full of joy they all felt. I admire that kind of gathering, a quiet protest against war and hatred. I have caught glimpses of the Winter Olympics and marvel at the discipline it must take to compete. Two very different groups , both dedicated to their goal. I admire them all.
Yes, on the difference and the same of both.
Standing at the Temple gate as the monks entered was a forever moment, a witnessing moment.
I seem to be quieter this week, less urgency.
So, change can come inside us from others…..let the hope and the light of being present continue on this Monday.
RB
Your writing, for some reason, reminds me of a statement that “MO Brings Plenty” , an Oglala Lakota said in an interview : “We do not live upon the land, but with the land!” This simple sentence causes me to reflect daily on my activities and their outcomes – not perfect, but gives me an objective as a steward (in name and purpose) of our lives daily.
Dave….the kindness of a smile or small help to others is my “living with the land” impression.
The Temple is attracting Beth to seek a new way of connecting. Don’t know the what and how yet.
She will find her way…..I will follow.
You reminding me of life’s truth important to my balancing of the day.
& thank you…..RB
Roy your words inspire me. I can make my walk into the grocery store a walk for peace. I can make my walk to a neighbors house with a plate of cookies a walk for peace. I can make my solitary walk around the roads of my neighborhood a walk for peace. The monks never asked for witnesses or camera crews. They never asked for agreement or change from the systemic powers. Their simple belief that right actions reverberate in the world teaches all of us. Thank you for helping us see that.
The monks along with their gentile spirit, Aloha have certainly out shined the recent political tyrads over the past year. Peoples hearts and souls have been stirred in the monks walk for gentleness and peace. Watching the Olympics can certainly stur the body and soul. The athletes determination for excellence and with their carefully honed skills in their choosen events certainly shows what the mind and body and soul can accomplish. Viewing their energy and sportsmanship on the field of challenges can show that through the special spirit of competition we can learn to connect with one other in this life of sharing new skills and perhaps new connections for a more peaceful existence for all.
Ron and Peter…
You both ate gentle, truthful writers of thoughts and words.
The 3 of us will do well together next R. Pope coffee.
I learn from you both…..RB
Something read along the way: The wings of a butterfly are felt in Chicago.
Don’t understand the truth of this one but feels right somehow.
Yes, I have had 2 outside contacts this morning…..got through both in my monk impression.
The monks ask me to slow down Everything!! A challenge to my upbringing.
I will carefully do my butterfly wings thing…..outcome unknown.
Trust.RB
May we all hold right action filled with love creates a space for the most unexpected changes and miracles. You help us all stay miracle-minded with this Sunday missive that we all appreciate and look forward to. Your Beth brings the cloud people close to amuse, inspire, allow us to lift the heaviness and float across the beauty of nature. Love to you both. Linda M
Friend forever Linda,,,
Beth is magic in this presence….the brighter light, clouds and all.
Your contacts are full of right acting 4 and 2 legged.
A nd you, stand tall in the midst of the crowded room.
And, we stand with you,,,,,cintinue on!
RB
The Monks and their wonderful dog set such an example for us all. As do Olympic athletes from all nations. They – and Roy and Beth’s words – inspire me to walk my values with every step. Walking in kindness, generosity, patience, gratitude, and compassion, smiling at everyone I meet generates these values out into the world and back into my own lived life. Thank you, Roy and Beth. Thank you to other commenters – we are all involved in one another’s lives.
Friend forever Marcia….
You have rewritten the New Testament in one paragraph. Well done and well lived.
So simple
So easy a path
So hard
The only path
My village is getting smaller.
2 males with advancing Alz
2 moved to be nearer family/grkids.
I announced cancer in Chicago.
We 4 staying near in ways we can….important.
RB