I’ve just returned from Southern California where the setting sun glistened on the Pacific Ocean as I sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. To my left was a place I’ve visited a few times… Alcatraz, the notorious jail surrounded by freezing, shark infested waters, where Al Capone was locked up for years. In complete contrast I had earlier walked amongst a truly magical place – Muir Woods, the home of the mighty Redwood which grows for over a thousand years. The freedom, peace and tranquility couldn’t have been a greater contrast than the conditions experienced by the mafia gangster.
It was here on May 19, 1945, that over five hundred UNCIO delegates representing 46 different nations, took time off from a UN peace conference and gathered amongst the giant Redwoods to honour the recently deceased President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
It was hoped that in such a ‘temple of peace’ the delegates would gain a perspective and sense of time that could be obtained nowhere better than in such a superb setting. Many of the trees were standing at the time of Christ.
In the depth of the woodland, a clear water river cascades into waterfalls and if you’re very quiet you hear eagles, see chipmunks and smell skunks.
It was an amazing feeling that the leaders of the world had gathered in such a serene place to commit to peace for all humanity. The difference between the calmness of the grove and the dark, claustrophobic atmosphere of Alcatraz was considerable.
We all have choices in life that lead us down the path of peace and love or along the one of conflict, derision and hate. Sometimes it’s difficult to know where our life paths are going, but let’s hope we’re given the courage and guidance to ensure we always follow the right way.
To help us chill out this week here’s a beautiful track I kept hearing everywhere in San Francisco. I was quite obviously meant to share it with you. I hope it helps you find your own path to peace and tranquility this week….
(I think you can guess where I took this week’s picture?!)
Hope you had a great holiday and thank you for a lovely MMM. Great picture of a sunset.
Thanks Dawn, it was a lovely 2-night mini break!