Apr 22: Spirit of Peace Meditation [In Person]

What:  Spirit of Peace Meditation - In Person!

When:  Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Where:  South Minneapolis, email for location

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What is this?  Read more about this practice here and join us in practicing seeing the love and light in each other and recommitting our strength to the cause of love.  

Aug 30: Spirit of Peace Meditation ONLINE

 

It feels like a season to invite folks to a public practice of the Spirit of Peace Meditation.

If you feel called to join with others in 1) recommitting to "give our strength ... that love may reign and war may cease" and 2) to practice seeing the love and light in one's self and others, please consider yourself welcome to the next public online practice.

What: Spirit of Peace Meditation*
When: Friday, August 30, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Central Time USA (UT-05)
Where: Zoom Meeting ID: 941-277-002; Password: DUP

At this time we will meet monthly online. It may shift to in-person and more frequently, so sign up for the Spirit of Peace newsletter on this page to be most up-to-date.

If you have interest and delight in supporting this public practice of dedicating one's spirit to peace and seeing the holy love and light in each person, please reach out and let us know. Use the contact form here or send an email to listening@pointsoflightmusic.net.

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Interested in history of the practice? Follow this link of posts tagged with "Spirit of Peace Walk" including *how we adapted it to zoomland,

Jul 26: Spirit of Peace Online Meditation

It feels like a season to invite folks to a public practice of the Spirit of Peace Meditation.

If you feel called to join with others in 1) recommitting to "give our strength ... that love may reign and war may cease" and 2) to practice seeing the love and light in one's self and others, please consider yourself welcome to the next public online practice.

What: Spirit of Peace Meditation*
When: Friday, July 26, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Central Time USA (UT-05)
Where: Zoom Meeting ID: 941-277-002; Password: DUP

At this time we will meet monthly online. It may shift to in-person and more frequently, so sign up for the Spirit of Peace newsletter on this page to be most up-to-date.

If you have interest and delight in supporting this public practice of dedicating one's spirit to peace and seeing the holy love and light in each person, please reach out and let us know. Use the contact form here or send an email to listening@pointsoflightmusic.net.

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Interested in history of the practice? Follow this link of posts tagged with "Spirit of Peace Walk" including *how we adapted it to zoomland,

Jun 14: Spirit of Peace Public Meditation ONLINE

 

It feels like a season to invite folks to a public practice of the Spirit of Peace Meditation.  

If you feel called to join with others in 1) recommitting to "give our strength ... that love may reign and war may cease" and 2) to practice seeing the love and light in one's self and others, please consider yourself welcome to the next public online practice.

What:  Spirit of Peace Meditation*
When:  Friday, June 14, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Central Time USA (UT-05)
Where:  Zoom Meeting ID:  941-277-002; Password:  DUP

At this time we will meet monthly online.  It may shift to in-person and more frequently, so sign up for the Spirit of Peace newsletter on this page to be most up-to-date.  

If you have interest and delight in supporting this public practice of dedicating one's spirit to peace and seeing the holy love and light in each person, please reach out and let us know.  Use the contact form here or send an email to listening@pointsoflightmusic.net.

--

Interested in history of the practice?  Follow this link of posts tagged with "Spirit of Peace Walk" including *how we adapted it to zoomland, 

Jun 11: Hearts Wide Open to the Wind @ Missoula, MT

We're sharing the Spirit of Peace Meditation with folks in Missoula, Montana!

Come on over if you're in the neighborhood!

Event: Hearts Wide Open to the Wind: Movement Meditations Weaving Peace, Community, Justice & Our Hearts

When: Saturday, June 11, 2022, 6-8 p.m. (MST)

Where: The Greens Picnic Shelter, Fort Missoula South, Missoula, MT
(Map)

Tinyurl:  https://tinyurl.com/MissoulaSoP-DUP

May 10: Hearts Wide Open to the Wind: Movement Meditations Weaving Peace, Community, Justice, & Our Hearts

We're sharing the Spirit of Peace Meditation with folks in Des Moines, Iowa!  

Come on over if you're in the neighborhood!

Event:  Hearts Wide Open to the Wind:  Movement Meditations Weaving Peace, Community, Justice & Our Hearts

When:  Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Where:  the Peace Garden at Cowles Commons, 221 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA
(Map)

Public Spirit of Peace Meditation Update: Occasional Gatherings

Holding the public practice of the Spirit of Peace Meditation is shifting away from monthly.  It is clear that monthly is unsustainable for current leaders to commit to.  It's uncertain if it might become a quarterly practice at the solstices and equinoxes, or another frequency.  

If you have interest and delight in supporting this public practice of dedicating one's spirit to peace and seeing the holy love and light in each person, please reach out and let us know.  Use the contact form in the menu or send an email to listening@pointsoflightmusic.net.

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Interested in history of the practice?  Follow this link of posts tagged with "Spirit of Peace Walk" including how we adapted it to zoomland, 

Moving to 4th Sundays: Spirit of Peace Public Meditation Practice

Life is a dance that is constantly listening and adjusting to its partners.  

One thing we're paying attention to here at Points Of Light Music is the viability of doing a ongoing public meditation that we call the Spirit of Peace.  If you haven't heard about it before, you can read about it here.  

Making space for this in the middle of the week in the middle of the day has not been easy.  Nor has it drawn folks probably because this timing is hard for many.  So we're gonna try something different...

New time:  4th Sunday of the month, 2 p.m. in the afternoon

Location:  Minnesota State Capitol Grounds, St. Paul

We'll try this for a bit and review.   

In the reflection for this change, we wanted to name why this practice of coming together still feels important.  

• It allows us an opportunity to reflect on the inherent worth of every person we meet and practice seeing that in each person.  (because if we're honest, it's hard to do that sometimes ... er, a lot of times)
• Coordinating our breath to sing and our bodies in movement is a practice of settling our bodies together.  In Resmaa Menakem's book My Grandmother's Hands, these actions describe the weaving of time and space that creates trust and a container for feeling safer in our bodies and in spaces to be able to heal past trauma.  We believe healing is slow and incremental, creating huge shifts in tiny movements.  

As the seasons shift into winter, we'll review if the location is good or if we'll migrate to zoom or find other places to practice this.  

In the new year, we'll check-in about the time.  

Thanks for reading along.  

Guide to Spirit of Peace Meditation Online

ORIGINS

The Spirit of Peace Meditation originated in Jan 2017 as a way to show up in divisive political space. A fellow dancer and I met at the MN State Capitol and adapted the dance into a walking meditation across the long mall, inviting the spirit of peace within us to lend our strength to the work at hand. When we arrived at the capital building steps, we moved our attention to recognizing the love and light in all as we turned to the four directions. Then we concluded with Joe Miller’s blessing, wrapping up the meditation with a joyous turn to spread the intention far and wide.


ONLINE ADAPTATIONS

For virtual space, we have made these adaptations. Please listen to what your space and body allow and make further adaptations for yourself.

Our zoom practice is seated.

Jan 13-20: Daily Spirit of Peace Meditation Online

We are holding daily space for the Spirit of Peace Meditation leading up to the inauguration.  Please join us and the Spirit of Peace on the ethers of zoom at the following times or at a time convenient to you.  

Time:  5 p.m. Central Standard Time (GMT-05).  The ritual takes about 30 minutes

Dates:  Daily, Wednesday, January 13-January 20, 2021

• AND at 10 a.m. Central on Wed, Jan 20, 2021

Location:  via Zoom meeting ID:  941-277-002 (pw:  DUP)

 * To download the app * To find call-in numbers * To join a meeting * 

Read more about the practice by reading other posts with the SpiritOfPeaceWalk tag.  

Spirit of Peace Meditation (COVID19 version)

You're invited to join us for the Virtual Spirit of Peace Meditation.  

When:  First Tuesday of the month, 2p.  The ritual takes approximately 30 minutes.  

Where:  Wherever you can be connected to Zoom Meeting ID:  941-277-002.  Password:  DUP

What:  An evolving practice of inviting peace into one's self and extending it beyond to one's family, community, and beyond.  Incorporating the Dances of Universal Peace, "Spirit of Peace" and "Thy Light is in All Forms," and concluding with the sung Buddhist blessing "May All Beings Be Well".  

History:  See these posts tagged with "SpiritOfPeaceWalk"

Sixteenth Notes: April Showers of Events

Here's a quick rundown of upcoming events: 

Dances of Universal Peace





Dances of Universal Peace logo. Image
adapted by (c) 2016 Points of Light Music.

• Today, Saturday, April 15, 7-9 p.m. - Dances of Universal Peace at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1895 Laurel Ave, St. Paul.  Celebrating the springing forth of new life!  RSVP on MeetUp.com or just show up. 
• Friday, April 28, 7-9 p.m. - Open Dances of Universal Peace Circle at Newton Christian Conference Center, Newton, IA.  Leading and supporting the Dances with flute, cajon, baritone ukulele, and shruti box!  It's not my debut, but it will be the culmination of a 2-day retreat focusing on musicianship. To be followed by ...
• Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.-Sunday, April 30, 12:30 p.m. - Public Retreat with Anahata: Planting Divine Qualities, Harvesting the Blessings.  Dancing and singing, probably more playing of instruments for Anahata.  For more details, see http://peacedancemn.blogspot.com/2017/03/HeavenOnEarthRetreatWithAnahata.html. 

Spirit of Peace Unflash Mob
Meditation Walk.
Image: (c) 2016 Points Of Light Music

Spirit of Peace Unflash Mob

• Tuesdays, April 18 & 25, 2 p.m. - Spirit of Peace Unflash Mob Meditation Walk.  Meet at the Veterans Service Building just south of the Capitol Building.  Walk & sing for the turning of the world.  More details here.

Full Voice - 5 Elements Framework (TM)
Image:  (c) 2016 Points Of Light Music

Full Voice Workshops

• Thursday, April 20, 6-7:30 p.m. - Steeling Our Magnolias: Forging our Voices for the Ongoing Work of Speaking Up & Out at East Side Freedom Library.  1105 Greenbrier St. St. Paul.  RSVP on Facebook.
• Monday, April 24, 7-8:30 p.m. - Open Your Voice: an introduction to your Full Voice at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, St. Paul.  Register on Eventbrite. 

Reflections

The last month has been full with preparations for Palm/Passion Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter, weddings for family and friends, doing some music engraving for others (taking a composer's handwritten notes and formatting them in Finale, a music notation software program), as well as supporting an interesting labyrinth project (Labyrinth Around America) and my on-going hosting on Airbnb. 

Never a dull moment here!  I'm not posting here as much as I'd like, but follow me on Instagram where I'm likely to do a mini-post on what's going on. 

March: Spirit of Peace Unflash Mob/Walking Meditation

Our walking meditation continues!  In March 2017, we will be convening at the MN Capitol Mall on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.  Join us!  More details here. 

• March 7
• March 14
• March 21
• March 28

Another great day at the MN Capitol. It's #artsadvocacyday2017 and evidently also #TradeUnionsDayOnTheHill. Love that so many are here to exercise their voice in the halls of government. #howdoyou? #spiritofpeaceunflashmob

A post shared by Conie Borchardt (@pointsoflight_mu) on Feb 28, 2017 at 1:22pm PST

You'll notice the calendar has Spirit of Peace Meditation Walks on the weekends as well.  These will be in other locations that need a presence of peace.  We'll announce those locations as they get decided. Stay tuned.

Going back: Leading Chapel at my Alma Mater

Me and a friend at commencement.

I'm going back to my alma mater on Friday to lead some singing and community movement for the daily chapel service. 

It's been almost 20 years since I've been there and it's interesting to reflect on where I've been and where I'm going and comparing it with what I remember of the 21yo me.  While I ponder articulating the amazement of how I got to where I am and how that place and community shaped and supported me, I'll just invite you to the event.  It's open to the public and free. 

What:  Augsburg College's Daily Chapel Service with me and the Augsburg Choir
When:  Friday, March 3, 2017, 10:40-11 a.m.
Where:  Hoversten Chapel inside the Foss Lobeck Miles Center, 625 22nd Ave South, Minneapolis

Spirit of Peace Meditation Walk Continues!

Greetings, all,
You all are due a wrap-up post from Day 4-6 from the pre-Inauguration Meditation Walk schedule.  And more background about the Spirit of Peace and its 1989 pilgrimage to Russia and its sister US tour in 1993.  Soon, I promise!

My partner Patti and I are continuing the Meditation Walk with twice a week frequency.  Join us*!  We're aiming for every Tue & Sat afternoon, but it shifts due to conflicting appointments and life commitments.  Here's the dates for February: 

• Fri, Feb 3
• Tue, Feb 7
• Sun, Feb 12
• Tue, Feb 14 (I love this falling on Valentine's Day!)
• Sun, Feb 19
• Tue, Feb 21
• Sat, Feb 25
• Tue, Feb 28 (Arts Advocacy Day!)

* Learn the song and read more background here.

Mid-point Reflections on Spirit of Peace Walk

My partner and I have really enjoyed our daily hour of intention together over the past three days. Here's a few of our reflections:

Day 1, Sunday, January 15

It's a beautiful sunny day. We gotta wear shades (I'm evidently a child of the 80's). 

Check out that amazing blue sky!  (No filter) Photo by Points of Light Music.

And look there's another labyrinth popup! 

Fresh snow canvas = snow labyrinth potential.  Glad someone used it!  (Photo by Points Of Light Music)

There's a few visitors touring the new finished renovations of the capital building. One guy asks: "Are you guys drunk?"  I reply, "No, we're stone sober." 

Start with setting intentions in front of the Veterans Service Building. We walk down the right side. Shuffle across the street. Restart again. The sidewalk has a pattern of a darker on-point square in the middle of the typical concrete and I enjoy watching my shadow spread my justice and peace energy as I walk up using the angles as my guide.  We find ourselves in front of the steps and sing a reminder of the light and love in every person. End with gratitude. 

Then we ventured inside for a look-peek. Do a little impromptu humming in the rotunda. And then walk back the other side of the mall. 



Day 3 walkers:  Patti, Saleem, and Conie

Day 2, Monday, January 16, Martin Luther King Jr holiday

Weather: overcast but not windy or freezing. I didn't wear my snow boots or extra cushy socks so my toes get cold. 

Walkers: Patti, Saleem, and I 



 

As we three are chatting by the Gold Star Table, I notice capital security has pulled into the parking lot. Since it's a federal holiday, we're the only ones parked there. We trot over to ask if it's ok and confirm the holiday and that the meter doesn't need to be fed. We're fine, he reassures us. 

 

Convening in front of the Veterans Service Building I notice the beautiful lotus-like sculpture in the center of the fountain(?). Does anybody know its background or its creator? There's so much beautiful and meaningful memorial installations on the Capital grounds. If you haven't had a chance go and explore! 

Today we decide to walk the left side up to balance what we did yesterday. It's lovely having another person to add to our harmony. As we make our way across the lower quad, I notice another (the same?) security vehicle in a different lot. They seem to be watching us? When we reach the street, we sing but don't walk the slow pace across. Over the course of the chant we advance 8 steps so crossing a four lane street would take at least 4 repeats. Not worth risking our safety or inviting question. 

I've been watching two group of folks milling about on the capital steps since we started. Now that we're closer it seems like some are logistics organizers for the Women's March and another group is live streaming a promo of the musical acts appearing at the March ... But we don't know that until we've photo (video?) bombed part of it. Oops! 

Today's trio ends by climbing the steps to the capital doors (locked due to the holiday) and then sending out prayers of blessings for all people from that incredible vantage point that views the river straight ahead and the Cathedral of St. Paul slightly to the right. 

Day 3, Tuesday, January 17

Weather: overcast like yesterday. It rained overnight and at home I slipped on the slanted, wet icy sidewalk (triple threat, can't win!) and fell on my tush taking out the recycling last night. Fortunately, the capital grounds folks are totally on it and the sidewalks are well salted for the opening of this week's session. Thank you! 



Our feet stepping out at the Vietnam War memorial installation at the Capital.
(Photo by Points Of Light Music)

Walkers: it's just Patti and I. We walk the labyrinth that appeared the other day, check in, and then head to our starting place. Today there are folks working in the buildings and walking here and there. A different vibe than the last couple days. But we begin again. 

Setting our intentions we recognize the cloud of witnesses surrounding us and this place, all people from the past, including the indigenious, and future as well as the thousands planning to be attending the March on Saturday. It is a bit awesome to behold. 

Today's variation: after we cross the street, instead of remaining in a single file line, I wave Patti to join me so we are side-by-side. A year and a half ago, I was leading this Dance at Village Fire with one other person. We modifying it for the two of us and I was floored by the feeling of strength I felt walking side by side as we crossed a field. That experience has stayed with me and continues to prod me with this public practice. The dream has evolved to include variations of groups of people walking toward each other and becoming a partner dance where they meet, turning together as they move through each other. Some day...

We reach the lower steps and move through our closing ritual. Our closing song are the words of Joe Miller, a Buddhist blessing: "May all beings be well / May all beings be happy / Peace, Peace, Peace."

But I know another version of it with an additional line and it was calling to me on my drive home yesterday. Saying "I need to be said." The line is "May all injured be healed." Telling my partner this, she affirms it is important to recognize this. We gloss over trauma in so many ways and the only way to move forward is to recognize it. Otherwise it gets stuffed down and remains undealt with causing unforeseen problems in the future.

May all beings be well,

May all beings be happy, 

May all injured be healed.

Peace, Peace, Peace. 

May we be open to the vulnerability required to admit our mistakes and learn from them. To rise over and over again. One step at a time 

We step forward again for the next three days. Join us at 2p in front of the Veterans Service Building or from work, home, or wherever you are. More details here.  Peace and blessings. 

Spirit of Peace Walk

I've been getting nudges to do Dances in public places for months.  It's a bit daunting, to step out, but I've been accruing support from friends and ancestors to do it.  And yes, it is time. 

Spirit of Peace Walk

When:  Starting Sunday, January 15, 2017.  Everyday at 2p until Inauguration Day, Jan 20.*
What:  Walking/singing Spirit of Peace (see below).  If this calls to you, please join me in person or in spirit where you are. 
Where:  Meeting at Gold Star Table west of the courtyard in front of the Veterans Service Building. (map)

 

Gold Star Table with the Minnesota State Capital in the background.

* Depending on interest, this may continue daily for awhile with a transition to a different frequency (weekly, monthly?) after that.

Song words: 

Spirit of Peace

To your cause we give our strength

That love may reign and wars may cease

Mir, Miru, Mir*

* "Mir, Miru, Mir" is a Russian play for "Peace, peace on earth."  (There's a lot more history about this song that I'll share at a different time)



Movements:  Please follow the leader for variations on following.  Each line corresponds with a line of the chant.

1. Start with hands cupped in front of heart, spreading/opening arms out over phrase and walking
2. Continuing to Walk, hands on shoulders with people next to you
3. Make one Turn in place
4. Make a Slow Bow over the course of the phrase

Dance Doodle:  Spirit of Peace