My Grandmother, Louise, used to say the rosary every evening with a radio broadcast.

I remember climbing up onto her bed and leaning against the headboard with her to listen.

It was rhythmic, repetitive, and calming.

Her eyes would be closed, her fingers would expertly move from bead to bead and

she would recite "Hail Mary....now and at the hour of our death" over and over.

I remained completely silent and dare not interrupt.

When I think about it, that was my first introduction to meditation.

My Mom, Patricia, used to pray novenas to specific saints.

Novenas are known for being very powerful in helping with specific problems.

She would pray to St. Theresa and Padre Pio religiously and regularly.

I would watch her in church.

Church was where I remember her being the most peaceful.

The power of dedicated prayer was emphasized in my Catholic upbringing.

Today, I hardly consider myself Catholic, but I do

pray

meditate

ask

Typically, I selfishly reflect on what I need and then I ask for it.

Recently, I pray, meditate and ask for just one thing:

PEACE

I pray for the end of war.

The alleviation of suffering.

A global awakening of humanity.

Victory for the forces of Light.

Grace for all the World.

My suffering is nothing.

Instead of a rosary, I'll hold my mala beads and repeat

my mantra for PEACE 108 times.

AUM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI