Little Red Car-vette

My grandfather went through hell and back—through wars, starvation, death, destruction and poverty in the first half of 20th century as he and his family were at the mercy of powers much greater than them.  

It all could have made him a crabby old man, but instead, I remember him as gentle and warm-hearted.

He had a tiny metal shed for his even tinier car—an old Fiat 500.  And on the back of the car was a little bumper sticker that said “immer mit der Ruhe”, which could be translated as “always take it easy” or “always go peacefully.”

Whenever he was on a highway, trucks would honk at him, fancy cars would speed past…but he just kept puttering along peacefully.  That's how I remember him...puttering along peacefully through the vicissitudes of life, helping out where he could.  

These days, for some of us, "taking it easy" may seem like an impossibility and my grandfather's sticker might seem quaint.  

But struggling is not new to the human race--throughout the millennia and around the world, people have learned to be at ease in tough situations.  How have they done it?  

Your first thought may be "alcohol and drugs."
Haha.  Let that thought come...and let it go.  

I'm talking about meditation and mindfulness, because, compared to a lot of other coping mechanisms, being more calm and aware is not only an enjoyable way of living, it also helps us make wise choices.  

In addition, with dedicated practice we can actually learn to transform tough situations into inner peace.  Our triggers can become our teacher. 

So if you are struggling, how about starting a daily meditation practice?  And if you already have a practice, how about strengthening it?  

During challenging times, let's emphasize inner peace.  Let's not emphasize reactivity.  Let's be rebels! 

The great thing about getting good at peacefulness is that it accompanies you wherever you go, whatever you do...and whatever car you drive.       

Whether you are driving a Pickup, a Corvette or an old Fiat 500: "immer mit der Ruhe"--always go in peace.

Copyright © 2025 Kurt Scholler / (734) 973-2040 / East Lansing, MI