Lessons From The Peace Walk
Tina Gilson
March 19, 2026
As is the case for many of you reading this, I have been following the journey of the monks walking across the country for peace. To me, there is something beautiful and hopeful about this. I find it inspiring and uplifting in a time where there is so much darkness and negativity. What they are doing is simple, yet it is powerful. It got me thinking about some of the things we can all take away from this journey of theirs.
To start with, peace is not something we sit back and wait for to arrive. Peace is a choice. Something we actively decide to do, have, engage with, and participate in. Even small, seemingly insignificant movement is still movement. It is a behavior and task that must occur on an ongoing and regular basis.
There is strength to be found in silence. So many of us become passionate and loud, which immediately closes off some people from the start. Remaining calm, quiet, and mindful creates a space in which others feel safe and heard. They are less apt to be defensive and more likely to hear what we have to say. Peace is created when we interact with goodwill instead of confrontation.
Being visible and truly seen matters. Often, our presence supports others in being seen and heard as well. Engaging with others fosters trust and understanding. People who may be afraid to put themselves out there sometimes feel safer when they see another person doing it first. Perhaps someone from a community you are supporting could feel as though, if you are standing up for them, they should be doing it too. Your efforts may provide them with the courage they need.
Transformation and change require community effort. We all want to be seen and heard, so we need to allow this for others as well. We do not have to be in total agreement to be respectful and supportive. When we all do our own small part to be the best we can and treat others with compassion and tolerance, the ripple effect is immense. The more people doing their best to make positive changes, the more positive changes will occur.
The outpouring of support and engagement with the monk’s journey across the country demonstrates the ability of diverse communities to come together, despite having different worldviews and opinions. Consistent action driven by values and civic engagement are important. We do not necessarily need grand gestures or giant movements, just sustained commitment to ourselves and our community.
Transformation is a collective effort. We must each try to do our part to make even the smallest impact for the better. Consistent and sustained effort by people who are invested in shared outcomes and connecting in a more positive way is essential to creating and maintaining momentum towards a better future for us all. While we don’t all need to walk halfway across the country, nor could we, no energy focused on a more peaceful existence is wasted.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
To start with, peace is not something we sit back and wait for to arrive. Peace is a choice. Something we actively decide to do, have, engage with, and participate in. Even small, seemingly insignificant movement is still movement. It is a behavior and task that must occur on an ongoing and regular basis.
There is strength to be found in silence. So many of us become passionate and loud, which immediately closes off some people from the start. Remaining calm, quiet, and mindful creates a space in which others feel safe and heard. They are less apt to be defensive and more likely to hear what we have to say. Peace is created when we interact with goodwill instead of confrontation.
Being visible and truly seen matters. Often, our presence supports others in being seen and heard as well. Engaging with others fosters trust and understanding. People who may be afraid to put themselves out there sometimes feel safer when they see another person doing it first. Perhaps someone from a community you are supporting could feel as though, if you are standing up for them, they should be doing it too. Your efforts may provide them with the courage they need.
Transformation and change require community effort. We all want to be seen and heard, so we need to allow this for others as well. We do not have to be in total agreement to be respectful and supportive. When we all do our own small part to be the best we can and treat others with compassion and tolerance, the ripple effect is immense. The more people doing their best to make positive changes, the more positive changes will occur.
The outpouring of support and engagement with the monk’s journey across the country demonstrates the ability of diverse communities to come together, despite having different worldviews and opinions. Consistent action driven by values and civic engagement are important. We do not necessarily need grand gestures or giant movements, just sustained commitment to ourselves and our community.
Transformation is a collective effort. We must each try to do our part to make even the smallest impact for the better. Consistent and sustained effort by people who are invested in shared outcomes and connecting in a more positive way is essential to creating and maintaining momentum towards a better future for us all. While we don’t all need to walk halfway across the country, nor could we, no energy focused on a more peaceful existence is wasted.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Healing Hive, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
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