peacefulness

In a time when fear and outrage feel increasingly normalized, a small group of Theravāda Buddhist monks is walking 2,300 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C., sharing a message of peace, loving-kindness, and compassion. They aren’t selling anything or making grand statements. They’re simply walking, day after day, reminding us that peace begins with presence, intention, and care. Their walk draws from the ancient tudong tradition, where walking itself becomes a form of spiritual training. It’s a quiet invitation to practice more kindness, steadiness, and goodwill in our own lives.

Practicing ahimsa, non-harming, doesn’t mean never getting angry or always being serene. It’s about meeting each moment with care. Small, everyday choices, like pausing before speaking or taking a mindful breath, can become acts of compassion. On a recent bike ride, a road called Peaceful Lane reminded me that peace isn’t only the destination, but also the way we travel.

When the world feels like it's full of chaos and suffering, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But we don’t have to be against others. We can be for kindness, peace, and understanding. During a recent walk, I was reminded of something simple yet profound: peace exists, right here, right now. The Yoga Sutras teach us that suffering is part of life, but we’re not powerless. The yogic practice of ahimsa (nonviolence) calls us to protect all life with love and compassion. It’s in the small, deliberate actions: kindness over judgment, listening deeply, and showing up with open hearts.

Imagine the simplicity of just sitting, with no responsibilities tugging at your attention. Notice the pleasantness that arises when you allow yourself to be fully present, free from the constant urge to do or fix something. This is a state of being where you can truly value the calm that naturally exists within you. This is finding peace with conditions.