Walking for Kindness and Peace
12/31/2025
United States
“Walking for kindness and peace”
“We do not walk alone, "We walk together with every person whose heart has opened to peace, whose spirit has chosen kindness, whose daily life has become a garden where understanding grows.” December 2025
Quote from one of the Buddhist monks that is participating in a journey they're calling a "Walk for Peace," trekking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. to promote a message of peace.
Many of you have reached out to me letting me know that you don’t like what is happening in the United States or even the World right now. Many of you are very angry, confused and even fearful. Others would rather not think about it or are just content with the status quo. Recently, I received one question that stood out from the rest- “Is there any hope for our children’s future?” Now, I don’t have any answers, as I too, even with my avid fascination with history, am just a keen observer of current events. However, I find time after time that with all my research of history, there always seems to be small pockets of individuals that remind us of our humanity and shine their inner light against evil and tremendous pain. These everyday individuals with their simple acts or contributions make a huge impact on others. I like to call it “Fighting for Kindness.”
On this last night of 2025, I would like to bring your attention to a group of 12 Buddhist monks that are walking from Texas to Washington D.C. to promote kindness and peace. I like to think that they are “walking for kindness.” I have included a link above where you can track their journey and find out more about their mission. Now I would like to remind my readers, this action is very rare. Buddhist monks are traditionally encouraged to seclude themselves from society and focus on mediation, discipline and calm. They are not alarmists or attention seeking. In other words, this is a noteworthy moment. Many Americans are recognizing this, and huge crowds have been following them on social media and/or forming to see them in person as they walk through various towns. Some have speculated that we are in a moment of crisis with humanity and/or on the edge of a life altering global war. Yet, they are focused on walking to Washington D.C. with their faithful dog companion walking with them, Aloka. Interestingly Aloka means “illuminating light.”
I would also like to point out another interesting fact, especially to my readers, that were part of the American Civil Right movements from the mid 1950’s and into the late 1960’s (or at least studied it). These monks with their simple walk are ensuring they walk into several remarkable cities that Dr. Martin Luther King once visited. These cities include Atlanta, Montgomery, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh. Yes, they are all in Southern States. These cities hold significance in the Civil Rights movement. I encourage you to research the history of these cities. To give you some hints- think Rosa Parks, Woolworth’s lunch counter and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
It is my hope that you follow their path through social media. They too have suffered horrible consequences with their simple act. One monk was run over by a car in Texas, and his leg had to be amputated. However, there are many Americans that want to help them succeed with their walking mission of kindness and peace. Many Americans in various cities have provided police protection, food, medical attention, a place a stay or veterinary care for Aloka. Kindness spreads with just one person.
Hoping for a peaceful 2026. I leave you with the John Lennon’s song – Imagine.