Peace Is A One-Person Job

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Tuesday, February 12, 2002
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Peace on Earth starts with you. Have an attitude of peace and it will spread.

Several years ago I learned of a women who called herself the Peace Pilgrim. She was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things. At this time in our history, it would be helpful to revisit the legacy of Peace Pilgrim and the message she shared.

From 1953 to 1981 a silver haired woman calling herself only "Peace Pilgrim" walked more than 25,000 miles on a personal pilgrimage for peace. She vowed to "remain a wanderer until mankind has learned the way of peace, walking until given shelter and fasting until given food." In the course of 28 years of walking, she touched the hearts, minds, and lives of thousands all across North America. Her message was both simple and profound.

In the summer of 1952, Mildred Norman, traveling alone, hiked the entire length of the 2050-mile Appalachian Trail. She was the first woman to accomplish this feat. It turned out to be a practice run.

She walked more than 25,000 miles, carrying in her blue tunic her only possessions. She crossed America for nearly three decades, bearing the simplest of messages: This is the way of peace - overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.

Peace Pilgrim talked about peace among nations, between people, and the most important, Inner Peace.

Penniless, walking with no organizational backing, Peace Pilgrim touched the hearts of countless thousands. Some were charmed by her simple but cheerful presence; many others were profoundly inspired by her message and her remarkable lifestyle.

Coaching

I often hear people say, "Someone should do something." Well, they are right. Someone should do something and that someone is each of us. Peace can spread one person at a time. Each day we have the opportunity to plant the seeds of peace. With each encounter, we have the opportunity to promote peace. It is much simpler and more powerful than carrying a sign and protesting for peace. Our behavior towards our fellow human beings is what will spread peace. How we act is more important than what we say. Speaking about peace and living a peaceful life are two different things.

If we want to live in a peaceful world, we must first create a peaceful inner world for ourselves and spread that peace wherever we go.

Where can you spread peace today?

Daily Success Formula

Each person planting seeds of peace = Peace on earth

Quotes from Peace Pilgrim

"We limit ourselves by thinking things can't be done. Many think peace in the world is impossible - many think that inner peace cannot be attained. It is the one who doesn't know it can't be done who does it!"

"To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life - bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live - then, and only then, can you begin to find inner peace."