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Current Pilgrims - Letters and Email
- A Letter from Kathy Miller
Peace Pilgrim in History - Subscriber
Information
On the Road
Current and Recent Pilgrims
Jack Sibblad – Peaceful Steps - www.peacefulsteps.com
 On
March 20, 2005, the second anniversary of the start of the war in Iraq,
a sincere and unassuming pilgrim inspired by Peace Pilgrim and the renowned
peacemaker Thich Nhat Hanh began walking from Ground Zero in New York
City on a pilgrimage that will ultimately take him across the continent
to Escondido, California.
Jack Sibbald spent two weeks at the “Deer
Park” Retreat Center during the winter of 2004 practicing
with Thich Nhat Hanh and his sangha and being greatly inspired to work
and walk for peace.
Out of that retreat came the idea of Peaceful Steps, which is Jack's
prayer for the healing of the earth and the heart of humanity. Jack
looks forward to talking with individuals and groups all over the county
about creating a movement of peace that is rooted in the spirit of love,
compassion, and nonviolence. During the pilgrimage, Jack will invite
community members to participate in Peace Circles. These Peace Circles
give people the opportunity to share their ideas and feelings about
creating a culture of peace. The purpose of the circles is to inspire
and support one another along the path of peace.
As a part of every Peace Circle there will also be a walking meditation.
The purpose of walking medita-tion is to be fully present, aware, and
enjoy every step. It can help you let go of your anger, worries, or
fear and simply enjoy the present moment.
"We have to walk in a way
that we only plant peace on earth… When we are able to take
one step peacefully and happily, we are working for the cause of peace
and happiness for the whole of human kind. Walking meditation is a
wonderful practice… Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with
your feet." -- Thich
Nhat Hanh
You can learn more about Jack’s journey by visiting
his website, www.peacefulsteps.com. If you would like to contact him
by email, he can be reached at: peacefulsteps@gmail.com
“Pilgrimage is an art which brings peace to
the soul. Pilgrims are bearers of love, which they carry to special
places of the Earth. By holding a joyful consciousness of this love
and of the beauty of these places, pilgrims encourage the natural
energies of the earth to flow harmoniously. Pilgrims are guided by
a wisdom based on both intuition and an understanding of the energy
routes and sacred places of power in the world. Their gifts of love,
hope and joy are inestimable. They have the power to be a friend with
the earth, with the divine and with all levels of life." -- Peter
Dawkins
Letters and Email (top)
A Chance Encounter With Peace Pilgrim
In 1966/67 I was driving north in southern Illinois when I spotted this
old lady in a blue top walking along the road. As I went by I saw the
letters on her shirt spelling out "Peace Pilgrim." I was curious
enough to stop, back up, and offer her a ride to the next town. She
accepted and instead of the next town, she stayed with me till I turned
off at Route 40 heading East. She was to continue on foot to a University
to give a talk as I remember. I have never felt so at ease with a total
stranger in my life and we had a delightful conversation that made the
miles role away. I took some pictures and we went our separate ways
but I never totally forgot about her. The irony is that I went on to
make a career in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve yet felt at ease with
a woman of peace. In preparations leading up to Gulf War One, I felt
an increasing unease with my role, limited as it was and couldn't fully
understand what was happening. I guess she was having a latent effect
on me. I was never shipped overseas so I don't know how I would have
reacted. I imagine I would have "done my duty" but not in
the manner expected of an officer and a gentleman. In closing we need
more Peace Pilgrims in this world.
Sincerely,
G. A. Gilliam, LT, USCGR-Retired
The Truth About Possessions
Readers of The Sun, an admirable magazine founded by Sy Safransky
thirty years ago, are invited to submit letters on a specific topic
for the Readers Write section in each issue. The topic for June was
"Possessions." Glo Daley of Richmond, Vermont shared this
personal experience:
"In my forties I read a book by a woman named Peace Pilgrim, who
had given up all her possessions in late middle age and begun walking
around the U.S., speaking about peace to any who would listen. She said
she didn't need the security of a home or wealth or possessions; love
would sustain her.
"Though I was filled with admiration for this woman, I knew that
I could never do what she had done, because I wouldn't be able to let
go of my possessions.
"A week later, the home where I had lived for thirteen years burned
to the ground. I was left with only my old car and the clothes I had
on.
"After I'd recovered from the shock, I soon received all that I
needed from my community and friends. I saw then the truth of Peace
Pilgrim's words."
A Letter from Kathy Miller (top)
Kathy was instrumental in our move to Northern California
and directed the Peace PilgrimCenter for three years.
Dear Friends,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, for your cards, phone calls and email.
Your kind thoughts, prayers and encouragement mean a lot to me. They
are an important part of my healing.
In October I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to leave the Peace
Pilgrim Center in Somerset. All three of my adult children showered
me with love, support and the day to day help that is necessary in the
face of a life threatening illness. I chose to live with one of my daughters,
her husband and their year old daughter. It is a wonderful loving place
to be. My other two children and their families continue to rally round.
I view my circumstance as a problem that has come to me to deepen my
inner growth. Although it is not a lesson I would have selected, I choose
to be awake and alert to the lessons that come to me.
I am receiving modern treatment: radiation and chemotherapy. It seems
to be appropriate for me. I surrendered to the process and find great
strength in doing so. At no time have I been attached to the outcome.
By living in the present moment, I receive an outpouring of compassion
and a sincere concern for my well being.
Early in my treatment I became concerned about spending my life’s
savings. Then suddenly came the realization that I was only spending
money. My life’s treasures are love, understanding and compassion
and these are multiplying daily.
For several months I was deeply fatigued. As I regained my strength,
I realized that I feel more alive when I am actively working for peace.
At this time my attention shifted from my illness to exploring how I
could resume working for peace. Immediately, I recognized that everything
I do, say and think can be an expression of peace.
I took it a step further by writing to Colman Mc-Carthy’s Center
for Teaching Peace and enrolling in the Home Study Correspondence Course,
“Alternatives to Violence.” This connection has been inspiring
for me.
Miracles happen every day. Some are miracles of the body and some are
miracles of the heart. Whatever our circumstance, we can always choose
peace.
Grace, Peace and Love,
Kathy Miller
7321 Calder Avenue, Sebastopol CA 95472
kathypeacesong@hotmail.com
– (707) 823-8135
Peace Pilgrim in History (top)
A
solitary wanderer crusading and doing penance for peace took
a “break” in her 5,000-mile coast-to-coast march
yesterday to visit her mother in this city.
The “Peace Pilgrim”
who has attracted attention across the nation in her pilgrimage
in behalf of the cause of peace, revealed herself a native of
Atlantic County on her arrival here, but, following her practice
during her travels, would not tell her name.
The lively, gray-hared woman whose
age could range anywhere from 36 to 52, has walked nearly 5000
miles since she began her individual pilgrimage in Los Angeles
Jan. 1. She hiked to this resort from Philadelphia, pausing
en route Thursday night at Hammonton to see a girl friend she
hadn’t seen in 15 years and Friday night at the home of
a sister.
REMAINS WANDERER
Although she has made the coast-to-coast
trek entirely by foot, she said she would have to hitch-hike
back to Philadelphia last night in order to make a speaking
engagement today.
The Pilgrim, who claims she calls
no place home, uses Cologne as her mail forwarding address.
|
The article to the left appeared in an Atlantic City newspaper
in the early days of the pilgrimge. |
"We seem always ready to pay the price for
war. Almost gladly we give our time and our treasure -- our limbs
and even our lives -- for war. But we expect to get peace for
nothing. We expect to be able to flagrantly disobey God's laws
and get peace as a result. Well, we won't get peace for nothing
-- and we won't get peace by disobeying the laws of God. We'll
get peace only when we are willing to pay the price of peace.
And to a world drunk with power, corrupted by greed, deluded by
false prophets, the price of peace may seem high indeed. For the
price of peace is obedience to the higher laws: evil can only
be overcome by good and hatred by love; only a good means can
attain a good end.”
Peace
Pilgrim: Her Life and Works in
Her Own Words - Page 110 |
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