Did you hear about the “Walk for Peace“? Nineteen monks and their dog Aloka (meaning light/illumination) set out on foot on October 26, 2025, from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., with a message of peace.

 Monks are not allowed to own any possessions. They carry their belongings, including robes, alms bowls, and basic necessities. They eat only once a day before noon, and the food must be offered to them freely.

When the monks first set out on their journey, they didn’t have much press, a following, or a set plan. That changed after the unfortunate accident on November 19, 2025, when a car hit the supply vehicle that was following them and sent it into the backside of the last monk, Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan. The monk ended up losing his leg, but from tragedy came great blessings.

The accident created media awareness. Before long, the monks had many generous offers for housing, food, medical care, and even police escorts to keep them safe. People began gathering to see the monks and hear their words of wisdom.

Every time I read an update, listened to a talk, and watched humanity come together, I cried. I am even tearing up as I write this.

My favorite quote by Henry David Thoreau says, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and create the life you always imagined.” The monks had no plan, no guarantee of food or shelter, yet they boldly set out with a vision of spreading peace, and what happened along the way was nothing short of incredible miracles. It reminded me of the stories of Jesus and how he lived, knowing all his needs would be met. He too didn’t have possessions, set housing, or a steady paycheck, all the things that we call security.

I started to ponder, what if the chase for the appearance of security robs us of our peace? What if everything we have been told about saving for a rainy day, having retirement funds, etc., keeps us prisoners of fear rather than embracing the only thing we truly have, which is this moment now?

I was moved by the number of people who came out to support the monks’ mission of peace. As humans, we want to be part of something bigger, something that has true meaning. It restored my hope in humanity. People lined the streets offering the monks flowers, water, and other items. I would watch them receive the flowers with so much presence and gratitude. Then they would walk down the street and offer them to someone else on their path. It was a clear demonstration of the law of abundance. With one hand, they received and with the other, they gave. It was so beautiful to witness the non-attachment and flow.

The monks walked roughly 2,300 miles over 108 days. They walked through heat, rain, snow, and cold, sometimes barefoot. Not everyone who came out supported them; some people cursed at them and called them names. They continued to fulfill their vision even after the horrific accident that caused a monk to lose a limb, and regardless of the weather conditions or the naysayers. They could have used any of those incidents to turn back.

This reminds me of when we set goals for ourselves or visions for our companies. Do we continue forward on the journey to achieve them, even when things go wrong or when someone else does not understand our goals and dreams? Do we continue forward in the face of obstacles and imperfect conditions?

When I look at this journey through the lens of CHAT, I see all four communication styles embodied. There was a clear vision of spreading peace (Creative). There was deep care for humanity that sustained them for months (Harmony). They did not wait for perfect conditions; they initiated and stepped forward (Action). And they had the discipline and structure to keep moving mile after mile (Template). When we create our own goals and visions, are we incorporating all four styles? Are we balancing vision, heart, initiative, and discipline?

The “Walk for Peace” concluded in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 2026, but we can continue it in spirit every day if we choose. As Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakāra would say, “Today is my peaceful day.” How will you choose peace today? How will you move forward toward your goals and visions? How will you receive and give abundance?