Peace Artist
Peace Artist on the road
We learned about Peace Artist from a mutual friend. He had already been running for almost a year. His journey ultimately lasted 7000 miles, at which point, like Forest Gump, he decided he had run enough. He has since returned to his home in Oregon where he now coaches young gymnasts, feeds the homeless, creates art and continues to go by the name “Peace.” Here is one of his updates from the road that we found inspiring.
What a Year Can Bring (August 15, 2012) One year ago the Peace Artist was born. Today, the Peace Artist is one year old. At that moment I left Seattle with the intent to circumnavigate the continental United States…it was a leap of faith. I stepped out with no money, no food, and no real knowledge of how it was all going to work out. I did have one thing though; I had the earnest belief that all people are good. I believed that all people are really loving, and all people are genuinely good-natured. I believed that any action done with compassion in mind would be supported by the universe. I believed that the very fabric of the universe is love. I believed that although my actions to most seemed fool-hearty…it was possible. I believed that I could do something for peace. I believed that if I did what I was able, others would be encouraged and inspired to do what they could. I believed that the universe and nature would provide food for me. I believed that people, without me ever asking would, because of their very nature, want to help me. I believed that I would be taken in by perfect strangers and given a shower, a warm bed, and a hot meal without ever asking for such things. I believed people were who they hoped they were. I believed that my body would make it. I believed that shoes would be provided when I needed them. I believed that flat tires would be fixed, that sunscreen would last, and that water would be given freely. I believed that all people already know the way to peace, and they can actively choose it if they want to. I believed that we as a species are headed toward peace rather than away from it. I believed that I would be able to love on people by drawing their portraits. I believed that I would witness and paint incredible and majestic landscapes. I believed that every moment was another chance to love someone. I believed that this exact moment right now is all we have. I believed earnestly that there was nothing more important than being loving. ONE year later… Nothing has changed. I was a pilgrim for peace. Many people erroneously have thought that I am just for peace as opposed to war. But, I am for peace in all things. Peace between nations yes, but peace amongst peoples, peace with nature, peace with animals, and often more difficult…peace with oneself. I am preparing to create a sanctuary of peace. Like most monks, I will grow my own food and do what I can for others. Doing work in the world for love, helping children, aiding those in need, and providing shelter for those that have none. But like all monks, I must go to the sanctuary daily, my sanctuary is my studio. I go to paint. This is the way of the peace artist—it all begins with gratitude: love, help, make art & peace. More Information: If you like this story, please consider taking out a donation-based subscription to support Positive News.
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