I recently had the great privilege of visiting the monks walking for peace in North Carolina and witnessing them in person as their journey progressed. I photographed them as they walked through North Carolina, at the Blessed Field at High Point Stadium, along Martin Luther King Boulevard, at a beautiful temple outside of High Point, and finally during their departure from the High Point area. It was profoundly moving to witness that level of grounded, focused presence in every moment, even amidst so much surrounding activity. Since then, I have continued to follow the walk and reflect deeply on their message.

I was on a quiet road beside a body of water.

And swans began to appear—

floating about three feet above the road,

one after another,

moving like clouds,

on the road in front of me.

Some had their wings slightly open.

Others were perfectly aligned.

And as they passed, certain swans would suddenly illuminate,

flashing an icy blue light,

like gentle lightning.

In the tradition I practice, Kashmir Shaivism,

the swan—Hamsa—means pure consciousness.

And I understood.

The monks walking for peace

are not only human forms moving across land.

They are consciousness in motion.

Divine awareness walking.

Peace taking visible shape.

This walk is not only a walk for peace.

It is a transmission.

An awakening.

A tuning of hearts.

Each step radiates awareness.

Each presence invites remembrance.

Calling forth the same light of peace

within each of us.

And we weep with divine recognition