If your family has been scrolling social media lately or driving through Northern Virginia, you may have noticed something quietly remarkable: a group of Buddhist monks walking together along the roadside, often greeted by waves, flowers and curious onlookers. The Walk for Peace — a 108-day, 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington, DC — is nearing its final stretch, with the monks arriving in the DC area on Feb. 10-11.
As the walk passes through Northern Virginia and culminates in the nation’s capital, it’s drawing growing crowds and thoughtful attention — including from families who see it as a rare, real-world moment to talk about compassion, service and community.
What is the Walk for Peace?
The Walk for Peace is exactly what it sounds like: a long-distance, cross-country walk centered on kindness, unity and nonviolence. Over the course of more than three months, the monks have walked highways, back roads and city streets, meeting people where they are — sometimes for a conversation, sometimes just for a smile or a wave.
Along the way, the group has been joined by a rescue dog named Aloka, who has become a beloved companion and symbol of gentleness. While the walkers are Buddhist monks, the walk itself is not a religious event. It’s intentionally open, peaceful, and welcoming, focused on shared human values rather than beliefs.
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A teachable moment
For many parents, the Walk for Peace feels especially timely. It offers a visible example of compassion in action — not through speeches or slogans, but through patience, presence and consistency.
Families who walk there often describe it as calm and approachable, making it suitable for children of all ages. There’s no expectation to participate formally; simply observing can be meaningful. In a world that often feels loud and rushed, the walk offers a slower, gentler counterpoint that resonates with parents trying to model empathy and mindfulness at home.
This moment can open the door to simple, age-appropriate conversations, such as:
- What does “peace” mean to you?
- Why might someone choose to walk a long distance instead of driving?
- How can small, kind actions affect other people?
There’s no need to over-explain. Curiosity is sufficient and often children lead these conversations themselves.
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Planning info at a glance
- Dates: Feb. 10–11
- Location: Washington, DC (with the final leg passing through Northern Virginia)
- Learn more: Follow the Walk for Peace online or on social media for route updates and event details, which may evolve.
The Walk for Peace doesn’t ask families to agree, join or commit — only to notice. For parents, that alone can be powerful. Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons about community and compassion come not from instruction, but from witnessing others move through the world with intention and care.
