Title: Integral Activist, Human Platypus

Gender: Female

Age: 34

Sun Sign: Leo

Chinese Sign: Wood Tiger

Location: Charlottesville, VA

UPDATE: P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER starts May 2, to complete the 20,000 mile Peace sign on the U.S. map

A warm bow for your presence here at zaadz, and your role,whether relative or direct, which contributes to my transformational journey. Back home after finishing a 12 week ride for Peace, I've had some time to heal, to reflect and to give thanks for the beauty I discovered and created in the world. Peope like those here at zaadz and other “hubs” have given me inspiration to delve deeply into my own pursuits and also to appreciate  the interconnectivity in our world. One can learn a lot from making a 11,000 mile epic ride, on a little scooter. For now, the most important thing to emphasize is the grace I felt always, each day, while witnessing the convergence of many teachings/beliefs and the reliance on them to surpass obstacles. It wasn't easy, and I think about that now that the miles are mostly behind me.

I've thought about the time I spent with all of you and how my life has been nourished by many strangers and the overall experience of P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER.  So many wonderful people came into my life and confirmed that we share a similar dream of liberation.

On one hand, it seems like time is inching past in comparison to my time on the road, but on the other hand it seems I have barely had time to catch my breath and maintain responsibilities at home/work. Before I know it, another month has passed without extending my gratitude to each of you.  I came to you empty-handed and left with my heart full of gratitude.

You offered me your homes, your scooter repair services, and your time. You gave me laughs, your advice, your blessings, and your donations. You shared with me cups of coffee, your definitions of Peace, and your vision for our future. In so many ways, you inspired and encouraged me to keep going. This month, as I compiled the statistics from P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2007, I was overwhelmed by how many blessings I received in 11,198 miles and 85 days.  I am especially thankful to Philip McCaleb and Genuine Scooter Company for fully supporting the ride, bringing me in touch with the scooter community and helping raise awareness about Peace.

I will ride again this summer to finish the “Missing Peace”.  P.E.A.C.E Scooter 2008 will consist of a approximately 9,000 miles traversing the perimeter of the U.S. I will interview hundreds of people on their definition of Peace, raise $10,000 for donation to grassroots Peace organizations, volunteer, plant peace gardens, and mow lawns into Peace signs.

 The following passage, by MLK, represents the compass that leads me again into service, uniting with others in our nation, our global community, as we work together tirelessly for Peace. 
“During these days of human travail we must encourage creative dissenters…As they spread the propaganda of war, we must spread the propaganda of Peace…We must demonstrate, teach, and preach, until the very foundations of our nation are shaken…I have tried to be honest. To be honest is to confront the truth. However unpleasant and incovenient the truth may be, I believe we must expose and face it if we are to achieve a better quality of American life.”

It is obvious there is a confluence of people already embodying the change that is beginning to be demanded from those in power. There is no better time to continue working for peace (peacing) zealously, and I do hope you will work with me!

I' ve been spending the winter as a barista back home in Charlottesville, VA, teaching myself video editing and preparing to complete the 20,000 mile Peace sign this summer.

Here is a video about P.E.A.C.E SCOOTER if you are new to my page and the project:
http://www.vimeo.com/761416
Please visit  http://www.peacescooter.com, to keep in touch and contribute your words of Peace, to pass them on, but most of all :  to envision Peace together. Everyday.

With Gratitude and Respect, and pointing TWO fingers, not one,
Alix “Peace Scootergirl” Bryan
Charlottesville, VA

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together…” Australian Aboriginal Activist Group, 1970s

Past writings posted on zaadz, from the trip:
An open letter:
I am about to complete an 11,000 mile ride for Peace. Almost 3 months ago, I left from the White House, headed to Crawford, TX, on a  scooter. My route, with just 1,500 miles left, will create a Peace sign on the U.S. Map.   Throughout my travels I have experienced extreme changes, in both climate and culture.  The scenery and people have been spectacular and have opened my eyes. Many have offered personal stories, food, hugs, homes, and donations. I have ridden in temperatures from 105-40 degrees; ridden in the rain, hail, lightning, and wind.

Perhaps many of you have never ridden a scooter, but trust me, it's no simple task to ride 11,000 miles on 12 inch wheels going 55 mph.  Nor is it always easy to talk about Peace.

What I have discovered while traveling is a dangerous polarity concerning Peace - in the same vein as “you are for us, or against us.” That polarity can make dialog between strangers very daunting. I made deliberate efforts to leave politics and religion out of the conversations. Instead, I asked, “what is YOUR vision for our future?” and “how do YOU define Peace?”

My goal is to generate dialogue with everyone about Peace. Only an inclusive outreach will allow us to co-create change. I have visited communities with very conservative Bush supporters, as well as card- carrying liberals, but they have all taken the time to define Peace with me.  This is a vast country, and an even bigger world. For us to know Peace, we must celebrate our diversity, using it to strengthen the common ground we do share. I have traced a Peace sign onto the U.S. soil to remind us of our common ground; our interconnectivity.

I am most interested in how we mobilize as a world community to create lasting Peace and justice. Three months ago, I reached a point in my life where I could no longer settle for going about my daily life as I knew it. I was absolutely aghast and saddened by the level of apathy, fear, and anger that runs rampant in our country.  There will be no Peace in our world, until we all integrate Peace into both the personal and political spheres of our lives. 

I was driven to bring awareness to Peace and experiment with a new framework.  I say, “Don't point one finger, point TWO.”   Point two for Peace. But also point two - as in one at yourself and one at the things you don't like. How can YOU improve the world? How can YOU make purchasing decisions that don't support the war - or that better benefit your community? How are YOU accountable for the injustices in our world? Because change, does, truly start with YOU.  There is no time to be apathetic, preoccupied, angry or judgmental. Other movements and revolutions have fizzled. If you want Peace in our world, work with me to embrace the idea of abundance. Change will come when we believe there is enough change to go around.

When I began this journey, I consciously set aside my political beliefs in order to listen more objectively.  At the end of a long journey, I still firmly believe that while we might always have conflict in our world, it will not be solved through war.  The bombing of nations and massacre of our soldiers and theirs has to stop.  My journey has taught me to find strength in differences, friends in strangers, and to envision viable solutions for our future. And to never stop imagining or working for more Peace.

Whether you are anti-war or pro-peace, you, too, are driven by the idea of change.
Please join me, at a pro-peace rally, October 13, 2007, in Crawford, TX.  Let's demonstrate that change is not just possible, it is happening.

Peace,
Alix B

Member Since: Tuesday, July 10 2007

Last Visit: 378 days ago.

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