A Haven of Peace in a Valley of Tears

With contributions from Arianna, Irene, Lucila, Maria, Michela, Giacomo, Guglielmo and Vito

This is our own space – collective and shared.

Written by those who have recently taken part in the Walk for Peace organised by Pacefuturo – a non-profit organisation, told from the perspective of those who walked the route. You’ll discover that it leaves you with far more than the kilometres on the map or any project could ever convey.

Because the journey doesn’t end when you take off your mud-covered boots. In fact, perhaps it’s in the days that follow that it truly begins. When you try to piece together what you’ve experienced through conversations, intentions and thoughts…

There’s room here for everything: for the shared struggles and silences along the three stages; for the glances, the chats and the moments shared with fellow travellers; for the reflections, the laughter and the nights’ sleep; and also for that sense of peace and lightness that has stayed with us, almost without us realising it.

A page written by many hands, to capture what this journey has left us and share it with anyone who wishes to read it.

Giacomo

We often talk about ‘firsts’: the first word spoken, the first day at school, first love, the first journey… Yet there is an immense sweetness in returning, in realising what has remained the same and what has changed, even in a short space of time. It is through these returns that bonds are strengthened and a sense of belonging grows ever stronger.

This was the feeling I experienced during the Peace Walk, following this summer’s Summer School. I am very grateful to the wonderful organisation Pacefuturo – a charity that made this return possible.

Both were wonderful experiences, each with different aspects yet shared foundations, such as Villa Piazzo, the hostel, the Pacefuturo staff, the natural surroundings and the international atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised by how the latter was a natural constant, even though we’re not talking about a big city, but a small town in the Biella area.

Together, we set out to explore Pettinengo and the surrounding area under the guidance of various local experts. On the first day, we were welcomed by Nazarena Lanza at La Trappa, following a gentle immersion in nature with Marco Bo and Ettore Macchieraldo; on the second day, we visited Cittadellarte, where we unexpectedly met Michelangelo Pistoletto in person and were guided by Alberto Conte and Fabio Porta. Finally, on the last day, we walked the first stage of the Oropa Path of Peace (inaugurated on 21 September, to mark the International Day of Peace) with Mira Schifano and Ruggero Poi, who spoke to us about communication and conflict prevention. All this was accompanied each evening by screenings of short films from the Give Peace a Screen Short Film Festival, presented by Dario Cambiano of the Centro Studi Sereno Regis.

Three stages, three themes: peace with nature, peace with oneself and peace with others.

In a space that can be explored in just three days, you discover whole worlds – be they places or people. And in every encounter, you could feel at home.

Perhaps this is what it means to be a citizen of the world.

If you set out on the Oropa Peace Walk, you’ll find little nests containing messages along the way. They’re words – some of which we’ve placed there ourselves. Here are a few that accompanied us throughout this experience:

Hug

Mirage

Acceptance

Presence

Care

Listening

Michela

I took part in the Peace Walk to begin building, around me and in my life, a narrative different from one of lament and powerlessness – one based instead on getting personally involved and taking action so that a new world (which has already emerged around us) continues to grow. The experience of walking alongside young people from Italy, Asia and Africa has allowed me to see first-hand how the divisions we often create in our lives (and which we believe protect us) are merely houses of cards, which crumble when confronted with reality and the person standing before me. This journey has also allowed me to overcome distances, both outside and within myself, and to begin walking a more authentic and integrated path in life.

Guglielmo

This is my second time with Pacefuturo – a charity – in these areas that now feel like home. Places that have captivated me and left a lasting impression.

I wanted to return to rekindle my connections with nature and with people. For me, this has been what peace is all about: remembering that it takes very little to return to one’s true self – trees, the coolness of the woodland, and conversations with strangers who become travelling companions, whether for a single walk or an entire journey; who can say?

Maria

I walk with strangers – people my own age, adults, very young people, refugees, Italians.

Each at their own pace.

Each with their own baggage, both physical and metaphorical.

Each with their own story, their own identity.

We walk, we draw closer, we talk and we open up to one another.

We share a few almonds during a break, a meal, a bedroom, a bathroom.

We share thoughts, moments, laughter.

The Peace Walk in Biella was a small revolutionary act that showed us how curiosity, openness, listening and our surroundings made us feel at ease and allowed us to forge new bonds.

Lucila

The idea of a Peace Walk immediately intrigued and appealed to me. Ever since I was a child, I’ve felt the need to move about, especially in nature, to process my emotions and rediscover my inner balance. The opportunity to share my journey with Italian and migrant young people, reflecting together on important current issues, was unique. Bonds were formed, deep exchanges took place, ideas were shared… It’s incredible to think what just three days can leave you with if you’re willing to live them to the full, in deep connection with the people and nature around you.

Irene

I think walking is a thoroughly rejuvenating activity, both for the body and the mind – the latter often being the one most in need of renewal.

Walking with strangers means opening yourself up to encounters with others and with yourself, sometimes coming into contact with our hidden sides.

For me, the Oropa Peace Walk meant just that, and having helped mark out the route during the Summer School made the whole experience even more exciting.

Arianna

There are days that seem to drag on, monotonous and no different from the rest; then there are those watershed moments that change us and teach us something because they leave their mark on the soul. I experienced the ‘Walk for Peace’ as something that truly revitalised me: more than anything else, I think I’ve come to realise how each of us can be a peacemaker. In our families, at work, in society. There’s no need to go far or do anything grand; peace is a journey we undertake together whenever we interact with another person in our lives. For example, doing something for others without expecting anything in return is already a seed of peace…

Having reinforced this idea through an experience with kind, sincere and sensitive people was a real bonus at a time when we are surrounded by contacts but often lack meaningful relationships. Achieving this state of harmony felt a bit like magic – ecstatic and fleeting, as perhaps all magic is.

Together we can achieve so much, so let us follow the advice that Alexander Langer (a renowned peacemaker) gave us shortly before his death: “Do not be sad. Carry on doing what is right.”

Vito