I am a daughter, a sister, a mother, an auntie and a friend. Peace, nonviolence and justice issues have spoken with a loud voice throughout my life experience and are now my clear purpose.

I follow the teachings and traditions of my Native American and Celtic ancestors by walking a spiritual path of respect and honor for all living beings and as a full participant in the circle and cycles of life. Part of those traditions is the belief that we are all members of the same human family and, as such, have responsibility to one another.

My involvement in the peace movement led to the Fellowship of Reconciliation, the oldest multi-faith peace organization in the United States, and in March of 2007 I participated as a civilian diplomat with FOR’s third delegation to the Islamic Republic of Iran. I have traveled throughout the US sharing my experience of the people, the rich culture, history, religion and diverse countryside of the ancient land of Persia. When asked why I made the trip, my response is always the same: “I went to meet my relatives.” And they are wonderful people!

I am also a trained facilitator for “Creating A Culture of Peace”, an empowering training program whose innovative design provides a holistic and practical foundation in active nonviolence. The transformative process supports personal and social change. It promotes respectful engagement with opponents, instead of confrontation that polarizes and demonizes.

CCP serves as an incubator for participants to raise the issues which most concern them, such as group controversy and conflict, neighborhood violence, climate change, militarism, racism, discrimination, etc. while practicing skills and discovering their own power to plan and nonviolently implement the changes they desire while guided by trained and certified facilitators. Invite me to your community! We can provide resources and advice to arrange the training.

I am also honored to have served on their National Board of Directors.

I am a founding member for Kashmir Center for Peace and Reconciliation, a non-political organization which seeks peaceful solutions to the continuing violence experienced by the people of Kashmir. I sit as International Consultant for them and co-facilitated their first Youth Peacebuilding Conference in May, 2011.

My book, Are You Listening? ancient wisdom for the spiritual quest, provides a powerful template for the seeker of spiritual transformation. Written from a perspective of balance and harmony with the earth, it shares an experiential account of challenges encountered on life’s journey and is designed to support and encourage an ancient way of ‘being’ in the world. The messages of my book are presented through ‘Wisdom of the Heart’ and are adaptable to intimate Teaching Circles, 2 hour presentations, or full day workshops.

My book is available for purchase through my website
www.ymanisimmons.com