Peace Circle – A Tale of Hope, Connection and Growth

Here is the Peace Circle story – a universal tale of hope, connection, and growth that resonates with people around the world. This is the foundation for a narrative that can be freely adapted and tailored to suit any culture, local tree species, personal names and traditions. The story is designed to be read to children, but its wisdom and the pedagogical model it underpins reach deeper, inspiring all ages and communities. Did you know that Peace Circle parks have already been established in Finland and Italy, and more are actively being founded globally? This gives the moving narrative a tangible and expanding dimension.

A long time ago, there was a quiet and forgotten place. It wasn’t a park, or a garden, or a forest. Just an open patch of land where people passed through, but rarely stopped.

One day, two young people arrived. They didn’t come to build anything. They came to plant trees. One planted a tree in memory of someone dearly loved. The other planted a tree that reminded them of home, far away. They didn’t say much, but the trees began to grow.

Seasons passed. The trees weathered storms. One carried a scar from nearly being cut down. The other grew two tops after its crown was broken by wind. Still, they grew.

Years later, their daughter returned to the same place with her new partner. They didn’t speak much of the past or the future, but they too planted trees – one for the protection of life, and one for justice.

Time moved on. And then, one sunny morning, the family returned — grandparents, parents, and children. Each child carried a small sapling.

One planted a tree that reached toward the sky, full of curiosity. Another placed theirs precisely in line – loving order and clarity. One planted a tree for animals, so that all would feel welcome. Another planted for diversity, knowing we all belong as we are. One for kindness – to remind everyone to help one another.

And finally, the youngest stepped forward, quietly. The child didn’t rush. The child had been watching, thinking. In the child's hands was a small blossoming tree – a tree of hope. The child found a spot where the sunlight lingered longest. And when the little tree was planted, it felt as though the whole place took a deep breath.

Later, more children arrived with their teacher. They didn’t know the story, but they began to plant too. Their saplings formed a circle around the older trees – almost as if to protect them. And something took shape.

In the center stood the first tree. From it, three lines of trees stretched outward, each holding a different kind of strength. And around it all, a living ring began to grow.

One day, the elder returned with the youngest child. They stood silently for a moment, looking at what had become. Then the child asked, “What should we call this place?” The elder smiled. “It wasn’t drawn. It wasn’t built. It was planted. This is our Peace Circle.”

Since then, people have returned again and again —to learn, to rest, to care for the place. They remember that peace, like trees, needs time, light, and hands that help it grow.

Peace Circle keeps growing every time the story is read, a tree is planted, or someone stops to wonder: What kind of tree would I become? 🌍 Want to bring this story to your language, school or community?

Let’s plant together. Contact me to learn more.

The First Peace Circle in Finland, inaugurated 20 Sep 2024