Ilchi Lee

In some ways the two places are poetic contrasts of each other: Sedona is distinguished by its majestic red rocks, and Jeju is made up volcanic rock. Sedona is surrounded by high desert, while Jeju is an island in the South Sea. Sedona exudes the spirit of America’s “Wild West”, and Jeju abounds with traditional Korean culture.

Yet what they share is more significant than their differences: Both places attract millions of visitors a year. Both offer bountiful beauty and ample energy that can relax and heal the body, soothe and delight the mind, and nurture and inspire the soul — peace is the common denominator. As you live in or visit these two nature-blessed settings, you can feel that peace is possible. For those of us who long for peace, and work for peace in our hearts, our relationships, and our world, these two places give us genuine hope.

The government of the Republic of Korea designated Jeju state as a World Peace Island three years ago. There is a movement emerging in Sedona to make it a City of Peace. It helps to describe the quality of peace in these unique places, to communicate it to the world, and to welcome people who come searching for peace within and in the world yet to come. We must envision and feel the power and potential of realizing peace in our lifetimes.

I was honored in March 2008 when Jeju Island Governor Tae Hwan Kim appointed me a Goodwill Ambassador of his state and asked me to promote the World Peace Island’s worldwide reputation. And in Sedona, where I have lived for 15 years, I want to do my part to advocate for it becoming an official beacon of peace. Join me in feeling and sharing the peace of these two places, and the hope for peace that they convey to the entire world.