I love to wander. It's my passion. It hasn't always been this way: When I first started traveling, I was intent on seeing as much of the world as possible in as short a time as needed. I had a list of the world's must-sees to eagerly check off, one by one. When my wife, Cheryl, and I decided to walk across Tibet in 1992, this all changed.

Suddenly, we were forced to slow down. This simple act completely changed how we perceived the world.

Long-distance trekking has become a sweet obsession. Since Tibet, I've gone on to walk the Camino de Santiago across Spain (twice), the Via Francigena from Canterbury, England, to Rome, and the St. Olav's Way across Norway. No matter the locale, I find that this "walking meditation" becomes a trampoline for the heart and soul.

I've discovered this call of the road follows a long tradition, from the Christian pilgrims of the Middle Ages to Nietzsche, Thoreau and others. As wandering Japanese poet Basho noted, "The body walks while the mind wanders."

Now, on the eve of yet another journey, I'm preparing mentally for the daunting odyssey ahead.

Why do I do this, you might ask.

Today, more than ever, there is escalating violence and injustice in the world. War multiplies the misery and suffering for so many — and for so many generations to come. But as much as we pay lip service to peace, I believe it must come from within, one person at a time. On these treks, I find that peace. I embrace solitude when I disconnect from an ever-more chaotic world and unplug, even for just a little while. There is clarity and deep satisfaction as I "travel outside while traveling within."

Walking alone along quiet country paths has given me time for contemplation and taught me these "Lessons of the Trail" and perhaps of life:

Be trusting: Have faith that the trail knows where it's going, even if you don't.

Be generous: Travel lightly. All in life is a gift. What you don't need, give away.

Be kind: On the trail, even the smallest word of encouragement makes a difference.

Be human: There is no harm in getting lost, only in staying lost.

Be a friend: Folks on the trail impact your life, if just for a moment. All too soon they leave to follow their own path. Don't resent this. Bid them good journey. Thank them for their gift.

Be content: Savor the small victories now, along the way.

Be grateful: Even the smallest things on the trail are either a gift or lesson.

Be flexible: Sometimes trails just vanish. That doesn't mean you were on the wrong path; there's just a better one now.

Be focused: Never look back. Sempre diretto! (Straight ahead!)

Be courageous: A mountain is always highest when you're climbing it.

Be hopeful: Tomorrow is another day waiting with the possibility of success.

Be happy: Laughter and song are nature's tonic for adversity.

Be aware: It is the journey that ultimately matters, not the destination.

Above all else, love all living things on the trail.

On April 18, Maui author Brandon Wilson ("Yak Butter Blues: A Tibetan Trek of Faith") and a friend left on a 3,500-mile peace trek from France to Jerusalem. At night, they will sleep in monasteries, churches, convents, hostels, pensiones, or depend on the kindness of strangers.