“Nonviolence should mean a complete freedom from ill will, anger and hate and an overflowing love for all .... The nonviolence I teach is active nonviolence of the strongest. But the weakest can partake in it without becoming weaker.” – Mohandas K. Ghandi
Days 64 and 65 – CELEBRATION (April 3 and 4)
Today, rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move t he world in the direct ion of peace with their nonviolent choice and action. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 9
WEEK 9 (5763)
Nonviolence challenges us to stand for Truth by taking action that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
Day 57 – SERVICE (March 27)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Everybody can be gr at...because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. " Sign up to volunteer a minimum of two hours this month with an organization of your choice.
Day 58 – CITIZENSHIP (March 28)
Robert Muller, former assistant secretary general to the UN, urges, "use every letter you write, ever y conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your most important beliefs and dreams.” Today call or write one of your legislators and register your views.
Day 59 – INTERVENTION (March 29)
Alcohol and drug abuse is both a consequence and a cause of violence. Today have t he courage to intervene in a caring way. Through your honest and straightforward communication, encourage yourself and others to get educated, get help, and get sober and free from drugs.
Day 60 – WITNESSING (March 30)
"We are each other's bond," writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Those who practice nonviolence cannot close their eyes to injustice or cruelty. We are here to be a witness for justice and compassion. Today, be willing to stand up for Truth by your presence, your words and actions.
Day 61 – PEACE (March 31)
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed." Today, make a choice to meet each experience wit h an intention for peace.
Day 62 – COMMITMENT (April 1)
Spend five minutes reflecting on your commitment to non violence. Write down what it means to you and what you are willing to do as a consequence of your commitment to it. Make your commitment public by sharing it with at least 2 people.
Day 63 – RELEASE (April 2)
A Sufi proverb says, "When the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has found." Today look at how far you have come during this 64 day journey. Release the weight of your past, judgments of yourself and others, and the idea that world peace is not possible by acknowledging t hat you do make a difference.
Nonviolence challenges us to stand for Truth by taking action that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
Day 57 – SERVICE (March 27)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Everybody can be gr at...because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. " Sign up to volunteer a minimum of two hours this month with an organization of your choice.
Day 58 – CITIZENSHIP (March 28)
Robert Muller, former assistant secretary general to the UN, urges, "use every letter you write, ever y conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your most important beliefs and dreams.” Today call or write one of your legislators and register your views.
Day 59 – INTERVENTION (March 29)
Alcohol and drug abuse is both a consequence and a cause of violence. Today have t he courage to intervene in a caring way. Through your honest and straightforward communication, encourage yourself and others to get educated, get help, and get sober and free from drugs.
Day 60 – WITNESSING (March 30)
"We are each other's bond," writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Those who practice nonviolence cannot close their eyes to injustice or cruelty. We are here to be a witness for justice and compassion. Today, be willing to stand up for Truth by your presence, your words and actions.
Day 61 – PEACE (March 31)
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, "Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed." Today, make a choice to meet each experience wit h an intention for peace.
Day 62 – COMMITMENT (April 1)
Spend five minutes reflecting on your commitment to non violence. Write down what it means to you and what you are willing to do as a consequence of your commitment to it. Make your commitment public by sharing it with at least 2 people.
Day 63 – RELEASE (April 2)
A Sufi proverb says, "When the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has found." Today look at how far you have come during this 64 day journey. Release the weight of your past, judgments of yourself and others, and the idea that world peace is not possible by acknowledging t hat you do make a difference.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 8
Nonviolence challenges us to stand for Truth by taking action that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
Day 50 – CHOICE (March 20)
Be aware today of any jokes or remarks that show disrespect toward ethnic groups, women or men, classes of people, religious groups, gays or lesbians. Be considerate of ever y person's dignity and choose not to participate in disrespectful conversation.
Day 51 – ADVOCACY (March 21)
"When someone stands up to nonviolence," says Thich Nhat Hanh, "a force for change is released. Every action for peace requires someone t o exhibit the courage to challenge violence and inspire love." Today be an ally. Without blaming or judging others, speak out for those who are disrespected.
Day 52 – EQUALITY (March 22)
Have you ever not iced t he groups of people who are under represent ed in your activities and lifestyle? Find one way to connect with a person from these groups today.
Day 53 – ACTION (March 23)
"Each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation," said Robert Kennedy. Today, find a way to make one, small change that will contribute to the well being of your home, school, workplace or community.
Day 54 – GIVING (March 24)
Practice generosity by sharing time, energy, and material resources with those in need. Clean out your closet, bureau drawers, or garage. Are the e things you aren't using that might be of value to someone else? Today, give away what you are no longer using.
Day 55 – RESPONSIBILITY (March 25)
The quality of your community starts with you. Take responsibility for the quality of your community wherever you are. Today, pick up trash that is not your own, whether at home, at the office or on the street. Every little bit helps.
Day 56 – SELF SUFFICIENCY (March 26)
People need t he dignity of work and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Economic self sufficiency is a requirement for a nonviolent world. Today, create a job for someone or help someone to find employment (for example, help them wit h a resume or application, help them make phone calls, dress appropriately, or
practice interviewing).
Day 50 – CHOICE (March 20)
Be aware today of any jokes or remarks that show disrespect toward ethnic groups, women or men, classes of people, religious groups, gays or lesbians. Be considerate of ever y person's dignity and choose not to participate in disrespectful conversation.
Day 51 – ADVOCACY (March 21)
"When someone stands up to nonviolence," says Thich Nhat Hanh, "a force for change is released. Every action for peace requires someone t o exhibit the courage to challenge violence and inspire love." Today be an ally. Without blaming or judging others, speak out for those who are disrespected.
Day 52 – EQUALITY (March 22)
Have you ever not iced t he groups of people who are under represent ed in your activities and lifestyle? Find one way to connect with a person from these groups today.
Day 53 – ACTION (March 23)
"Each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation," said Robert Kennedy. Today, find a way to make one, small change that will contribute to the well being of your home, school, workplace or community.
Day 54 – GIVING (March 24)
Practice generosity by sharing time, energy, and material resources with those in need. Clean out your closet, bureau drawers, or garage. Are the e things you aren't using that might be of value to someone else? Today, give away what you are no longer using.
Day 55 – RESPONSIBILITY (March 25)
The quality of your community starts with you. Take responsibility for the quality of your community wherever you are. Today, pick up trash that is not your own, whether at home, at the office or on the street. Every little bit helps.
Day 56 – SELF SUFFICIENCY (March 26)
People need t he dignity of work and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Economic self sufficiency is a requirement for a nonviolent world. Today, create a job for someone or help someone to find employment (for example, help them wit h a resume or application, help them make phone calls, dress appropriately, or
practice interviewing).
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 7
Relationships based on nonviolence are built on the ability to see and understand another human being, whether or not we agree. Seeing people from our common ground gives us practice for bringing nonviolent actions, choices and behaviors into our communal life.
Day 43 – UNIQUENESS (March 13)
Dale Carnegie says that the greatest need people have is for love and approval. Praise, compliment, and honor the uniqueness of at least five people today. Notice the positive impact you make by valuing the individuality of each one.
Day 44 – COOPERATION (March 14)
When we work together, we are stronger that when we work alone. Today, find one significant way your can cooperate more effectively with t he people in your family or workplace, school or community. Do it.
Day 45—MASTERY (March 15)
Labor organizer Cesar Chavez teaches, "If you use violence, you have t o sell part of yourself for that violence. Then you are no longer a master of your own struggle. " Breathe deeply, silently counting backwards from ten to calm yourself and cool off before your speak or act wit h impatience or anger. Do this at least once today.
Day 46 – COMPASSION (March 16)
Mother Theresa implored us to "find someone who thinks he is alone and let him know that he is not." Today, do as Mother Theresa suggests.
Day 47 – DISARMAMENT (March 17)
Have a conversation wit h someone today about what the world would be like if there were no weapons nor any need for them. Imagine such a world.
Day 48 – ECOLOGY (March 18)
Value t he earth by conserving natural resources and avoiding the purchase of products that deplete the rain forests or exploit labor forces. Practice recycling today by using at least one recycled product, or by recycling something.
Day 49 – HONOR (March 19)
Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." Before each meal today, stop and honor all the hands that brought it to you and to bless the earth for its bounty.
Day 43 – UNIQUENESS (March 13)
Dale Carnegie says that the greatest need people have is for love and approval. Praise, compliment, and honor the uniqueness of at least five people today. Notice the positive impact you make by valuing the individuality of each one.
Day 44 – COOPERATION (March 14)
When we work together, we are stronger that when we work alone. Today, find one significant way your can cooperate more effectively with t he people in your family or workplace, school or community. Do it.
Day 45—MASTERY (March 15)
Labor organizer Cesar Chavez teaches, "If you use violence, you have t o sell part of yourself for that violence. Then you are no longer a master of your own struggle. " Breathe deeply, silently counting backwards from ten to calm yourself and cool off before your speak or act wit h impatience or anger. Do this at least once today.
Day 46 – COMPASSION (March 16)
Mother Theresa implored us to "find someone who thinks he is alone and let him know that he is not." Today, do as Mother Theresa suggests.
Day 47 – DISARMAMENT (March 17)
Have a conversation wit h someone today about what the world would be like if there were no weapons nor any need for them. Imagine such a world.
Day 48 – ECOLOGY (March 18)
Value t he earth by conserving natural resources and avoiding the purchase of products that deplete the rain forests or exploit labor forces. Practice recycling today by using at least one recycled product, or by recycling something.
Day 49 – HONOR (March 19)
Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." Before each meal today, stop and honor all the hands that brought it to you and to bless the earth for its bounty.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 6
To require others to change for us to be more peaceful does violence to us both. By choosing to be peaceful in relationship, we invite others to nonviolence in return.
Day 36 – MINDFULNESS (March 6)
If we just act in each moment, with composure and mindfulness, each minute of our life is a work of art. Be aware of the motivation behind your action, the intention behind your words, and the needs and experiences of ot her people. By doing so, you are making life beautiful for others.
Day 37 – GRACIOUSNESS (March 7)
When you are out driving today, slow down, and let the other person in front of you. Stop and let pedestrians cross the street.
Day 38 – KINDNESS (March 8)
Everyday we hear of random and senseless acts of violence. Participate in the counter
revolution of kindness started by Anne Herbert. Perform three random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
Day 39 – DIALOGUE (March 9)
Marianne Williamson describes a healthy society as one in which "those who disagree can do so wit h honor and respect for other people's opinions, and an appreciation for our shared humanity." In t he Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, he says, "Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and list en t o others." Today, speak up but do not enter into the spirit of argument.
Day 40 – UNITY (March 10)
Differences give variety to life and are oft en only on the surface anyway. Today, look for three ways to see beyond outer differences in opinions, appearances, or goals. Find the meeting point of underlying unity that exists in diversity.
Day 41 – OPENNESS (March 11)
A Turkish proverb says, "He who builds himself a fence, fences out more than he fences in." Today, be open to understanding ideas and people t hat you have previously opposed.
Day 42 – ACCOUNTABILITY (March 12)
In conflicting situations, personal accountability allows us to take responsibility for how we contribute t o the conflict. Today, take responsibility for how you contribute to a conflict and make a different choice that can lead to a peaceful resolution.
Day 36 – MINDFULNESS (March 6)
If we just act in each moment, with composure and mindfulness, each minute of our life is a work of art. Be aware of the motivation behind your action, the intention behind your words, and the needs and experiences of ot her people. By doing so, you are making life beautiful for others.
Day 37 – GRACIOUSNESS (March 7)
When you are out driving today, slow down, and let the other person in front of you. Stop and let pedestrians cross the street.
Day 38 – KINDNESS (March 8)
Everyday we hear of random and senseless acts of violence. Participate in the counter
revolution of kindness started by Anne Herbert. Perform three random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
Day 39 – DIALOGUE (March 9)
Marianne Williamson describes a healthy society as one in which "those who disagree can do so wit h honor and respect for other people's opinions, and an appreciation for our shared humanity." In t he Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, he says, "Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and list en t o others." Today, speak up but do not enter into the spirit of argument.
Day 40 – UNITY (March 10)
Differences give variety to life and are oft en only on the surface anyway. Today, look for three ways to see beyond outer differences in opinions, appearances, or goals. Find the meeting point of underlying unity that exists in diversity.
Day 41 – OPENNESS (March 11)
A Turkish proverb says, "He who builds himself a fence, fences out more than he fences in." Today, be open to understanding ideas and people t hat you have previously opposed.
Day 42 – ACCOUNTABILITY (March 12)
In conflicting situations, personal accountability allows us to take responsibility for how we contribute t o the conflict. Today, take responsibility for how you contribute to a conflict and make a different choice that can lead to a peaceful resolution.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 5
In order to create a peaceful world, we must learn to practice nonviolence with one another in our day today interactions.
Day 29 – FORGIVENESS (Feb. 27)
When we forgive, we are free t o let go of the past and move on wit h our lives. We do not condone the hurtful behavior but we realize that there is something within us that is more powerful and important than this wounding experience. Today, write a letter to forgive someone. You do not have to mail it.
Day 30 – AMENDS (Feb. 28)
Make amends today. Apologize to someone you may have hurt and mean your apology sincerely.
Day 31 – PRAISING (March 1)
Appreciation helps people to grow and lets them know that they matter. Offer praise to at least three people today for their personal qualities, achievements, or helpful service.
Day 32 – PATIENCE (March 2)
According t o Cesar Chavez, "Nonviolence is not inaction...It is hard work...It is the patience t o win." When your plans seem delayed, choose to be patient by identifying at least three ways that you can constructively use this time to support your goal.
Day 33 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (March 3)
Tell someone today what a difference he or she has made in your life. Acknowledge that person for being there for you. Make this a day when you don't take people for granted.
Day 34 – LOVE (March 4)
Gandhi wrote, "Nonviolence is based on the assumption that human nature.... unfailingly responds to the advances of love." Today, focus on what you appreciate most about the person you like the least.
Day 35 – UNDERSTANDING (March 5)
Thich Nhat Hanh says, "When you understand, you cannot help but love...Practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion." Send a silent thought of love to ten people today. Share your experience wit h someone.
Day 29 – FORGIVENESS (Feb. 27)
When we forgive, we are free t o let go of the past and move on wit h our lives. We do not condone the hurtful behavior but we realize that there is something within us that is more powerful and important than this wounding experience. Today, write a letter to forgive someone. You do not have to mail it.
Day 30 – AMENDS (Feb. 28)
Make amends today. Apologize to someone you may have hurt and mean your apology sincerely.
Day 31 – PRAISING (March 1)
Appreciation helps people to grow and lets them know that they matter. Offer praise to at least three people today for their personal qualities, achievements, or helpful service.
Day 32 – PATIENCE (March 2)
According t o Cesar Chavez, "Nonviolence is not inaction...It is hard work...It is the patience t o win." When your plans seem delayed, choose to be patient by identifying at least three ways that you can constructively use this time to support your goal.
Day 33 – ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (March 3)
Tell someone today what a difference he or she has made in your life. Acknowledge that person for being there for you. Make this a day when you don't take people for granted.
Day 34 – LOVE (March 4)
Gandhi wrote, "Nonviolence is based on the assumption that human nature.... unfailingly responds to the advances of love." Today, focus on what you appreciate most about the person you like the least.
Day 35 – UNDERSTANDING (March 5)
Thich Nhat Hanh says, "When you understand, you cannot help but love...Practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion." Send a silent thought of love to ten people today. Share your experience wit h someone.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A Season for Nonviolence, Week 4
“The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day 22 – MISSION (Feb. 20)
"My life is my message. " says Gandhi. Write down what you want to stand for in your life. Note at least one way you can show through action that you stand for your beliefs. Take t his action today.
Day 23 – PRAYER (Feb. 21)
"Prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can." said Gandhi. Begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. Let peace begin with you.
Day 24 – HARMONY (Feb. 22)
Choosing not to engage in any for m of gossip today contributes to harmony and peace in relationships. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault.
Day 25 – FRIENDLINESS (Feb. 23)
To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn't met. View those you encounter today in that light. Make a new acquaintance.
Day 26 – RESPECT (Feb. 24)
Gandhi taught, "Language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” Today, respect yourself and others be choosing not to use any profanity or "put downs."
Day 27 – GENEROSITY (Feb. 25)
Mother Theresa said, "There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart." Find three ways to generously give of your time, attention and resources to others.
Day 28 – LISTENING (Feb. 26)
Today, stop what you are doing and take five minutes to list en to the feelings behind someone's words to you. Be fully present for the conversation and interested in what the person is saying.
Day 22 – MISSION (Feb. 20)
"My life is my message. " says Gandhi. Write down what you want to stand for in your life. Note at least one way you can show through action that you stand for your beliefs. Take t his action today.
Day 23 – PRAYER (Feb. 21)
"Prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can." said Gandhi. Begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. Let peace begin with you.
Day 24 – HARMONY (Feb. 22)
Choosing not to engage in any for m of gossip today contributes to harmony and peace in relationships. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault.
Day 25 – FRIENDLINESS (Feb. 23)
To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn't met. View those you encounter today in that light. Make a new acquaintance.
Day 26 – RESPECT (Feb. 24)
Gandhi taught, "Language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” Today, respect yourself and others be choosing not to use any profanity or "put downs."
Day 27 – GENEROSITY (Feb. 25)
Mother Theresa said, "There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart." Find three ways to generously give of your time, attention and resources to others.
Day 28 – LISTENING (Feb. 26)
Today, stop what you are doing and take five minutes to list en to the feelings behind someone's words to you. Be fully present for the conversation and interested in what the person is saying.
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