31 January 2011

Season of Nonviolence - Day 2

We are on Day 2 of the Season of Nonviolence – 64 Days of peaceful wisdom honoring the lives and nonviolent principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez.

Nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate towards ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor and reverence for our own being.

Day 2: SMILING

"Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other." ~ Mother Teresa

Smiling is a human expression. In an instant a smile tells us we have met a friend, we are welcome, we are safe. A well-timed grin can make all the difference in the world to the person who receives it. Genuinely friendly and kind smiles can diffuse tension, soften an awkward moment or create a spark of romance.

Smile at three people who look different than you. Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh said, "If in our daily life we can smile…not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work." Today, share a smile with at least three people, knowing that your smile contributes to peace.


No comments: