Season of Nonviolence – Day 30: Amends

Welcome to Day 30 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 30: AMENDS

"I will start anew, I will make amends and I will make quite certain that the story ends on a note of hope... and remember when I was able to begin again!" ~ Ebenezer Scrooge

Most of us are familiar with the story of Scrooge in Dickens' classic work, A Christmas Carol. It remains such a part of the western psyche because of the timeless truths it tells about life. The tale of how an innocent child becomes a bitter and greedy old man is all too familiar. As the various ghosts of his life reveal to him why he grew to be the man he is, he vows to change and make up to his family, community and employee for the unkindness he has shown. The trajectory of his life changes as he becomes more kind, generous and grateful, and makes amends for the pain he had caused. An apology is merely words, no matter how heartfelt they may be. Making amends requires actions that demonstrate our regret.

Today, contemplate or journal about those in your life you need to make amends to and imagine the effect doing so will make in their lives and your own. Take note of those situations in which the best amends is to let it be.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 29: Forgiveness

Welcome to Day 29 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 29: FORGIVENESS

"If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we would find in each person's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When we realize the spiritual truth of the oneness of all life, we learn not to take things personally. We begin to live more peacefully in the world. When we are able to recognize the inner pain and turmoil that leads others to strike out in anger and rage, we connect to their humanity. Hate and fear cannot heal those hearts, they can only add to the fire. But when we find compassion in our hearts for their suffering, everything starts to change.

When we forgive, we are free to let go of the past and move on with 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. 

Also, identify a person or group you have strong negative feelings toward. Consider how fearfulness and a belief in separation fuel the words and actions of this person or group. Contemplate or journal about how bringing love and light into your own consciousness and feelings can bring greater peace into your life and/or the situation.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 28: Listening

Welcome to Day 28 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 28: LISTENING

"The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention." ~ Richard Moss

Most of us are born with the ability to hear, but we all must learn to listen. Too often we hear with our ears as our minds construct our next statement, wonder when it will be our turn to speak, or evaluate what is being said. When we truly listen, we focus on the other person. We hear their words and the feelings behind them. We make eye contact. We check to make sure we understand what is being said. Sometimes it is all we need to do when a friend or loved one is in emotional pain. We do not have to offer solutions; we need only listen with our hearts.

Be mindful of listening rather than only hearing. Today, stop what you are doing and take five minutes to listen to the feelings behind someone's words to you. Be fully present for the conversation and interested in what the person is saying. Contemplate or journal about the experience.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 27: Generosity

Welcome to Day 27 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 27: GENEROSITY

"To generous souls every task is noble." ~ Euripides

Our thoughts usually go to images of gifts and material goods when we consider generosity. But generosity of spirit comes from within. It is our willingness to give of our time, our smiles, kindness, compassion and love. When we approach life with a generous spirit, we bring light into all we do. We may never know how we impact the lives of others by our acts, but when we cultivate a generous spirit, we can do no harm.

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.

Meditate today on your own generosity of spirit. Do you give of yourself freely or do you withhold your kindness and compassion? Journal about what you discover.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 26: Respect

Welcome to Day 26 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 26: RESPECT

"We live thick and are in each other's way, and stumble over one another, and I think we thus lose some respect for one another." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Sometimes giving someone space – physical or emotional – is the highest form of respect we can offer. We respect others in our lives when we allow them space to feel what they feel or honor their expressed wishes about our actions in their presence. Even when we vehemently disagree with another, when we respect their right to believe as they do, we bring more peace into any situation.

Be mindful today of how you interact with others around you. Do you respect their feelings, needs and beliefs or do you ignore them? Do you judge or condemn the person because you disagree with them?

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." Journal about or contemplate what you observe about your behavior and attitudes and your willingness to be more respectful.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 25: Friendliness

Welcome to Day 25 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 25: FRIENDLINESS

"Therefore... cultivate friendliness; cultivate compassion, joy, and [detachment]" ~ Buddhist Proverb

Friendliness is a gift we can give to all we encounter in the world. It costs nothing to offer and takes nothing from us if it is not returned. Be kind, be helpful, smile, have compassion. Walking through our days with a frown, barely noticing those around us closes us off from our good. There are friends yet to be met, love yet to be found, kindness to share, hearts to mend. We miss these opportunities when we choose not to be friendly.

Today, be friendly with co-workers, cashiers where you shop, the teller at your bank or your server at your favorite restaurant. Smile, extend a friendly greeting. Notice how it feels when that friendliness is returned. Journal about or contemplate this experience.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 24: Harmony

Welcome to Day 24 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 24: HARMONY

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Have you ever heard an orchestra or choir learning a new song? In those early days of learning their parts, these groups can generate a great deal of dissonance. But when the piece is perfected, the harmony created by these diverse instruments carries awesome beauty. When our lives are not in harmony, when the diverse aspects create dissonance, we cannot create lives of wonder and joy. We must practice to create that harmony in our lives.

Choosing not to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony and peace in relationships. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault.

Also, contemplate or journal about harmony, or its absence, in your life. Is there harmony in your relationships, in the ways you show up at home, at work and play? How can you tune up your life to create more harmony?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 23: Prayer

Welcome to Day 23 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 23: PRAYER

"When you pray for anyone you tend to modify your personal attitude toward him." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Praying for another person's good is an expression of care and concern. When you turn anger, resentment or conflict toward prayer for the other person involved in those toxic feelings, you wrap those apparent conditions in love. Only love, acceptance and compassion can heal relationships or shift our perception of a situation. As we pray for another, whether a spouse, a child, parent, or our nation's leaders, we connect with them in spirit. They become less the other and more clearly perceived as one of us, doing their best, no matter how far short of good enough that may appear to us at the time.

Today, pray for the good of someone or some situation you have discomfort around. It may be an intimate situation, something in your workplace, or in the world. Pray sincerely for the highest and greatest good for the person or situation. Journal about how it felt to do this and notice over the next few days how your attitude changes.

"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.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 22: Mission

Welcome to Day 22 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 22: MISSION

"Can you have more than one major mission pervading your life? NO. That would be like coming to a fork in the road and trying to go both ways by straddling it." ~ Charles Garfield

Many of us want to know our purpose in life. We admire those with clarity and passion around their own mission and feel the pull of something within that we cannot identify. In order to be clear about our mission we must understand ourselves, our values, beliefs, and passions. It is there our mission resides. As we gain clarity about ourselves, we become better able to perceive our mission and purpose in life. This clarity is a powerful place from which to pursue that mission with passion.

"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 this action today.

Then, contemplate or meditate on these questions today: 

* What gifts do you possess that support your mission? 

* What are you most passionate about? 

* Are you willing to let go of the fears that hold you back from living your mission in the world? 

Journal about the insights you gain.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 21: Inspiration

Welcome to Day 21 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 21: INSPIRATION

“I trust in inspiration, which sometimes comes and sometimes doesn't. But I don't sit back waiting for it. I work every day." ~ Alberto Moravia

In theology, inspiration is defined as a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul. It is easy to see divine inspiration working in great works of art and music such as the Sistine Chapel or Handel's Messiah. But inspiration is not limited to artists; it is available to all of us. Inspiration is in each insight we gain, each new perception, change in attitude or behavior we experience. The open heart finds inspiration at every turn.

Open yourself to inspiration today. Sit in silence, quiet your mind, and listen for the voice of inspiration. Journal about or contemplate about the spiritual work necessary for inspiration.

Also, think of at least two people who exemplify for you the practice of nonviolence. What is it you admire about them? Practice these behaviors today so that other people may be inspired.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 20: Self-Forgiveness

Welcome to Day 20 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 20: SELF-FORGIVENESS

"Forgiveness is not a one-time-only event. It is a process." ~ Rhonda Britten

In retrospect, we are often disappointed with the choices we have made and their consequences in our lives. In order to be at peace with ourselves, it is necessary to forgive ourselves for perceived mistakes we have made. We must recognize that there is great value in the life lessons and we learn from actions and choices that had difficult or painful consequences. In doing this we are able to find new beliefs and intentions that move our lives in a different direction. 

When you judge yourself, you tend to believe that who you are is what you have or don't have. Knowing that who you are is greater than all these things,  forgive yourself for forgetting the good that is in you.

As you find acceptance, love and forgiveness for your own perceived failures, you clear the way to forgive others.

Choose to forgive yourself today. Identify one decision from your past that you continue to regret and begin to forgive yourself for it. Journal about or contemplate this single choice/action and find the ways in which your feelings about it continue to affect your life.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 19

Welcome to Day 19 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 19: ACCEPTANCE

"Life has no other discipline to impose than [we] accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, [or] evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." ~ Henry Miller

The phrase "It is what it is" neatly summarizes the attitude of acceptance. No amount of screaming, kicking, hair pulling or argument can stop the rain, bring back one who has passed on, return us to some vision of the good old days or mend a broken relationship. When we accept the reality of what is, we begin the process of healing and make room for what is to come.

"Resentment, fear, criticism, and guilt cause more problems than anything else," says Louise Hay. Today, choose not to judge yourself (your looks, your capabilities, your expressions). See all the ways you are unique, loving, capable and bright!

Are you fighting against something in your life? Maybe it is an emotional wound that hasn't healed or a recent event or situation. Whatever it is, identify one fact of your life that you have not yet truly accepted. Make time today to seek acceptance in meditation, mindfulness and writing in your journal as you look this reality in the eye.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 18

Welcome to Day 18 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 18: FREEDOM

"Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us." ~ Stephen Covey

One of the truths of life is that we cannot make another person change; we can't make anyone love us or be kind to others. But we are free to choose how we respond to others in our lives when they do not see things as we do or treat us in ways that we find unacceptable. We are free to leave an environment or relationship that we find toxic; we can remove ourselves from family and community members under challenging circumstances. But we are also free to choose to stay, to bring love and light into these situations and not take things personally.

Be mindful today of the interactions between you and others. Exercise your freedom to not to take things personally on the drive home from work. Notice if you are being reactive and allowing someone to push your buttons. Do you fall into old behavior patterns? Set an intention to remain aware of how your words or actions either inflame or cool tensions? Journal about the choices you make in these interactions and identify changes you are willing to make in your attitudes and actions.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 17

Welcome to Day 17 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 17: INTEGRITY

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." ~ Martin Luther King

Living in integrity means knowing what you believe in and value and having the courage to stand for those ideals in your home, community and the world. It isn't always easy to live in peace in a violent world, yet the only way to create a peaceful world is for us learn to live peacefully in our homes, workplaces and communities. It is integrity to remain peaceful in the midst of conflict, and approach fear with love.

Contemplate being peace in your life and commit to being the peace you choose to experience. Throughout your day today, choose in the moment to remain peaceful in potentially volatile or difficult situations. At the end of your day, write in your journal about the experience.

Do the right thing. Spike Lee used these words as a title for one of his movies. When faced with a choice today, listen to your conscience. You know what's right. Do it. 

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 16

Welcome to Day 16 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 16: GRATITUDE

"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." ~ Henri Frederic Amiel

Giving is an act of gratitude. We give to charitable causes or tithe as signs of gratitude for all we have been given and all the blessings in our lives. We reveal our lack of gratitude when we unfavorably compare what we have to what others posses or what we want.

When we find our own good wanting it affects our actions and attitude. When we are grateful for what we have, we draw more good into our lives. How might your actions change if you showed gratitude for your job, home, family and friends? Would the quality of your at work improve or would you be mindful of showing your loved ones how much they mean to you by the way you speak to and interact with them?

On her show, Oprah Winfrey frequently promotes the daily practice of gratitude. Begin the day by listing five things for which you are grateful and end it by sharing with one person all of the good in your life today.

Choose at least one person or aspect of your life to show your gratitude by your actions. Consciously express your gratitude through your actions rather than words. Contemplate or journal about the experience.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 15

Welcome to Day 15 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 15: REVERENCE

“Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God.” ~ Francis Bacon

In biblical times people were to be purified before entering the Temple or going into battle – ritual bathing to clean the body and show reverence. We are reverent in holy places and at sacred times, but we are also called to have reverence for ourselves and each other. To do so, we must seek to honor all life, to take care of what is ours – including our planet – and respect others and their property.

Environmentalist John Muir said, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." Today, go for a walk and realize the beauty around, above and below you.

Then contemplate or journal about how different our world would be if we all had reverence for the divine all around us. Everything in creation is an expression of the divine. How do you honor it?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 14

Welcome to Day 14 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 14: HUMILITY

"Humility like the darkness, reveals the heavenly lights." ~ David Henry Thoreau

The Bible tells us that pride goes before the fall. Pride is not attractive attribute, though there is a difference in acknowledging and celebrating our good and being prideful. True humility comes from knowing that something greater than the self works through and supports us in all things and yet we are still human and fallible. When we are truly humble those around us see our light shine even more clearly.

Making mistakes is a part of learning and growing, simply an "error in approach." Today, freely acknowledge at least one mistake you made today, and reflect for a couple of minutes on what you have learned.

Also, consider what you have created for your life experience. Is it working for you? Journal or contemplate how to change the thoughts and beliefs that support and attract whatever is not working for you right now.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 13

Welcome to Day 13 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 13: CREATIVITY

"All works of art are commissioned in the sense that no artist can create one by a simple act of will but must wait until what he believes to be a good idea for a work ''comes'' to him." ~ Wystan Hugh Auden

We are creative beings by nature. We create our lives out of our beliefs, our dreams, actions and choices. We can create love, joy, beauty and peace, or we can create fear, sorrow, destruction and conflict. You do not have to be an artist, musician or writer to be creative - it is our nature to create.

The worst thing you can do to a human soul is to suppress its natural desire to create. Identify at least five ways in which you express your creativity everyday. Today, allow something unpredictable and joyous to express through you.

Today, consider what you have created for your life experience. Is it working for you? Journal or contemplate how to change the thoughts and beliefs that support and attract whatever is not working for you right now.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 12

Welcome to Day 12 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 12: GROUNDEDNESS

"I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth; and truth rewarded me." ~ Sylvia Ashton Warner

Are you like a tree with deep strong roots that hold you firm no matter what storms may come? Or are you a tumbleweed, blown about by whatever winds may come? When we are grounded in truth, when we find meaning and purpose in our lives, we contribute to the well-being of all.

Gandhi said, "To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves." And Black Elk said, "Some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds." Today place a seed in the earth, plant a tree or nurture an open space.

Today, journal about or contemplate your own groundedness. Are you easily swayed by others or do you know what matters and stand in that knowing, no matter what comes?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 11

Welcome to Day 11 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 11: CONTEMPLATION

"I admire people who are suited to the contemplative life. They can sit inside themselves like honey in a jar and just be. It's wonderful to have someone like that around, you always feel you can count on them. You can go away and come back... there they are, just the way they were, just being." ~ Elizabeth Janeway

Many of us take time to contemplate life and spirituality; we choose to regularly connect to our inner selves and find greater peace. Great good can be done in the world by taking time for contemplation and meditation while we continue to participate in the activities of the world, bringing peaceful energy to our work and relationships.

For at least three minutes, relax, breathe, and let your mind be fed by "whatsoever is good and beautiful and just." Sacred scripture states, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Today, contemplate how your own practices aid you in being a positive presence in the world and make a commitment to dedicate time each day to peace, solitude and quiet.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 10

Welcome to Day 10 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 10: FAITH

"All that I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Without faith in something greater than ourselves, we would have little motivation or grounds for believing in goodness. Humanity has a long history of violence, unimaginable cruelty and selfishness, yet there have always been lights within the darkness. Love is the most powerful path to world peace. Faith and love can overcome our challenges and save us from darkness and fear.

When Cesar Chavez was organizing farm workers, he challenged them to say, "Si, se puede" (yes, it is possible) when they didn't know how they would overcome obstacles. Today say, "yes, it is possible," even if you don't know how your goal will be realized. Have faith, and say "it is possible” until you find, or are shown, a way.

What do you have faith in? Journal about or contemplate where you place your faith. Is it based in love or fear?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 9

Welcome to Day 9 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 9: DREAMING

"I'll do my dreaming with my eyes wide open, and I'll do my looking back with my eyes closed." ~ Tony Arata

Our dreams are an important part of life; they both motivate and inspire us. But without action, wisdom and support, we cannot make them real. We must do more than dream of world peace to make it a reality. As individuals we must become peaceful and loving, be mindful of showing up in the world as peace and make choices that support peace.

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a great dream. What is your dream for peace? Write it down. What is one thing you can do to honor your dreams? Do it today.

Journal about your dreams that you wish to create and contemplate how your dreams can show up as peace in your life.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 8

Welcome to Day 8 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 8: HEALING

"The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affects our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually." ~ Greg Anderson

Our thoughts and words have great power indeed. We can, through the power of our words and thoughts, create great wonders or dark disasters. Our bodies manifest our beliefs, thoughts and words just as our beliefs about ourselves and others are reflected in our actions. Before we can act on this knowledge we must be aware of what we believe.

Writer, poet, activist, and professor Maya Angelou turned a traumatic childhood experience into a catalyst for creativity and achievement. Today, choose a painful incident in your past and find the “gift” it has given you. Consciously share this gift with others today.

Look to your actions today and contemplate what false beliefs are behind choices that undermine your health and well-being. Journal about these beliefs and how they affect your life and the world around you.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 7

Welcome to Day 7 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 7: EDUCATION

"Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors." ~ Louisa Alcott

We are here to learn. From the moment we are born, we are being educated. Many of these lessons are necessary to our survival and success in the world, but there are many other powerful lessons about our humanity and the realities of life that cannot be avoided. When we approach the inevitable tests that life brings with an open heart, courage, and the intention to learn and grow, we enrich every life we touch.

Knowledge strengthens your conviction and deepens your wisdom and understanding. Learn about the power of nonviolence by educating yourself. Read or watch on a subject that relates to nonviolence. Learn about human rights, diversity, ecology, history, and politics, forgiveness, spirituality, peace studies, biographies of heroes and more.

In your daily practice today, contemplate the lessons life is offering right now to help you expand your understanding and live more fully. Journal about these lessons and how you choose to approach them.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 6

Welcome to Day 6 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 6: SIMPLICITY

"Nothing is more simple than greatness; indeed, to be simple is to be great." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Someone once said that telling the truth is advisable if only because it is so hard to remember all the lies you've told. Being honest and honorable is simple. Say what you mean, do what you say you will and you eliminate a great deal of trouble in life. Our lives can be as simple as we want them to be, it is just a matter of choice.

To simplify is to invite peacefulness. Think of three ways you can simplify your life and put at least one of them into practice today.

Today, journal about or contemplate what makes you or your life complicated. Are you in integrity at work and at home? Choose one to address and begin to simplify your life.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 5

Welcome to Day 5 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 5: BELIEVING

"Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking and believing. As individuals think and believe, so they are." ~ Claude Bristol

What kinds of things do you say in your head? Do you call yourself names and or say things that would shock you if they came from anyone else? These things have great creative power and on some level you believe them. Or do you? The first step is awareness. What do you choose to believe about yourself, others and the way the world works?

Author Wayne Dyer writes about the impact that our beliefs have on our daily lives. Today, believe that you have all the resources to move your life in the direction of peace. Be aware of simple demonstrations of peaceful responses you receive.

Listen to your internal dialogue as you go through your day today and journal about what you hear.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 4

Welcome to Day 4 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 4: CARING

"Caring is a powerful business advantage." Scott Johnson of Johnson and Johnson

Johnson and Johnson is a family business, a company that cares about its customers and the quality of its products. This has become a rare business practice in a climate that values the bottom line above all things. But Scott Johnson is right about the rewards of caring in the operation of any business. Caring is a fundamental aspect of creating a work ethic of quality, value and service. Beyond the importance of caring in the workplace, the cost of apathy in our culture is plain to see. There are those who do not care about what is happening to our human family or to our planet. If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.

According to Peter McWilliams, "Nonviolence toward the self is caring for oneself. It is what the Greeks call reverence for the self." Real caring is not just what we say, but what we do. Make a list of at least five ways that you can take better care of yourself. Practice at least one today.

Today, do something to show that you care. Volunteer to help or donate money to a cause dear to your heart, or help out someone in need. Journal about how it feels to actively support your cause.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence - Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 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 3: APPRECIATION

"It is not the one who has too little, but the one who craves more, that is poor." ~ Seneca

When we are grateful for what we have, we create an energy that draws more good into our lives. When we show appreciation for our friends, family members, co-workers and partners we create a positive environment that lightens the heart and feeds the soul.

Today, take notice of your good. Acknowledge and return the kindness and consideration shown you during your day. Take note of how it felt to show your gratitude and to be appreciated.

From A Season of Nonviolence