Season of Nonviolence – Day 61: PEACE

Welcome to Day 61 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 61: Peace

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~ Mother Teresa

If we truly understood that we are all one family, all one life, we could not kill each other. If we were fully awake to the loving light that unites us all, we would share our world, knowing that there is more than enough for all. Peace would be the natural result. Armies, border guards and peace treaties will not be necessary when everyone has enough and lives in love instead of fear.

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 with an intention for peace.

Notice any issue that creates feelings of loss, insecurity, discomfort, or the need to control things today. Be aware of how fear motivates your actions. What is your fearfulness creating? Contemplate or journal about how fear is showing up in your life.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 60: Witnessing

Welcome to Day 60 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 60: Witnessing

“When I was a kid, if my father was witnessing something that he thought was particularly outrageous ... he would say, Well, at least Jesse James had the honor to wear a mask.” ~ Richard Neal

Many people really don't want to witness anything bad and or be in a position of having to stand up and speak a hard truth. There is often a cost that comes with knowing the truth, but there is always a greater cost to denying it. We can start by standing witness to the divine beauty we are, then learn to see our world with the same loving clarity.

"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.

Stand in front of your mirror a few moments today and witness the body you have manifested. Do you love and accept yourself, just as you are - even if you want to make a few improvements? Journal about or contemplate how loving yourself brings more peace into your life. Can you give that love to the world?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 59: Intervention

Welcome to Day 59 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 59: Intervention

“As citizens, we all have an obligation to intervene and become involved – it's the citizen who changes things.” ~ Jose Saramago

We can intervene in the progress of war by living more peacefully in our own lives, with our own families, in our workplace, and our environment. When we engage with love and compassion rather than fear and conflict, we sow seeds of peace! 

It starts with you. Contemplate how much peace you have in your life. How much is your peace worth to you? How can you bring more peace into your life if you choose to? Imagine how your peacefulness ripples out into the world and journal about these questions at the end of your day.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 58: Citizenship

Welcome to Day 58 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 58: Citizenship

“Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.” ~ Martha Gellhorn

Citizenship in any democratic nation is more than a matter of birthright. It carries a responsibility to understand the issues our governments and world face. Citizens are called cast informed votes. To do this it is necessary to seek out facts from reliable sources and decide for ourselves what we believe is right.

How do you respond to your duties of citizenship? Do you sign petitions or cast your vote in major elections? How do you help determine the path your country takes? Contemplate or journal about the role of citizenship in your life today.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 57: Service

Welcome to Day 57 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 57: Service

“That service is the noblest which is rendered for its own sake.” ~ Mohandas Gandhi

If we give with the expectation of getting something in return, it really is not a gift at all. A true gift is offered for the joy of giving. When we can give our time and talents in service to others, out of a desire to contribute in meaningful ways; give back as an expression of gratitude for all the blessings we have received, we bring joy, love and light into our world.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Everybody can be great…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.

Do you routinely give your time to groups or causes you support? How about random acts of kindness or visiting a elderly relative or neighbor? Is your life too full and busy to give time away? Or is your life devoted to service? Contemplate these questions today and journal about the role of service in your life.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 56: Self-Sufficiency

Welcome to Day 56 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 56: Self-Sufficiency

"If it is to be, it is up to me." ~ William Johnson

We have no option other than to create our own lives. Others can support us in many ways, but they cannot live our lives for us. When we allow ourselves to depend on someone or something other than ourselves, we risk losing our autonomy and giving control to another. To be fully at peace, we must be able to act independently, make our own choices and live according to our own beliefs. In true partnership with like-minded people and organizations, we are able to have both autonomy and interdependency.

Who do you depend on? Do you recognize that you are the power in your own life or do you believe that you need a particular job, person, or situation to survive? Journal about or contemplate the feelings that arise out of any feelings of need or dependency that you notice.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 55: Responsibility

Welcome to Day 55 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 55: Responsibility

"Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the road back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and... step off that road into another direction." ~ Maya Angelou

Before we can make real and lasting changes in our lives, we must accept personal responsibility for where we are right now. No matter what circumstances and conditions have thwarted our progress, the ultimate responsibility for our lives belongs to no one but ourselves. Our parents, spouses, and friends cannot make those changes for us. It is not a question of blame; it is a matter of power. By owning the power to control our own destiny, we are freed from self-imposed limitations.

Contemplate or journal about where you stand in the balance of blame and responsibility. Do you blame or do you take the reins of your own life in hand to create the life you choose? Are there aspects of your life where you take more personal responsibility than others? Choose to take responsibility and feel the power in that stance.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 54: Giving

Welcome to Day 54 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 54: Giving

"No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning." ~ Barbara de Angelis

We all have gifts and talents to give. We can offer our kindness, compassion, understanding and wisdom, our time, our muscle, and our skills in addition to our money. When we actively give of ourselves to support what we believe in, we also enrich ourselves. 

Give of yourself today. Whether you give money to a cause, time to an organization, or a hug to a child, just give. Contemplate or journal about how it feels to give and make a commitment to consciously give of yourself as part of your spiritual practice.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 53: Action

Welcome to Day 53 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 53: Action

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do." ~ Helen Keller

It can be overwhelming to look at the conflict in our world, easy to think we are powerless to change anything going on half a world away from our home. Yet it is at the level of personal choice that the greatest changes take place. As each of us chooses peace as a way of life, we create a tide that can and will shift the scales away from tyranny, toward peace for all.

Take action today to create more peace in your life. Turn off the news, meditate or pray for peace, or call a truce with someone in your life. Contemplate or journal about how it felt to take action to support your desire to see our human family live in peace.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 52: Equality

Welcome to Day 52 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 52: Equality

“It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.” ~ Martin Luther King

Laws cannot change attitudes or feelings, but it can protect us from the consequences of them. The Declaration of Independence states clearly that all men are created equal, but it took almost 100 years for the definition of 'men' to be extended to former slaves, and 50 years beyond that for women to begin to be included in that equality.

There can be no peace in our cities, states or nations without the full realization that all people are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights. These rights legally cannot be denied anyone on the basis of race, religion, or sex, yet the attitudes that prevent this from becoming the experience of all resides within our hearts, not our laws.

Who do you consider not equal to you? Is it the poor, those whose political or religious beliefs are different from your own, or who choose to live in ways you find threatening or objectionable? Contemplate or journal about where the edge of your belief in the equality of all people ends and choose to embrace everyone in our human family as one of us.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 51: Advocacy

Welcome to Day 51 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 51: Advocacy

"[Coretta Scott King] was her husband's partner in life and shared his commitment; after his death, she ceaselessly promoted his advocacy of nonviolence and protected his legacy." ~ Julian Bond

The World English Dictionary defines advocacy as "active support, especially of a cause". Certainly, Martin Luther King was an active supporter of both equal rights and peace during his life. Activity is required for true advocacy. It is one thing to sit in our homes and think peaceful thoughts, but praying for peace and changing our beliefs and behaviors to become more peaceful are acts of advocacy that have demonstrable power to make real changes in our world. Our world grows more peaceful as each of us finds more peace within ourselves.

"When someone stands up to nonviolence," says Thich Nhat Hanh, "a force for change is released. Every action for peace requires someone to 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.

Contemplate or journal about actions you are able and willing to take to create a more peaceful life. Remember that peace begins within. You will experience greater inner peace through ongoing meditation and spiritual practice. Are you willing to be an advocate for peace?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 50: Choice

Welcome to Day 50 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 50: Choice

"Don't think about who you have been. Who are you now? Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully." ~ Anthony Robbins

Many of us do not recognize the power of our choices; too often we do not even realize we have chosen at all. Yet our lives are the perfect reflection of the choices we make. In order to change our lives, we must be aware of how our thoughts and beliefs determine what we choose. We must be aware before we can make different choices. In every moment we can choose peace and love, or we can choose fear and conflict.

Notice your choices today. Do you react automatically in familiar situations? Are your choices working for you; enhancing your experience of peace and love? Or do they continue to create conflict, pain and fear? Contemplate or journal about your of choices. Consider a new choice and imagine how it could shift these conditions.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 49: Honor

Welcome to Day 49 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 49: Honor

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is." ~ Albert Einstein

When we take time to pause and honor the miracle of life, our hearts expand in grace and gratitude. To honor is to recognize with pristine awareness the gift of the moment, the gift in another, the treasure in a situation or circumstance...the exquisite miracle of being.

Before each meal today, stop and honor all the hands that brought it to you and to bless the earth for its bounty. The farmers. The one who harvested it. The person at the plant who packaged or processed it. The driver who brought it to the store. The clerk who rang up your groceries or the chef at the restaurant. Imagine this chain of blessings from the beginning.

Go out and honor others, honor life, honor the good that is yours. Allow peace to flow.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 48

Welcome to Day 48 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 48: Ecology

"The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

When Roosevelt made this statement, our nation was in the midst of a great depression that was, in part, related to the environmental disaster known as the Dust Bowl. For years the farmers of Oklahoma and Texas had farmed their lands unrelentingly, not allowing fields to go fallow or alternating crops to keep the land healthy. The resulting destruction brought starvation to those areas and took years to repair.

We face a far greater disaster as we continue to consume and destroy our resources as if there were no tomorrow. Our cars and factories pollute the air, while we continue to destroy the rain forests that help keep our air clean. We consume and drill for oil as if it was an unlimited resource although we know this is not the case. This is the only home we have. Rather than caring for it so that our species can thrive for centuries to come, we continue to destroy limited resources for short term financial gain.

Contemplate or journal about how you can take better care of our planet. You can stop buying individual bottles of water, recycle paper, plastic and aluminum, or become actively involved in organizations who are devoted to protecting our environment and preserving all life on earth. How much are you willing to do to make sure your world thrives into the future?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 47: Disarmament

Welcome to Day 47 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 47: Disarmament

"Anger and hatred cannot bring harmony. The noble task of disarmament cannot be accomplished by confrontation and condemnation. Hostile attitudes only serve to heat up the situation, whereas a true sense of respect gradually cools down what otherwise could become explosive." ~ Dalai Lama

Respect is a fundamental value in our nation. It is the basis for our Declaration of Independence which affirms that our rights as individuals are to be respected so that we may speak our minds, vote our conscience, practice our choice of religion and enjoy the sanctity of our homes. But respect cannot be legislated, so our Constitution has laws that protect us from being criminally disrespected by our neighbors or governments, whether at the local, state or national level.

When humanity reaches a level of understanding that respects all peoples, all nations and each individual's rights around the world, there will be no further need for national defense, weapons of mass destruction, or armies. Disarmament will unfold naturally.

Journal about or contemplate what personal defense systems you have in place. Do you respect everyone's right to their own views or opinions or do you feel threatened by those who disagree with you? Are you armed, emotionally or literally, to protect yourself from potential threats, or do you arm yourself only with compassion, respect and faith? How are you willing to begin disarmament in your life?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 46: Compassion

Welcome to Day 46 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 46: COMPASSION

"It is understood that the craft of loving-kindness is the everyday face of wisdom and the ordinary hand of compassion. This wisdom face, this hand of mercy, is never realized alone, but always with and through others. The Buddhist perspective shows us that there is no personal enlightenment, that awakening occurs in the activity of loving relationship." ~ Roshi Joan Halifax

Compassion is a deep emotion that arises out of the desire to alleviate another's suffering. Mother Theresa implored us to "find someone who thinks he is alone and let him know he is not." Compassion is a powerful place to stand in the sometimes seeming chaos of the world. Reaching out to one another, seeing the TRUTH beyond the condition, recognizing the worth and value of every person allows the fire of compassion to transmute any shadow of separation.

Reach out today and let someone know you care. Be present for a friend experiencing a challenging situation, volunteer at one of your local nonprofits, allow your light to be a benevolent presence throughout the day. Let people know that they are not alone. This creates a safe container for healing by revealing TRUTH that we are interconnected. Compassion is seeing through the eyes of Unity and moving from a heart centered place of being.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 45: Mastery

Welcome to Day 45 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 45: Mastery

"If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things." ~ Vincent van Gogh

The dictionary defines mastery as 'expert skill or knowledge'. We can earn degrees that confer the title of Master, just as tradesmen can attain master status in their craft. Experience, skill, and knowledge have many applications beyond their specific field. For example, when one truly understands literature, they have a greater understanding of the human condition. When one is a master cabinet-maker, they have also gained knowledge of balance, beauty and functionality.

What have you mastered? Are you a master of juggling multiple projects or priorities? Maybe you are a master at getting what you want or helping others make their own dreams come true. We all have complete mastery over how we choose to show up in the world, even if we aren't aware of it. How we use our skills and knowledge makes all the difference!

Labor organizer Cesar Chavez teaches, "If you use violence, you have to 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 with impatience or anger. Do this at least once today.

Journal about or contemplate what you have mastered, going beyond work and educational achievements. Have you used your mastery to make a positive difference in the world or to serve your own purposes?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 44: Cooperation

Welcome to Day 44 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 44: Cooperation

"I love to hear a choir. I love to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that." ~ Paul McCartney

The best music requires cooperation. One person with one instrument can present lovely, touching, and powerful songs, but their efforts rarely equal what an orchestra, band or choir can achieve. Each additional instrument and artist brings unique gifts that are multiplied exponentially. When combined they can create beauty that gives us goose bumps, moves us to tears and lifts us up. How much more can we, as a human family, do in cooperation with others than we could ever do alone?

When we work together, we are stronger that when we work alone. Today, find one significant way your can cooperate more effectively with the people in your family or workplace, school or community. Do it.

Be cooperative today. Lend a hand, pitch in and help, become part of a group or team that works together toward shared goals. If you are already part of such groups, consider how you could add to their success with greater cooperation. Do you tend to dance to the beat of a different drum or does cooperation come naturally? Journal about or contemplate how you feel about cooperation.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 43: Uniqueness

Welcome to Day 43 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 43: Uniqueness

"At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time." ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

We are born with our own personality. From birth we have unique relationships with each parent and our siblings. We may react to the same situation in completely different ways because each of us perceives through our own filters. Yet we are ONE family, one life sharing a beautiful planet and its resources. As we learn to celebrate our own unique qualities and quirks, it becomes easier to celebrate those of others. When we tear down walls of judgment that create conflict, we begin to recognize aspects of ourselves in everyone we meet.

Be aware of your own unique being today. Celebrate yourself, laugh at yourself, indulge yourself with love and compassion and take note of the unique qualities of others. Can you celebrate rather than condemn someone else's unique way of showing up in the world? Give it a try! Contemplate or journal about your experience.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 42: Accountability

Welcome to Day 42 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 42: ACCOUNTABILITY

"If we want accountability, each of us must be accountable for all we do." ~ Christine Gregoire

Personal accountability seems to be a rare commodity these days. It is a sign of maturity and integrity to admit when our actions have caused harm to ourselves or others. Too often we point the finger, putting the blame on someone else even when we know we had a part in creating the mess. By being accountable for our choices, we demonstrate and model that character trait to all who stand witness.

Take notice of your own accountability today. Is nothing your responsibility or is everything your fault? Contemplate or journal about how accountable you are in your own life. Are there areas of your life where it is more difficult for you take responsibility for your choices? Do you dodge the consequences of your actions if you deny your accountability?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 41: Openness

Welcome to Day 41 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 41: OPENNESS

"Openness works like the proverbial sunshine." ~ Jonathan Knight

The closed door may keep the unwanted out, but it also keeps what we want from coming in. To receive our good we must open the door and allow it to be. Openness requires a vulnerability that may feel threatening, but in small doses it can also be the ray of light that changes everything. We can be more open in our posture; we can open our minds; we can open our wallets; we can open our hearts. What are we willing to open yourself up to?

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 that you have previously opposed.

Notice your behavior and body language today. Do you keep your arms crossed when you talk to people? Do you look others in the eye or keep your head down? Do you judge anyone who makes a comment you don't agree with or ask questions to better understand their point of view? Journal about or contemplate ways you can become more open.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 40: Unity

Welcome to Day 40 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 40: UNITY

“All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.” ~ Martin Luther King

Our modern world has connected people in ways we could not have imagined 100 years ago. We see social networking and satellite technology literally revolutionizing our world. As we learn to see ourselves as one human family that relies on all of its members to thrive, we begin to live in greater cooperation and peace. Events in the world demonstrate the power of unity to overcome tyranny with peaceful means. Imagine what we could accomplish if we all worked as one!

Do you consider yourself a lone wolf? Do you believe your actions, votes and opinions have no importance or power? Be mindful today of how to react to those who are different or who do not see the world the way you do. Contemplate or journal about your own beliefs about oneness and separation.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 39: Dialogue

Welcome to Day 39 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 39: DIALOGUE

"A fully functional multiracial society cannot be achieved without a sense of history and open, honest dialogue." ~ Cornel West

Serious dialogue between people with different viewpoints and backgrounds requires us to be willing to truly listen and to respond out of wisdom rather than defense. When we let go of our egocentric humanity long enough to hear hard truths, we open the door to deeper understanding and mutual acceptance.

Marianne Williamson describes a healthy society as one in which "those who disagree can do so with honor and respect for other people's opinions, and an appreciation for our shared humanity." In the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, he says, "Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others." Today, speak up but do not enter into the spirit of argument.

Contemplate or journal about how you respond when personally challenged or criticized. Are you defensive and try to justify yourself? Do you have to prove you are right? Can you stop the emotional response long enough to really hear what the other person is saying? Is this approach working for you?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 38: Kindness

Welcome to Day 38 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 38: KINDNESS

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, [and] kindness in your smile." ~ Mother Teresa

It is easy to be kind. All that is required is that you see yourself in everyone you meet. If we truly see each other as reflections and different versions of ourselves, kindness becomes a natural act. Being considerate, thoughtful, generous and loving with everyone expresses the respect we all want and deserve to receive. 

Everyday we hear of random and senseless acts of violence. Be kind today. Participate in the counter-revolution of kindness started by Anne Herbert. Perform three random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.

Let someone pull in front of you in traffic. Smile at someone who is having a hard day. Be aware of the opportunities for kindness that are all around you. At the end of your day, journal about or contemplate how much kindness you chose to show and how it felt to be kind or choose not to be.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 37: Graciousness

Welcome to Day 37 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 37: GRACIOUSNESS

"If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins to them." ~ Francis Bacon

Graciousness honors the oneness of humanity through kindness. It shows compassion for the challenges we are all subject to in life. We extend ourselves to others when we are gracious, accepting them as 'family' even when we are different or disagree. True graciousness is not expected or deserved, it is a precious gift.

Contemplate or journal about how you could bring graciousness into a situation you are currently facing. Imagine the kindest and most compassionate way to respond. Set aside considerations of fault or wrong-doing for the moment. How can you bring light and healing?

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 36: Mindfulness

Welcome to Day 36 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 36: MINDFULNESS

"On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. One who lives a pure life cannot be destroyed." ~ Buddha

When we pay attention to what we are doing, thinking, and saying we are being mindful. Yet It is easy to get lost in our thoughts on the drive home from work or during a conversation. Instead of being fully present, too many of us are re-living what happened in the past or worrying about what may happen in the future. Mindfulness helps us stay in the moment.

Set your intention to be mindful today. Bring your attention to simple tasks, quieting your internal monologue to be aware of what you are doing. Focus on tasks at hand, rather than planning 5 minutes ahead. Listen to what you say in your head and in the world. Contemplate or journal about the experience.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 35: Understanding

Welcome to Day 35 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 35: UNDERSTANDING

"If one does not understand a person, one tends to regard him as a fool." ~ Carl Jung

We feel loved and accepted when we are understood. It is easy to understand those we perceive as being like us, yet it can be very challenging to understand those whose life experience, beliefs and actions are foreign, strange or threatening to us. The lack of understanding leads us to treat people as 'not one of us'. Without understanding, forgiveness and peace are not possible. 

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 with someone.

Contemplate how you can better understand the person, group or situation you identified in the previous day's practice. Meditate or journal about ways you can gain greater understanding and resolve to act on them.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 34: LOVE

Welcome to Day 34 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 34: LOVE

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa

We are constantly judging those around us. While we may be conscious of not being judgmental with our friends and family, we often continue to judge 'others' based on their ethnicity, physical appearance, or beliefs. How often do we unconsciously condemn the driver who cuts us off in traffic with expletives rather simply responding to the situation? These judgments arise from the fear of harm, just as a more subtle version of that fear motivates our judgments against people we perceive as different from us. Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves is a practice that allows the light of love to overcome these fears.

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.

Be mindful of where your unconscious fears lie. Notice what triggers your anger and judgment responses. Contemplate or journal about the fears behind these reactions. Resolve to practice love and acceptance when these situations arise.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 33: Acknowledgment

Welcome to Day 33 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 33: ACKNOWLEDGMENT

"I believe the key to our survival as a species is our acknowledgement that we are one with everything in life." ~ Kenny Loggins

Our country puts great value on individuality and personal freedom. We seek autonomy and often resent government intervention in how we choose to live and operate our businesses. Regulations necessary to protect life and our environment would not be necessary if all of our leaders acknowledged that we are interdependent with each other and nature in ways that support our ability to survive.

As long as corporations value the bottom line and profits above all else, we cannot live in peace with nature or each other. As long as we, as individuals, believe our actions have no impact outside of our own lives, we can continue to participate in activities and business practices that endanger the survival of all life.

Consider today the ways in which we are all inter-connected and acknowledge our oneness with all peoples and nature as you go through your day. Journal about what you can do right now to live in greater harmony with the planet as you recognize humanity's dependence on the Earth for its existence. 

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 32: Patience

Welcome to Day 32 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 32: PATIENCE

"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew." ~ St. Francis de Sales

We live in an impatient world with fast food, instant messaging, expressways and speed dating. Our technology has created an expectation of instant gratification, communication and success, yet this is not the way of nature. Patience requires that we accept what is in the moment, even as we hold our intention and desire for some change to take place. Just as we must be patient with the time it takes to create a tomato from its seed, so must we be patient with ourselves as we move toward becoming the people we want to be. We must provide ourselves with the tools and environment necessary to grow into the fruit of our efforts.

Be mindful today of being patient with family, co-workers and your own perceived shortcomings. Be aware of your inner dialogue as you work, sit in traffic or deal with old patterns of behavior you want to see changed. Contemplate or journal about ways to practice patience in your life, starting with yourself.

From A Season of Nonviolence

Season of Nonviolence – Day 31: Praising

Welcome to Day 31 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 31: PRAISING

"Happiness is the realization of God in the heart. Happiness is the result of praise and thanksgiving, of faith, of acceptance; a quiet tranquil realization of the love of God." ~ White Eagle

When we focus our attention on what is working in our lives and our many blessings, we draw even more good to ourselves. Praising our good and the good of others is a powerful practice that shifts our awareness and increases our experience of joy. Our ability to recognize the infinite love that fills, surrounds and supports our lives grows as we engage in praising rather than complaining.

Be mindful today of praising your good. Notice if this is a natural attitude for you or if your first tendency is to complain and find fault. At the end of the day, contemplate or journal about what you discovered. Are you willing to commit to praising more and complaining less?

From A Season of Nonviolence