11 March 2011

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.

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