30 March 2011

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?

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