Principles of Nonviolence (for kids)...but really for adults

EXAMPLE

Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mother Theresa were three of the
most influential people in the 20th century.  They were influential not
simply for their eloquence and their ideas, but for their actions.  Each of
them left behind the example of the choices that they made in every day of
their life.  They chose love over fear.  They chose hope over despair.  They
chose to demonstrate rather than just percolate.  The example they set by
their choices is what influenced billions of people.

Journalist Jane Pauley has said, "Kids learn more from example than anything
you say.  I'm convinced they learn very early not to hear anything you say,
but watch what you do."

Know this:  everyone you meet in your life, everyone, is watching your
example, unconsciously or consciously.  Your children, your parents, your
friends, and even those whom you have not noticed, all are influenced by your
example.  When I react with patience in a frustrating situation, people
around me take notice.  When I have no patience, they notice.  Love and fear
are always noticed.  Today I set a loving example and behave as the person I
want to be.  Today I set the example of a person who takes action to change
the world for the better.  Today I vote to make a difference!
 
*************************************

#135 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

COURAGE

It takes a great deal of courage to truly live a nonviolent life.  If you are
really dedicated to the practice of nonviolence you will often find yourself
running against popular opinion and having to speak up and take a stand
against the violence that permeates our daily life.  Just think how many
times Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi came forth in an act of
bravery.

The famous American aviator Amelia Earhart said, "Courage is the price that
Life exacts for granting peace."  It is by this simple truth that many a
great wayshower, from Jesus to Nelson Mandela, has lived an extraordinary
life.

When one is determined to live a nonviolent life it becomes easier to find
the courage to speak up than it does to find the ability to tolerate the
violence.  It's that simple.  Today I discover peace through making
courageous decisions.

************************

#134 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

LEAP

In order to act out of love many times I must leap.  Look first, then leap.
Instead of leaping, sometimes I hesitate and stand on the precipice.    My
fear kicks in and I decide to think about it some more before I take action.
I need to evaluate, mull, consider the options.  But often the plain truth is
that I already know what needs to be done, and I want to do it.  I really do!
 What I lack is the courage to leap.  My heart tells me to leap, my head says
"Are you crazy?  You could get hurt.  Wait."  I wait and the moment passes me
by.

In The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck writes, "When my patients lose sight
of their significance and are disheartened by the effort of the work we are
doing, I sometimes tell them that the human race is in the midst of making an
evolutionary leap.  'Whether or not we succeed in that leap,' I say to them,
'is your personal responsibility.'  And mine.  The universe, this
stepping-stone, has been laid down to prepare a way for us.  But we ourselves
must step across it, one by one."

Today I accept my personal responsibility for the evolutionary leap of the
human race to a higher consciousness.  Today is a day ripe for leaping.  I
examine my life for places where my heart has told me to leap and my head has
told me to wait and gather my evidence.  Today I give my heart the final say
and take a leap of faith.   I leap and all of humanity is uplifted, for we
are one, absolutely.
 
*************************************

#133 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

WORK

We all work with an attitude.  That attitude is determined by our intention.
Most of us spend more time at work than at anything else. What we accomplish
at work takes a large part of the thought and energy that we have to give in
a day or a week or a year.  As part of our practice of nonviolence we must
stop and consider "to what am I devoting my life to?"

In THE PATHWAY OF ROSES, Christian D. Larson writes, "Do not work for
yourself; work for the great idea that stands at the apex of your greatest
purpose.  The greater idea for which you work, the greater will be your work
õ When you begin to live and work for a great purpose, you get into the
current of great forces, great minds, great souls.  You gain from every
source; all the powerful lives in the world will work with you; you become a
living part of the movement in the world that determines the greater destiny
of man; you become one of the chief elements upon which will depend the
future of countless generations yet to be õ"

Certainly, Gandhi and King have taught us that one person has the power to
change the destiny of the entire human race.  We do this by simply shifting
our intention.  Imagine your intention is akin to the trajectory of a rocket.
 Shift that trajectory one degree and it has a new destination.

Today is the day I commit to work for a greater idea.  I am in league with
all of the great minds, the great souls who have ever lived.  My work changes
the destiny of the human race.
 
**********************************************

#132 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

PRACTICE

Everyday is a day to practice nonviolence.  We practice by making conscious
choices.  Each and every moment of the day provides a new choice.  In every
moment we can begin again.  In this short tale entitled THE WOLVES WITHIN,
an unknown author demonstrates this principle:

An old grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate
who had done him an injustice, said "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times,
have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for
what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is
like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with
these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves
inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around
him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight
when it is right to do so, and in the right way." "But the other wolf, ah! He is full
of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone,
all the time, for no reason.  He cannot think because his anger and hate are so
great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing. Sometimes it is hard
to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins,
Grandfather?"

The Grandfather smiled and said, "The one I feed."

Today I choose which wolf to feed, and I strengthen my practice of
nonviolence.  As part of my daily practice I take time to be grateful that I
always have a choice.  My gratitude feeds my practice.

(Special thanks to Randi Colberg)

*********************************************

#131 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

CIVILITY

What is civility?  Is it merely a deference to social order and the law?  Or
does it extend beyond that when we're practicing nonviolence? When we
practice nonviolence we are reaching far beyond civic duty into moral duty.
While civic duty means obeying the laws of the state, moral duty means
honoring the moral laws of the heart and soul.

Mahatma Gandhi said "Experience has taught me that civility is the most
difficult part of Satyagraha (soul-force).  Civility does not here mean the
mere outward gentleness of speech cultivated for the occasion, but an inborn
gentleness and desire to do the opponent good.  These should show themselves
in every act of Satyagrahi."

In an effort to strengthen my practice of nonviolence, in order to be a
wayshower and a place of peace, I go the extra step. Today in my practice of
nonviolence I desire not only be civil to my perceived enemies, but I extend
to them love and a desire to do them good.  I know that my nonviolent choice
and action lifts the consciousness of all.
 
************************************************
 
#130 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

RISK

Novelist and poet Erica Jong says " And the trouble is if you don't risk
anything, you risk even more."

Walking the path of nonviolence often feels like taking a risk.  When we
commit ourselves to opening our hearts we sometimes feel exposed and
vulnerable.  It takes walking a distance down this path before we gain the
experience that teaches us that nothing is stronger than love.  It takes
practice to learn that standing in a place of love is the safest place of all.

Today I risk loving that within me that appears unlovable.  Today I risk
loving those people in my life whom I would sooner turn against.  Today I
risk moving down the path of nonviolence in a demonstrable way, for I know
that to stand still is to take the greatest risk of all.
 
*************************************************

#129 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

ATMOSPHERE

Have you ever noticed that each of us has our own personal atmosphere?
Atmosphere is more than a mood.  It is the energetic expression of our
attitude towards life and, most importantly, our expectations of life itself.
Wherever we go we carry our atmosphere with us.  Every experience we have
gets filtered through that atmosphere.  People can feel our atmosphere as we
enter the room.  Do you light up the room?  Are you a party pooper?  A fear
monger?

In the forward to PEACE IS EVERY STEP by Thich Naht Hanh, His Holiness
The Dalai Lama writes, "Although attempting to bring about world peace through
the internal transformation of individuals is difficult it is the only way õ
Peace must first be developed within an individual.  And I believe that love,
compassion, and altruism are the fundamental basis for peace.  Once these
qualities are developed within an individual, he or she is then able to
create an atmosphere of peace and harmony.  This atmosphere can be expanded
and extended from the individual to his family, from the family to the
community and eventually to the whole world."

Today I take the time to assess my own personal atmosphere.  Knowing that my
atmosphere affects everyone I come in contact with I make a commitment to
have a loving atmosphere that creates peace wherever I go.  My loving
atmosphere expands from myself to my family and friends, to my community and
to the world.  Wherever I am, I am a place for peace.
 
*************************************************

#127 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

LOOKING

Often in life there are situations that confront us which we simply do not
wish to look at.  Our decision to ignore usually comes from a basic fear of
experiencing the worst thing we can imagine in the situation.   If we have
the courage to look under the bed we can see that actually there is no ghost
or monster there.  If we ask our friend why we haven't heard from him in a
month we might learn that it's not because of that last comment we made about
his daughter, but instead that he's worried about losing his job.   As long
as I'm afraid to look, my fear has a chance to ferment into hysteria, and
that can feel intensely violent.

In his book TRAVELS, Michael Crichton writes, "We all can work ourselves into
a hysterical panic over possibilities that we won't look at.  What if I have
cancer?  What if my kids are on drugs?  What if I'm getting bald ... And that
hysteria always goes away the instant we are willing to hear the answer.
Even if the answer is what we feared all along ... Hysteria accompanies an
unwillingness to look at what is really going on; it promotes an
unwillingness to look, when actually it is not-looking that makes us afraid. "

Once I look at what I'm afraid of, the hysteria dissipates and as Crichton
points out, "the question becomes , What are you going to do about it?"  With
action comes relief and a sense of purpose.  Fear knows no constructive
purpose.  Today I look at the things that frighten me most and put an end to
the building hysteria, an end to the violence of my own making.  "I once was
blind, but now I see."

******************************
 
#126 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

WONDERFUL

Think of a child who has discovered something that fills them with a sense of
wonder.  What a beautiful sight their expression is.  There is so much in
life that is awe inspiring, wonder-filling.   And yet so often as adults we
try to hide the fact that we are impressed.  We have been taught that to
stand in a feeling of wonder is to be immature.  Immature as opposed to
childlike.   We trade in our sense of wonder for a feeling of security that
never comes.

In PEACE IS EVERY STEP, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "Life is filled
with many wonders, like the blue sky, the sunshine, the eyes of a baby.  Our
breathing, for example, can be very enjoyable.  I enjoy breathing every day.
But many people appreciate the joy of breathing only when they have asthma or
a stuffed-up nose ... Wherever we are, any time, we have the capacity to
enjoy the sunshine, the presence of each other, the wonder of our breathing.
We don't have to travel anywhere else to do so.  We can be in touch with
those things right now."

Today I reclaim my sense of wonder.  I take a few minutes to feel the
wonder-fullness of my own breath, to stand in wonder at the magnificence of
the people I encounter.  I recognize that part of honoring the dignity and
worth of all life is acknowledging the wonderfulness of each and every
person, every animal, every plant, every thing seen and unseen.  My life is
wonder-filled.  My life is wonderful!
 
******************************
 
#125 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

CONSTRUCTIVISM

How frequently do we think about whether or not our actions are constructive?
 How many times have I tried to solve a problem without considering whether
or not my solution was actually constructive or merely a band aid?  Much of
what we do can be reactionary, borne of our fear of what might happen.
Sometimes we know that what we're doing is actually destructive and we go
ahead and do it anyway in order to get a temporary feeling of resolution.
This is what we see our leaders do all the time.  Many people use violence in
order to attempt to end violence.  It never works, but they try it again
anyway.

In TRUMPET OF CONSCIENCE, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. says, "Means and ends
must cohere because the end is preexistent in the means, and ultimately
destructive means cannot bring about constructive ends."

The bottom line is: if I have a problem and I try to solve it with anything
other than love, I will still have a problem.  In other words, "what goes
around, comes around."  Today, in every area of my life, I choose
constructive means to bring about constructive ends.

******************************

#124 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SUFFER

One of the deepest influences on  Mahatma Gandhi was Jesus' Sermon on the
Mount, especially the part about turning the other cheek.  In India, Gandhi
taught his followers that they could win their independence through their
willingness to suffer.  The Indian people applied their Soul Force against
the British use of physical force and freed themselves.  Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. used this powerful tool of nonviolent resistance and the capacity
to suffer to bring about powerful and transformative healing and change
during the U.S. civil rights movement.

As E. Stanley Jones wrote in his book GANDHI - PORTRAYAL OF A FRIEND, Gandhi
taught his followers to say to their oppressors "We will not hate you, but we
will not obey you.  Do what you like, and we will wear you down by our
capacity to suffer.  And in the winning of the freedom we will so appeal to
your heart and conscience that we will win you.  So ours will be a double
victory; we will win our freedom and our captors in the process."

Today I look to see if there is someone or somewhere in my life where I can
turn the other cheek.  Knowing that violence, whether in thought, word or
deed, only brings more violence, today I choose to use my Soul Force to
transform any violent situation into a loving one.
 
******************************
 
#123 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

TRUTH

One of the most corrosive forms of violence is the lie.  Lies take many
forms.  When I live to other people's expectations my whole life can feel
like a lie.  When I hold back my feelings and don't share them when it is
important that I speak them, I feel like I am lying.  When I judge someone as
being less than a divine being, I am lying to myself out of fear.  Any time I
avoid the truth it is out of fear.   With truth comes love banishing all fear.

In WITH WINGS AS EAGLES, John Randolph Price writes, "Truth must be realized
individually.  It must be realized by you, otherwise it is not your Truth.
Only your Truth, not the truth, is expressed in your life, not anyone else's.
 How do you find your truth?  By seeking and finding the teacher within.  You
see, the Teacher and the Truth within are one."

Today is a day of truth.  I honor myself in all situations by being aware of
the truth and speaking it when necessary.  By speaking my truth I honor
myself and those around me.  When others speak their truth I know that truth
is love and I receive it gracefully.  Today I know that "the Teacher within
and the Truth are one."

*******************************
 
#121 of the ways to practice nonviolence is Accuracy

In the daily practice of nonviolence our own inner accuracy is required. It
can be surprisingly easy to be persuaded to adapt another's point of view.
Sometimes all it takes is the sound of a car horn blaring at us for discord
to prevail and our entire practice to be momentarily lost. Fortunately, our
practice can just as easily be lovingly resumed.  We're all seeking
to get to a place within ourselves where we can experience any situation and
be unmoved from our inner
center of peace.  When we can do that, then we can be of service to others.

In THE PRINCIPLES OF HEALING, H.B. Jeffery writes, "... let us suppose that
there is only one singer in a whole choir who has the proper note and key,
and that all the rest are off key. If that one will keep to the true key and
tempo, ignoring all the rest and singing correctly, they will all swing into
the right way and soon be together with that one. This will happen, not
because the true singer has given any attention to their lack of musical
accuracy, but because he has kept his own accuracy, because he has maintained
his knowledge and his expression of the principle of music."

And so it is with the practice of nonviolence. If we can but hold our own
accuracy we can shift all of those around us. This has been proven by Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus, Buddha and countless others.
Today I seek to add my own name to the list of those who stand firm in their
practice of nonviolence by living from our own inner accuracy.

(Inspired by Rickie Byars-check out her website at
 Click here: Welcome to the official RickieByars.com web site)
 
***************************************
 
#120 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

AIMLESSNESS

In each and every moment most folks have an agenda.  Sometimes I find myself
overly concerned about my the things I have to do.  I think we all know
people who are obsessed with their TO DO lists.  Sometimes even when I manage
to make time to just hang out, I feel guilty because I feel as though I'm
wasting time.

In PEACE IS EVERY STEP, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh writes, "There is a word
in Buddhism that means "wishlessness" or "aimlessness."  The idea is that you
do not put something in front of you and run after it, because everything is
already here, in yourself.  While we practice walking meditation, we do not
try to arrive anywhere.  If we keep thinking of the future, of what we want
to realize we will lose our steps."

In my daily practice of nonviolence I am learning to practice aimlessness.
Today there is the opportunity to drink a cup of tea or eat an apple and
remain in the moment, staying present with myself and the experience.  In
practicing this aimlessness I find that I remember that the peace I seek is
within me, it always was, and ever will be.  Peace is a choice.  Today I
choose peace.
 
**********************************
 
#119 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SURRENDER

There is a flow to life.  To be in the flow is to commune with the universe.
Which simply means following your heart--choosing from love and only love.  I
always know when I make a choice from a place other than love.   Sometimes I
just stubbornly resist even though I know that resistance can never bring me
peace.  Only surrendering to my heart's desire to give and receive love will
bring the peace I seek.  But sometimes in the moment it feels scary to
surrender, and so I choose the fear instead of the love.  When I resist there
is pain.  Pain is actually my friend because it tells me I need to surrender
and choose love.

In THE LAZY MAN'S GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT, Thaddeus Golas writes, "The way
that will relieve your woes on the physical plane will also take you to the
highest spiritual realizations.  And the way is simple.  No resistance."

Today I choose love instead of fear.  Knowing that my only hope of peace is
to follow my heart's desire to give and receive love, today I surrender to
love.  I surrender my small fear in order to live from my large love.
 
**********************************
 
#118 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

DEVELOPMENT

Life is about growth, change, development.  Imagine the determination to
develop that a single blade of grass has when it can find the strength to
break through a cement sidewalk!  We humans have within us that same power
and much more.  How often instead of encouraging my own impulse to grow and
develop do I talk myself into remaining in the same familiar place?  How many
times have I held onto an outgrown opinion about myself or others?

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Constant development is the law of life, and a man who
always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives
himself into a false position.  That is why Emerson said that foolish
consistency was the hobgoblin of little minds ... "

Each and every moment offers me the possibility of new development.  Today I
seize opportunity to listen to my inner voice and, like that determined blade
of grass, break through the cement of old thinking and outdated opinions.
 
******************************
 
#117 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

ELEGANCE

According to Webster's Dictionary, elegance means refined grace.  The elegant
approach to life comes from making choices based on the wisdom one has
learned in the journey thus far.  This is in contrast to making choices from
an emotional or reactionary position.

In her book ELEGANT CHOICES, HEALING CHOICES, Marsha Sinetar writes, "By
elegant choices, I mean those options that are, by and large, tending toward
truth, beauty, honor, courage--in other words, choices that are
life-supporting both in motive and in quality.  By the same token, our
avoidance of elegant choices will be life-defeating ... When we back away
from the truth, when we go toward what is to us, morally low instead of
elevated, when we choose from motives of self-loathing, our sense of
self-respect is harmed and diminished.  At some level, however subterranean
it might be, we are always watching ourselves, always monitoring our
thoughts, words and deeds."

Today make your choices elegant.  We can rarely be sure of the outcome of our
choices, but at least we can be sure of their intention.
 
*******************************

#116 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

AWARENESS

Perhaps the single most powerful force in establishing my daily practice of
nonviolence, next to setting the intention itself, is my awareness.
Awareness starts with willingness.  It is my basic willingness to be awake
and aware.  When I am aware I can actually see and feel what is transpiring
in and around me.  When I become aware that I have been telling myself "that
was stupid," (or whatever mean thing I've said to myself) then I can make
that next leap to realize that I'm actually being violent in my self-talk.
Awareness allows me to realize that when I take offense and become furious
that someone cuts me off in traffic I'm only being violent to myself.

The writer Henry Miller said, "The aim of life is to live, and to live means
to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware."

Today I am willing to be aware.  Having set my intention, I know that
awareness is the second most powerful step in my practice of nonviolence.  I
am committed to being fully aware and so that I can be fully alive.  Somehow
I know that I will never be bored again.
 
*******************************
 
#115 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

OPENNESS

Being open requires a flexibility of both the mind and the heart.  When I am
less than open I am blocked.   I build fences and walls around myself to keep
away hurt, negativity, criticism and pain.  Unfortunately these same walls
and fences built to protect me keep me from receiving love, joy, abundance
and prosperity.  I cannot have my wall and have my joy too.  It takes
strength and courage to remain open.  It takes willingness and a certain
knowledge that wherever I am it is safe.  It is safe because I can
consciously CHOOSE how I think, and therefore how I feel, about my
circumstances.

In a letter to Martha Graham, Agnes DeMille wrote these inspiring words:

"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.

If you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.
The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is;
not how valuable it is;
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours,
clearly and directly,
to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.
No artist is pleased.
There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.
There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction;
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes us more alive than others."

Today, I look at areas where I have built walls to protect myself that have
become like prison walls.  I set my intention to dissolve the blocks and
remain open.  I set myself free.

********************************************************
 
#114 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SOUL-ECOLOGY

One of the most pervasive acts of violence in the modern world is the
pollution and destruction of our Mother Earth.  I witness it and participate
in it every day.  Nature is all around me and so is the pollution.  Don't
animals have souls?  Don't plants and trees have soul?  One look at nature in
any form and I cannot help but acknowledge that it is soul-full.  In order to
live a nonviolent life I must honor and respect the dignity and worth of
every human being, AND every thing around me, including the plants, and
animals.

In CARE OF THE SOUL, Thomas Moore writes, "What if we took more seriously
this capacity of things to be close to us, to reveal their beauty and express
subjectivity?  The result would be a soul-ecology, a responsibility to the
things of the world based on appreciation and relatedness rather than on
abstract principle.  Our felt relationship to things wouldn't allow us to
pollute or to perpetuate ugliness ... we can only treat badly those things
whose souls we disregard."

Today I recognize that the entire planet is my home, not just the rooms where
I store my belongings.  I examine my relationship to my environment.  Am I
recycling fully?  Would I be willing to go out of my way to recycle, and
reuse things?  Am I willing to wash out a jar and recycle it rather than just
throw it away?  Might I take my plastic bags back to the grocery store--or
ask for paper bags and reuse them?  Could I go one step further and bring my
own cloth bags?  Today I pick two ways in which I can actively participate in
decreasing the pollution.  I make a commitment to make these new ways part of
my life.

********************************************************
 
#113 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

FORGETTING

People are very often like sponges, soaking up everything in their
environment.  In every moment of every day we're taking in information, we're
learning something.  The time comes when we recognize that much of what we've
learned is untrue.  These untruths stem from a belief in duality.  Consider
how many things we hear in a day that people accept as true that are actually
completely false:  people don't change, life is hard and then you die, etc.
Any lie we choose to believe has the force of truth in our life.

In ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND, Shunryu Suzuki writes, "When you forget all
your dualistic ideas, everything becomes your teacher, and everything can be
the object of worship."

Today I make a list of believes I've accepted that I would like to forget.
My list includes five beliefs about myself and five beliefs about life and
others.  In choosing to actively release these false beliefs, I know that
I've taken a giant step toward living in truth.

******************************************************

#112 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

OBSERVE

Stop, look and listen.  When we're children those are the instructions we
learn to follow before crossing a street.  Why?  Because it can keep us from
getting hurt.  Those three simple steps can actually save our lives, and
certainly they could save us a lot of pain and suffering if we applied them
to everything we do.

In CARE OF THE SOUL, Thomas Moore writes, "The basic intention in any caring,
physical or psychological, is to alleviate suffering.  But in relation to the
symptom itself, observance means first of all listening and looking carefully
at what is being revealed in the suffering.  An intent to heal can get in the
way of seeing.  By doing less, more is accomplished. ... It is not easy to
observe closely, to take the time and to make the subtle moves that allow the
soul to reveal itself further."

Today, I take the time to observe any area of my life where I am suffering.
I observe with the intention of discovering what is being revealed.  Knowing
there is a blessing in every moment, I seek to develop a discipline of
observing fully.  I discover the blessings that abound in my life.

*******************************
 
#111 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

CONTACT

The one and only person I need to make contact with every day is myself.
There are so many wonderful ways to make contact with my inner voice.  I can
meditate, write in my journal, take a walk, or simply be still.  Gandhi and
King both knew that making contact with their inward voice was essential to
living a nonviolent life.  When the people I love ignore me and don't
acknowledge it feels like an act of hostility.  When I ignore my inner voice,
am I not being hostile towards myself?

In her book TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE, Rev. Dr. Barbara King writes "Nothing else
should come before your making contact with the Spirit of Truth that is
within you.  Recognize that when you go to your Inner Spirit, you will always
know what to do."

Today I decide to take stop ignoring my inner voice.  I commit to taking a
silent moment to contact the Inner Spirit each and every day.

**************************
 
#110 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SELF-HEALING

Self-abuse, and specifically abusing our bodies is one of them most prevalent
acts of violence in the world today.   There is hardly a one of us that could
not take better care of ourselves in a hundred little ways.  The mind is such
a powerful thing that it actually has the ability to convince us that we are
separate from our bodies.  And yet no one has ever had a brain transplant and
lived to tell about it.

How many people eat things that they KNOW will make them feel badly?  Is that
not self-abuse?  Would you feed a child something you knew would make them
feel poorly just to give them a momentary pleasure?  Hopefully not.  In THE
SELF HEALING COOKBOOK, Kristina Turner writes "Everyone has minor symptoms.
Aches and pains, tension, upset stomachs, headaches, skin eruptions, mood
swings, occasional colds and flu ... A self-healing lifestyle starts with
recognizing that minor symptoms don't just happen TO us.  We have an active
hand in creating them, by the choices we make in our daily lives."

Today, I take an honest look at where I am are in terms of physical
self-abuse.  My practice of nonviolence starts with the treatment of my own
body.  I make a commitment to start the self-healing today.  Today I stop one
abusive behavior and start one loving one.  I change my relationship to
myself and I change my relationship to the world.

****************************

#109 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

KINDNESS

Sometimes all that is needed to turn a violent thought or experience into a
peaceful one is a little bit of kindness.  Pure and simple, kindness is not
always easy to produce.  How much easier it is to meet anger with anger, hurt
with hurt than to "turn the other cheek."

Turning the other cheek doesn't mean giving someone who has been hurtful the
opportunity to do it again.  It means not responding in kind.  The Apostle
Paul wrote: "Clothe yourself with compassion and kindness and gentleness and
patience before each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have with
one another."

Today, I start with myself.  I will be kind to myself.  I stop myself from
saying hurtful things to myself and instead find a word of kindness.  As I
practice doing this with myself I'll be able to extend it to others.  Just
think how much a few kind words can mean!

*****************************
 
#108 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SIMPLIFY

When our lives get too complicated, when the days seem to run away with
themselves, when we can't hear the still small voice within because of the
cacophony that is created by our list of things to do then it's time to
simplify.

Gandhi said "...Happiness, the goal to which we are all striving is reached
by endeavoring to make the lives of others happy, and if by renouncing the
luxuries of life we can lighten the burdens of others ... surely the
simplification of our wants is a thing greatly to be desired."

Today is Fat Tuesday, day of Mardi Gras, the day before the Catholic period
of Lent.  Today pick one thing to give up that will simplify your life and
bring more happiness.  Consider giving up taking offense, or holding
judgment.  Rather than depriving yourself of something you love, give up
something you really don't need anymore.  Find something that, when it is
gone, you can fill that space with love.
 
******************************
 
#107

Fire

***********************
 
#106 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SPEAK

To speak out, to speak the truth, to speak from the heart--these are often
acts of great courage and strength.  How many times in a day or a week do we
bear witness to situations that beg for us to say something yet we say
nothing?  So often, the most heartfelt words are the ones that go
unexpressed.

We all have an inner voice that speaks to us.  Some of us have a dozen
voices:  the inner critic, champion, child, parent, etc.  And then there is
the voice of our spirit.  This voice speaks with a clarity that cuts through
the others, often it is our conscience.   Sometimes when it demands that we
speak out we ignore it.  What happens when we don't apologize when we know we
should, when we don't say something comforting to one who is hurting, when we
don't speak on behalf of someone who needs a protector, when pride, ego, fear
make us mute?  If repression is violence, are we then our own victims?

Dag Hammarskjold said "The more faithfully you listen to the voice within
you, the better you will hear what is sounding outside.  And only she who
listens can speak."

Today I watch for opportunities to honor my inner voice by speaking out.  I
use my inner guidance so I won't lose it.  I speak my truth and not only do I
honor myself, I become an example for others and that is a wonderful way to
increase the peace.

******************************
 
#105 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

ATTITUDE

It's easy to understand that our attitude determines our experience of our
life.  An attitude can even change the actual unfolding of the events in our
life.  If we bring to our days an attitude of gratitude the people we come in
contact with will recognize that we have brought our own joy to the
circumstance.  When others see that our attitude is not dependent upon what
is happening in this moment, they are more respectful.  I think they're even
relieved that they don't have to worry how we will react for they see that we
are centered and assured in our attitude.   When I take responsibility for my
attitude people around me feel calmer, safer and they are more inclined to
treat me with the love that I desire to receive.

In "When God Becomes A Drug" Father Leo Booth writes, "Spiritual people ...
know, deep inside themselves, that they have the power to create the
difference in their lives. They have looked within and found what can be
called their yes to life, and this yes shines forth in their attitudes and
actions."

Today I examine what attitude are I am bringing to my day.  Today I try an
attitude of gratitude and watch as more and more reasons to be grateful
unfold.

*******************************

#104 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

DESIRE

To live life fully, this is something we all want even though much of the
time we shy away from that which would give us the sense of fullness for fear
that it will cost too much--be it a relationship, a volunteer position, a
hobby, a job.  And yet the yearning to throw oneself into life with a passion
and a desire, to give to life all that we have, to live with inspiration and
shine brilliantly, these longings never ever dissipate.  They are basic human
nature.  Perhaps it is a divine desire.

As George Bernard Shaw wrote in his play, MAN AND SUPERMAN, "This is the true
joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty
one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap;
the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of
ailments and grievances complaining that the world did not to devote itself
to making you happy."

Today instead of making a list of grievances, make a list of your heart's
desires.  The simple act of making that list will bring forth your divine
desire.   Let yourself get carried away with passion in one area of your
life.  Know that it is the force of love moving through you.

******************************
 
#102 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

RELAX

For some tis the season to stress out.  Stress does violence to our system,
our health and well-being.  Relaxing means knowing that we can only do what we
can do and that we'll do our best.  Rushing and hurrying are a form of
personal violence.  Relaxing and knowing that we'll get there when the traffic
allows is a way of nurturing ourselves.  Tis not the season to worry, tis the
season to be more loving.  When I'm feeling pressured and stressed I think of
the lyric to the song by Alabama "I'm in a hurry to get things done, I rush
and rush until life's no fun.  All I really got to do is live and die, but I'm
in a hurry and don't know why."

Today give yourself a break.  Practice relaxing regardless of circumstance.
Start with a nice deep breath.  The New Year's coming regardless of whether we
stress or relax, so why not get there with a smile on our face?
 
******************************
 
#101 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

TOUCH

Isn't it interesting how much power there is in the human touch?  We can so
easily hurt or heal with our touch.  Certainly one of the most obvious ways
to practice nonviolence is to refrain from any act of physical violence.  The
most powerful way to practice nonviolence is to be loving.  Often we can let
someone know that we love them by a simple touch.  We certainly don't share a
loving touch with people we feel uncomfortable with or hostile toward.  A
loving hand on the shoulder, a hug, a pat on the back--these small gestures
can let people know we really care.  When words are too much or too little, a
gentle touch can be so healing.

When confronted with the opportunity to gently show someone you care consider
Emmet Fox's words, "There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer;
no disease that enough love will not heal; no door that enough love will not
open; no gulf that enough love will not bridge; no wall that enough love will
not throw down; no sin that enough love will not redeem..."

Today I make a commitment to show the people I love how much I care by
extending my loving touch.  Let my hand be the one that heals.

***************************
 
#100 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

STRENGTH

There are many kinds of strength:   physical strength, mental strength,
strength of will.   Then there is soul strength, which leads to strength of
heart.  The daily practice of nonviolence builds strength in all of these
areas because it requires us to call upon our strength moment to moment.  One
of the most wonderful effects of our daily practice is that everyone around
us can see us calling upon our strength in order to live nonviolently.  They
see it without us having to call attention to ourselves.  Our practice is
visible in the choices we make day in and day out.  Our example gives others
strength to make nonviolent choices too.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Strength does not come from physical capacity.  It
comes from an indomitable will.  A person who has realized the principle of
nonviolence has the God-given strength for his weapon and the world has not
known anything that can match it."

Today I take time to acknowledge and consider how much stronger I have become
through my practice of nonviolence.   I give thanks for the growth.  Then I
go one step further and I catch a vision of how much stronger my practice
will be one year from now.  I give thanks in advance, knowing that my
strength is ever expanding.

************************
 
#99 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

HONESTY

True honesty is hard to accomplish because the person we're most likely to
deceive is ourselves.  How often do we tell ourselves what we want to hear
rather than facing the truth about our relationships, our feelings, our
desires?  The good news is that the degree to which we live in honesty is
pretty much in our control.

In an article for Science of Mind magazine, Los Angeles Director for A Season
for Nonviolence, Eisha Mason wrote, "Now when I'm feeling resentment, I always
look for what's familiar.  How have I been participating in creating or
maintaining this situation?  What have I been getting out of it?  I look for
how I might be projecting what's going on inside of me onto someone else.  How
am I making the other person responsible for my feelings and my choices? ...
Stepping into honesty with myself and others was one of the scariest and
rewarding things I've ever done.  But taking that step is teaching me that I
can be honest AND caring, emotional AND responsible, human AND spiritual,
vulnerable AND powerful, all at the same time.  Indeed, this is what mastery
is all about."

Is it time for you to admit you haven't been entirely honest with yourself in
areas of your life?  Today see if you can find an area of your life that needs
some honest evaluation.  Share the truth with a trusted friend and put the
deceit behind you.

**********************************
 
#98 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

REVERENCE

To revere someone is to hold them in high esteem.  To value them.  Reverence
is an attitude, a perspective, an approach one takes towards life.

In SEAT OF THE SOUL, physicist and philosopher Gary Zukav writes, "Our
behavior and values are so much shaped by perceptions that lack reverence that
we do not know what it is like to be reverent.  When we curse a competitor or
strive to disempower another person, we absent ourselves from reverence.  When
we work to take instead of to give, we labor without reverence.  When we
strive for safety at the expense of another person's safety, we deprive
ourselves of the protection of reverence.  When we judge one person as
superior and another as inferior we depart from reverence.  When we judge
ourselves we do the same thing.  Business, politics, education, sex, raising
families and personal interactions without reverence all produce the same
result:  human beings using other human beings."

Today look at areas of your life where reverence has been lacking.  Take an
action to bring yourself back into alignment with reverence and vow to hold
the high watch with yourself from now on.  If I live with reverence, I change
the world.

**********************************
 
#97 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

THANKSGIVING

To give thanks is to express ones gratitude.  There are so many things we have
to be thankful for.   We can give thanks for the blessings that surround us
naturally:  the beauty of the sky, the weather, the trees, the birds.  We can
give thanks for our health even if it has been better.  We can give thanks for
the ability to walk, talk, see, hear, touch and feel.  We can give thanks for
the ability to love.  Perhaps we can even give thanks for our limitations
because they teach us so much.  We can give thanks for the blessings we
anticipate.

Ernest Holmes wrote, "... there is something in this attitude of thanksgiving
that carries us beyond the field of doubt into one of perfect faith and
acceptance, receptivity ... realization.  Appreciation, gratitude and
thanksgiving--the motive power which attracts and magnifies the hidden
potentialities of life."

Today recognize the abundant goodness in your life and make a list of 50
things you're thankful for.   Pick one thing and do something special to
acknowledge the depth of your gratitude.

********************************

#96 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

POWER

We all have power.  Our power is our life force, our soul energy.  Sometimes
we use it well, sometimes we abuse it and sometimes we give it away.
Personal power management is one of the most important lessons we can learn
in life and yet who has taken a class in it?  Who among us has received the
instruction book on how to manage our personal power?  Mostly we learn by
trial and error.

We give our power away when we fantasize about the future or the past.  We
give our power away whenever we are not present in the moment.  We deny our
power when we don't acknowledge our feelings and when we live in a victim
consciousness.  We abuse our power when we let our feelings run our life.

Caroline Myss, Ph.D.. has diagnosed many a person's illness as being related
to their mismanagement of their personal power.  In ANATOMY OF THE SPIRIT she
writes, "Spiritual instruction teaches us to keep our focus on ourselves--not
in an egocentric way but as a way of consciously managing our energy and
power. So, your task is to learn WHAT rather than WHO draws power from you."

Today I take a moment and make a quick list of five ways I regularly give
away my power.  I make a vow to reclaim my power and take that first step
today.
 
********************************
 
#95 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

EVALUATE

Have you ever made a snap judgment and lived to regret it?  There's a huge
difference between judgment and evaluation.  When we pass judgment on someone
we bring our insecurities to bear on our opinion.  Evaluation means looking at
a person or situation from a place other than our insecurities.  A judgment
allows us to quickly categorize someone and move on.  Evaluation takes time.
It means looking to see the truth.  One could even say that it in order to
properly evaluate anyone or anything it takes looking with new eyes.  Knowing
that love is unconditional, maybe it means seeing with eyes of love.

In the song "Amazing Grace," the lyric tell us "I was blind, but now I see."
To judge someone without taking time to evaluate is definitely a kind of
blindness.  Perhaps the difference between judgment and evaluation is the
allowance for the activity of grace.

Developing a practice of evaluating rather than judging will surely change
your life.  Today notice when you judge and instead take the time to evaluate.
Leave room for grace in all your decisions.
 
***********************************
 
#94 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

EXPERIENCE

It is our mindfulness of our daily experience that constitutes the basis of
our practice of nonviolence.  If we can observe our actions and reactions we
can notice that which is violent in our selves and in our life.   Soon we can
go beyond our actions and recognize where our thoughts have become violent.
Eventually we realize that there is an energy of violence in every judgment.
Our daily experience is our best teacher.

In an article for the magazine Christian Century, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
talked about his experience in Montgomery.  He wrote "As the days unfolded I
became more and more convinced of the power of nonviolence.  Living through
the actual experience of the protest, nonviolence became more than a method to
which I gave my intellectual assent; it became a commitment to a way of life.
Many issues I had not cleared up intellectually concerning nonviolence were
now solved in the sphere of practical action."

Today, examine your experiences at applying the principles of nonviolence.
Bless your experiences knowing that they give you the opportunity to choose
nonviolence and thereby change and grow.
 
***************************
 
#93 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

GARDEN

In Science of Mind we say that our thoughts are seeds planted in the mind of
the infinite.  We are advised to watch our thoughts and take care to see what
we're planting.  How many of us have planted seeds that have grown into a dark
and foreboding forest?

In "Dynamic Stillness, Part One:  The Practice of Trika
Yoga," Swami Chetanananda advises, "Our real work begins when we release the
struggle and allow for a change of vibration to take place within us.  Again,
it is something like gardening.  In the beginning, we break the ground, haul
out the rocks, fertilize the ground, turn the soil and plant the seeds.  Next,
we keep the weeds out while the seeds sprout and become strong enough so that
they can take care of themselves.  Finally, we harvest.  The first stage is
strenuous; the second, somewhat tedious.  Both of them are real work.  In the
end, when we look at the garden itself, we cannot exactly say, "I did this."
We just appreciate something alive that has emerged and that was not visible
before."

Knowing that gardening is a creative, ongoing process, today tend the inner
garden.  Remember each thought is a seed.  What are you planting?
 
**********************************************
 
#92 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

WORTHINESS

Is there any part of you that doesn't feel worthy?  Some place that feels
unworthy of love, of peace, of prosperity?  If so, then there is a place where
you are telling yourself a lie.  Any lie contains violence and violence begets
more violence.  The truth is that we are born worthy.  Does a child have to do
anything to be worthy of love, peace or prosperity?

Joel Goldsmith writes "If some night we could sit at a window all night long
until the morning light breaks, and then with the coming of full daylight when
the moon and the stars are no more but in their place is the sun, we might ask
ourselves what part we have played in all this.  What did we have to do with
it?  If we could watch trees or flowers blooming and when they are in full
bloom, again ask ourselves what part we have played in this, whether we have
earned it or deserved it or been worthy of it, we should soon find that God
brought all of these glories to us without any question as to our worthiness
or unworthiness."

Today look at an area of your life where it appears you may feel unworthy and
ask what the truth is.  Write an affirmation that states the truth and speak
it ten times today.  "I am worthy of love."

***************************
 
#91 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

PURGE

The oriental art of Feng Shui teaches us to regularly purge our homes.  To
purge is to release all the things that we store and hold onto that we don't
really need or use.   Feng Shui teaches that holding onto unused things
affirms that we are afraid the future might not be as prosperous as the
present.  Affirming fear of lack obviously does not help create a prosperous
future.   A Feng Shui consultant might ask you if you're holding onto a
broken telephone.  Why?  Do you plan to fix it?  Because it once cost a lot
of money, but is now worthless?  (And, do you have communication problems in
your relationships?)

We all have an interesting and unique relationship to our possessions.  In
THE PATHWAY OF ROSES, Christian D. Larson wrote, "Every individual is
entitled to all the riches of the spiritual kingdom, and in addition, to the
possession of as many things ... as he can possibly appreciate and use in the
enrichment of all the realms of his own entire existence.  But before he can
secure all these things, he must cause his personal nature and his spiritual
nature to live together as one ... the first essential is to make the best
use possible of everything that we may possess now."

Today I commit to purging myself of all thoughts of lack and limitation that
I've accumulated.  I make a plan to purge my home, my office, my garage.  I
will keep only what I need and enjoy and I can't wait to see how much lighter
I feel!
 
***************************

#90 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

ANTICIPATION

As human beings we live with a sense of anticipation.  Often it is extremely
subtle.  As we expand our awareness and become more conscious we can begin to
notice when we are anticipating something other than our good.

Mark Warlick writes, "Ever notice how human it is to be disappointed because
someone didn't meet our expectation(s)?  We have these internal scripts of how
life should be, how situations should unfold, how we should be addressed,
loved, compensated....  The list goes on  and on.

Actually, when we buy into these ego created scripts, we block the creativity
of the Universe.  Anticipation, on the other hand, is a feeling tone of
wonderful things about to happen.  Like knowing there is a surprise just
around the corner, but not knowing what the surprise is or what form it will
take."

Today, consider Mark's words and look at where your expectations lie.  A
feeling of dread can easily be turned into anticipation by a subtle change in
your thinking.  Learn to anticipate your good and you will look forward to
every moment.  Know that life has more good to offer than you could possibly
imagine.

*******************************************************
#89 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

MINISTER

Reverend Mary Manin Morrissey says, "You and I are meant to be 'ministers,'
that is, those who carry the flame, bear the light of Truth.  When you
witness prejudice, pettiness, and the ramifications of gossip, take a stand
and put a stop to it.  Build up what is torn down.  Who will be the minister
in your home or work, if not you?"

Today I begin to think of myself as one who embodies the light of truth.  I
can see that it is the most intimidating circumstances that need light the
most.  I am willing to be the one who brings the light.  I know that others
like Gandhi and King, have gone before me and shown me how to do it.  I take
their spirit with me and I minister where I am.
 
********************************************************
 
#88 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

VOTE

Election Day is Tuesday November 3rd.  In this country you have been so loved
by your forbears that some have died to protect your right to vote.  Many of
you have strong feelings about the Starr investigation.  Don't just complain,
speak out through your vote.

When filling out a form that asks for a hobby or special interest some people
should put down complaining because that's really what it is to them.  Let's
be honest.  Some people complain about things they never intend to do anything
about.  Reverend Michael Beckwith, when speaking about Season for Nonviolence
said people even complain about God.  He said they'll ask God "Why don't you
fix these problems we have here?  Why don't you do something about the
violence?"  To which he says God replies "That's why I sent you!"

Today find out why God sent you.  Live every day remembering that through your
words and actions.  Then, tomorrow get out and vote.
 
********************************
 
#87 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

COOL

One of the very first lessons of living the principles of nonviolence is
learning how to keep one's cool in the face of upset.  Every master teacher
that ever lived has reminded us to be cool.

St. Abba Dorotheus, a sixth-century monk, explains it eloquently:  "Over
whatever you have to do, even if it be very urgent and demands great care, I
would not have you argue or be agitated.  For rest assured, everything you do,
be it great or small, is but one-eighth of the problem, whereas to keep one's
state undisturbed even if thereby one should fail to accomplish the task, is
the other seven-eighths.  So if you are busy at some task and wish to do it
perfectly, try to accomplish it--which, as I said would be one-eighth of the
problem, and at the same time to preserve your state unharmed--which
constitutes seven-eighths.  If, however, in order to accomplish your task you
would inevitably be carried away and harm yourself or another by arguing with
him, you should not lose seven for the sake of preserving one-eighth."

Today if you feel your cool slipping away and the urge to explode wells up in
you, remember the real goal: to keep your cool.  Today remember the one-eighth
rule.

*******************************

 #86 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

AUTHENTICITY

In practicing nonviolence I learn to put aside the ways of behaving that
other people have taught me.   I stop taking offense at things that have
nothing to do with me.   I discover who I really am and begin to live and act
from that inner knowing.   One thing I truly have in common with everyone on
the planet is that no two of us are alike.

Ralph Waldo Emerson advised us, "Insist on yourself; never imitate.  Your own
gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's
cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another you have only an
extemporaneous half possession.  That which each can do best, none but his
Maker can teach him ... Where is the master who could have taught
Shakespeare?"

Today, I recognize my uniqueness.   I notice my behavior, my reactions and
actions and ask myself if they come from my authentic self?  The more I
express who I truly am, the more vibrant the whole world will be.

*******************************
 
#85 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

STEP

Each journey is a series of steps.  We step forward, we step backward we step
forward again.  In THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ZEN, Zenrin wrote, "If you wish to
know the road up the mountain, ask the man who goes back and forth on it."

When Mahatma Gandhi was asked about the road up the mountain of nonviolence he
said, "I am but a poor struggling soul yearning to be wholly truthful and
wholly nonviolent in thought, word and deed, but ever failing to reach the
ideal which I know to be true.  It is a painful climb, but the pain of it is a
positive pleasure to me.  Each step upward makes me feel stronger."

Today, take a step towards leading a nonviolent life and remember Gandhi's
words.  Consciously acknowledge the positive pleasure that is to be found in
each and every step no matter how challenging.

***********************

#84 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

FIGHT

Fighting is a part of everyone's life.  Sometimes we fight with ourselves,
sometimes with a partner, a family member, or a friend.  We know how to fight
fairly, honestly and lovingly--truly, we do.  We know because we know when we
don't.  We know that feeling in our gut when we've said or heard something
hurtful or blaming.  But how many of us have been taught to fight fairly?  How
many of us have ever seen it?  Did your parents fight fairly?  Did their
parents?

In his book IRON JOHN, the poet Robert Bly writes, "A good fight gets things
clear and I think women long to fight and be with men who know how to fight
well.  When both use their weapons unconsciously or without naming them, both
man and woman stumble into battle, and when it is over the two interior
children can be badly wounded.  The adult warrior inside both men and women,
when trained, can receive a blow without sulking or collapsing, knows how to
fight for limited goals, keeps the rules of combat in mind, and in general is
able to keep the fighting clean and to establish limits."

Today, look at how you fight.  Set your intention to fight clean.  Let there
be anger, but not the energy of violence.  Change yourself, change the world.
 

*************
#83 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

INTUITION

Intuition is the "knower who knows" within each one of us.  No one is without
intuition.  It is a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to grow strong
and responsive.   It's hard to imagine that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or
Mahatma Gandhi could have each changed an entire nation without using their
intuition.  How could they have each begun such a formidable journey without
trusting that part of themselves that knew the right way to go?

In LIVING IN THE LIGHT, Shakti Gawain writes, "The more you do it, the easier
it will become.  Eventually you will be able to contact your intuition, ask
yourself questions, and know that in that 'wise being' within you, an
incredible source of power and strength is available to answer your questions
and guide you.  As you grow more sensitive to this guidance from the intuitive
feelings within, you will gain a sense of knowing what you need do in any
situation.  Your intuitive power is always  available to guide you whenever
you need it.  It will open to you as soon as you are willing to trust yourself
and your inner knowledge."

Today commit to developing a deeper relationship with the "knower who knows."
Ask for guidance, follow it and give thanks.
 
*******************************************
 
#82 of the ways to practice nonviolence is:

PRIORITIZE

In a university commencement address several years ago, Brian Dyson, CEO of
Coca Cola Enterprises, spoke of the relation of work to one's other
commitments: "Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls
in the air.  You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit - and
you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is
a rubber ball.  If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls
- family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass.  If you drop one of
these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even
shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive
for balance in your life."

Today take some time to list your life's five top priorities.  Do the things
you value most get the lion's share of your attention?

Special thanks to lovely Laurie Schur
 
********************************
 
#81 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

CONGRUENCY

Living a nonviolent life includes acting in congruency with my soul and
following through on my inner guidance.  Have you ever asked the Universe for
something and it sent you something you didn't want?  Perhaps you wanted
peace in your family and instead you kept getting the message to visit your
least favorite Aunt--to which you responded, "no, thanks."   What you didn't
know was that you were being guided to be the deliverer of the peace!

In his book THE HEALING POWER OF PRAYER, mystic and healer Ron Roth tells us
that when we reject the guidance we receive, "your prayer can no longer be
answered because what you are hearing is the path to the answer, but you
don't want to hear it.  Being alert to the form the answer may take is
another aspect of congruency..."  Today I make a commitment to congruency of
my thoughts, words and actions.  If my guidance takes the form of a sudden
impulse to write a letter, make a call or visit someone, I follow through
knowing that it is the path to the answer to my prayer.

***************************************
 
#80 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

REVERY

When our mind takes flight, when our dreams become fanciful, it is an
invitation to true vision.  When all thoughts of practicality are left behind
there is room for love to pour forth and envelop us in it's unbounded dreams.
Think of Emily Dickinson's poem:

To Make A Prairie

To make a prairie it takes a clover
And one bee, --
One clover, and a bee,
And revery.
The revery alone will do
If bees are few.

Today, right now even, give yourself a moment of revery.  How wild can your
wildest dreams get?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#79 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

OVERCOME

The song says "We shall overcome."  Notice that it doesn't say "We might
overcome" or "I hope we overcome."  Overcoming takes diligence and effort, but
the most essential ingredient is knowing that you will accomplish it.  Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of overcoming many times.  In his Nobel Prize
acceptance speech he said, "... nonviolence is the answer to the crucial
political and moral question of our time--the need for man to overcome
oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression."

Today, know in your mind that you shall overcome your own inner impulse to be
violent.  In doing so you take the entire planet's population closer to the
day of complete peace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

#78 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

Transformation

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
#77 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

AFFIRM

Affirmations are a powerful tool that can be used anywhere anytime.   In ACTS
OF FAITH, Iyanla Vanzant writes, "Even when it seems that the well is drying
up, we can affirm, 'I can hardly wait to see the good that will come out of
this.'"

Today come up with three affirmations that speak to the desire of your soul.
Post them in prominent places where you will see them often.  Make a
commitment to say them every time you see them.  In THE ARTIST'S WAY Julia
Cameron advises, "if we can become one-tenth as good at positive self-talk as
we are at negative self-talk, we will notice an enormous change."

(Thanks to Mark Warlick)

*********************************************
 
#76 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

TRANSFORMATION

Sometimes it happens that I'm in a relationship with a significant other--a
loved one, a co-worker, a neighbor--and it feels as though we're in a battle.
 I'm trying to win more love, more respect, more attention and yet I'm not
always willing to give that which I want to receive.  I feel I'm in a
struggle for power.    When I analyze my thoughts I see they are violent and
hostile.

Gandhi said "A nonviolent revolution is not a program for seizure of power.
It is a program of transformation of relationships ..."  How do I transform
my anger and hostility?  How do I transform my relationships?  Today I take a
step back from any violent feelings, and know in my heart that peace is what
I seek, respect is what I am willing to give, and love is my soul's desire.
Simply connecting to my transformation tranforms me.

********************************************************

#75 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

BOLDNESS

Goethe said "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw
back, always ineffectiveness.  Concerning al acts of initiative (and creation)
there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans:  that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
Providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help one that would never
otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and
material assistance, which no one would have dreamed would come their way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power
and magic in it."

**************************************************************

#74 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

SING

The simple truth is everyone is gifted.  Everyone.  Absolutely.  This means
each of us has a gift to share, a story to tell, a song to sing.  Like the
lyric to the Beckwith/Byars song says,

"You can't just wait for it to happen
Cause it happens through you (do it) ...
You've got to move to get the power
that is waiting for you (do it)
You've got to sing your song as if your whole
life
depends on it
Sing of the one life that is so beautiful
and depend on it, depend on it."

Today, acknowledge the truth:  there is a song in you that only you can sing.

(Inspired by Carl Anderson)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
#73 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

CALMNESS

How many times in a day, if we were to stop what we were doing, would we find
that our state of mind is agitated, that we are feeling harried and pressured?
During the 64 day campaign one participant discovered that when she was
rushing to get something done or to go someplace that she was being violent
with herself.  Take to heart the words of Shunryu Suzuki from ZEN MIND,
BEGINNER'S MIND, he writes "Calmness of mind does not mean you should stop
your activity.  Real calmness should be found in activity itself."  Today stay
alert to moments when you're feeling pressured and see if you can find the
calmness that can only come from within.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
#72 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

THINK

How much easier would our lives be if we always took the time to stop and
think before we act or speak?  How often do we push ahead trying to impose our
will on a situation?  Eric Butterworth says, "In the face of delays and
obstacles it is well to think twice before you willfully seek to force a
solution according to your predetermined plan.  The closed door may indicate
that the divine law of adjustment is pointing to another door through which
you can go to meet your greater good."  Today examine your life for any areas
where you might be trying to impose your will.  Ask yourself if it's possible
to take time to think, and allow for higher guidance to be heard.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
#71 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

PROGRESS

Most of us want progress to come in leaps and bounds.   We're in a hurry to
move forward and away from where we are, even though where we are is where the
richness of life is.   Vincent Van Gogh understood the nature of creative
progress, he said, "To make progress is a kind of miner's work; it doesn't
advance as quickly as one would like, and as others expect, but as one stands
before such a task, the basic necessities are patience and faithfulness.  In
fact, I do not think much about the difficulties, because if one thought of
them too much one would get stunned or disturbed."

The neophyte thinks progress comes in the leap to the next level, the master
understands that true progress comes when we rest on the plateau, absorbing
into our daily practice what we learned during the leap.  Today take a minute
to acknowledge how far you've come and give thanks for it.  As Ned Cobb said,
"To learn anything at all is a blessing."

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#70 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

INITIATIVE

How many times in our lives, in each and every day, is the opportunity to
make a better way present and available to us, requiring only our initiative?
 In 1957 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We have before us the glorious
opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our
civilization."  Knowing that same glorious opportunity is always available to
me, today I find an opportunity to be more loving and I take the initiative
to act on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#69 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

KNOWING

We all have times in our lives when we can view our inner landscape from the
most high.  Like the athlete that pushes past her personal best, we break
through to a more enlightened state.  René Daumal said "You cannot stay on the
summit for ever; you have to come down again ... So why bother in the first
place?  Just this:  What is above knows what is below, but what is below does
not know what is above.  One climbs, one sees.  One descends, one sees no
longer, but one has seen.  There is an art to conducting oneself in the lower
regions by the memory of what one saw higher up.  When one can no longer see,
one can at least know."
 
Today, I take time to get still and remember that place of the most high
within myself.  I commit to a practice of coming from my inner place of
knowing.

*********************************
 
#68 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

RETREAT

Taking time to withdraw from the world strengthens and renews us.   Those who
allow for regular retreat have more to give for they have replenished.
Whether it's an afternoon, a day, a weekend or more, today make a plan to
retreat from the world of effects and go within to contemplate first cause.

Henry David Thoreau, who so inspired Gandhi, wrote "Sometimes, I sat in my
sunny doorway from sunrise till noon, rapt in a reverie, amidst the pines and
hickories and sumacs, in undisturbed solitude and stillness, while the birds
sang around or flitted noiseless through the house, until by the sun falling
in at my west window, or the noise of some traveler's wagon on the distant
highway, I was reminded of the pass of time.  I grew in those seasons like
corn in the night, and they were far better than any work of the hands would
have been.  They were not time subtracted from my life, but so much over and
above my usual allowance.  I realized what the Orientals meant by
contemplation and the forsaking of work.  To some extent, and at rare
intervals,  even I am a yogi."

************************************
 
#67 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

OPTIMISM

Is the glass half empty or half-full?  Dr. Michael Beckwith says that it's
always "full--half water, half air."  Optimism springs from certain knowledge
that life is always improving.  How do we know life is improving?  We make it
so.   Mahatma Gandhi said "My optimism rests on my belief in the infinite
possibilities of the individual to develop nonviolence.  The more you develop
it in your own being the more infectious it becomes till it overwhelms your
surroundings and by and by might oversweep the world."  Today examine your
attitudes about life for areas where there is pessimism.  Allow yourself to
imagine a different possibility.  Take action in that direction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
#66 of the ways to practice nonviolence

CONFRONTATION

While many of us wish to avoid confrontation at all costs.  Sometimes direct
confrontation is the best method for making true progress and facilitating
deep healing.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said "Confrontation of good and evil
compressed in the tiny community of Selma generated the massive power to turn
the whole nation to a new course."  Today think of areas in your life and
within yourself that could benefit from a confrontation committed with a
loving heart and a nonviolent objective.

(Inspired by Neil Zevnik)
^^^^^^^^^^^^

#65 of the ways to practice nonviolence is:

DIGNITY

Dignity is a gift we give ourselves, but it can also be shared with others.
Mother Theresa said, "I never tire of repeating this:  what the poor need the
most is not pity but love.  They need to feel respect for their human dignity,
which is neither less nor different from the dignity of any other human
being."  Today, acknowledge the dignity and worth of every human being you
meet.

************************************
#64 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Celebration

Today I rejoice in the work that I have done to become more nonviolent.  I
celebrate the journey that I have made with countless others who believe that
every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their
nonviolent choice and action.  I remember the words of Margaret Mead who
said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can
change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

************************************
#63 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Release

A Sufi proverb says, "When the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit
laughs for what is found."  Today I look back on how far I have come during
my practice of nonviolence.  I release the weight of my past.  I release my
judgments of myself and others.  I release any thoughts of what can't be done
and replace them with affirmations of what is possible by acknowledging that
I make a difference in this world.

************************************
#54 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Generosity

I practice generosity by sharing my time, energy and material resources with
those in need.  Today I make plans to out my closets, bureau drawers, and
garage.  Anything of value that I'm holding onto but not using I give to
someone who can.  Wherever I am, in all aspects of my life, I stand on the
side with the givers.

************************************

#53 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Action

"Each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of
all those acts will be written the history of this generation," said Robert
Kennedy.  Today I find a way to make one change that will contribute to the
well-being of my home, my school, my workplace, my community, the world.
Today I join the ranks of those who are working to make the world a place for
peace.

************************************
#51 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Advocacy

"When someone stands up to violence," says Buddhist monk 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 I am an
ally for peace.  Without blaming or judging others, I speak out for those who
are disrespected.

*************************************
#50 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Choice

Violence is a choice.  Nonviolence is a choice. Every day I am offered a
thousand choices.   Today I draw my attention to any jokes or remarks that
show disrespect toward ethnic groups, women or men, classes of people,
religious groups, gays or lesbians.  I choose to be considerate of every
person's dignity and I choose not to participate in disrespectful
conversation.  I let my nonviolent actions speak louder than other people's
disrespectful words.

******************************
#49 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Honor

Albert Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as
though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as if everything is."  Before each
meal today, I stop to honor all of the hands that brought it to my table.  I
bless the earth for its bounty.

*********************************
#48 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Ecology

A practice of nonviolence must extend to the earth upon which we live.  We
honor the earth by conserving natural resources and avoiding the purchase of
products that deplete rain forests or exploit labor forces.  I recycle and
reuse even when it is not convenient.  I buy recycled and eco friendly
products.  Today I practice nonviolence by expanding my commitment to
honoring my environment.  As I honor the earth, I honor every one on it,
including myself.  By extending my commitment to practice nonviolence, I show
others what is possible.

**********************************
#46 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Compassion

Mother Teresa implored us to "find someone who thinks he is alone and let him
know that he is not."  We all know someone in our lives, in our office or in
our neighborhood who looks as though they think they are alone.  Today I make
a demonstration of my compassion.  Today I go out of my way to let someone
who thinks they are alone know that they absolutely are not.  Today I make
room in my heart for one more person.

***********************************
#45 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Mastery

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."

 When I respond to challenges with anger, then I am responding with violence.
 In order to become a master, I am learning to breathe deeply in the face of
anger.  I silently count backwards from ten to calm myself and cool off
before I speak with impatience or anger.  Today I practice this technique.  I
know peace begins with me.  As I heal myself I heal the world.

*******************************
#44 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Cooperation

When we work together, we are stronger tan when we work alone.  Imagine what
a different world it will be when we all commit to cooperation.  Today I make
my own personal commitment to that vision.  I find one significant way that I
can cooperate more effectively with the people in my family, in my workplace
and in my community.

****************************
#41 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Openness

A Turkish proverb says, "He who builds himself a fence, fences out more than
he fences in."  Today I look at the fences I've built, and examine how they
serve me.  I commit myself to being open to understanding ideas and people
I've previously opposed.

*****************************
#40 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Unity

Differences give variety to life and are often only on the surface anyway.
Today I look for three ways to see beyond outer differences in opinions,
appearances, or goals.  I commit myself to looking for the meeting point of
underlying unity that exists in diversity.

************************************
#39 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Dialogue

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 I
speak up, but do not enter into the spirit of the argument.  I choose honor
and respect.  Instead of arguing I choose to dialogue.

**********************************
#38 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Kindness

Every day I witness of random and senseless acts of violence.  So often those
random and senseless acts of violence are simply unkind things that I say to
myself. Today I commit myself to participating in the counterrevolution of
kindness started by Anne Herbert.  I announce my commitment by performing
three acts of kindness today, and at least one of them is for myself.

****************************
#37 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Graciousness

In Webster's Dictionary, grace is defined as the benevolence or favor of God.
 To be gracious is to embody that same quality.  We've all heard the
expression "there but for the grace of God go I."  To be gracious one must
first acknowledge that they are blessed.  Today I commit myself to expressing
graciousness in all that I do.  This means letting cars cut in front of mine
without resenting it.  It means having patience when I'm waiting in line at
the bank and someone is taking a long time.  Today I know that I am blessed
and I share my blessing with those I meet so they will feel blessed too.

*******************************
#34 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Love

Gandhi wrote, "Nonviolence is based on the assumption that human nature ...
unfailingly responds to the advances of love."  In every moment there is a
choice between love and fear, today I dedicate myself to choosing love in
every circumstance and situation.  I transform my life and my experience
through love.

*****************************
#33 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Acknowledgement

Today I tell someone what a difference they have made in my life.  I
acknowledge them for supporting me, inspiring me, teaching me.  Today, I stop
taking the people who are important to me for granted.

***************************
#32 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Patience

According to Cesar Chavez, "Nonviolence is not inaction .... It is hard work
... It is the patience to win."  When my plans seem delayed, I choose to be
patient by identifying at least three ways that I can constructively use the
time to support my goal.  I remind myself that the reward of patience IS
patience.

*****************************
#31 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Praising

Appreciation helps people to grow, and yet how often do we withhold our
praise from ourselves and others.  Today I offer heart felt praise to at
least three people as well as myself.  I praise our personal qualities, our
achievements and our helpful service.  Today I help people grow by nourishing
them with love.
************************************

#29 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Forgiveness

When I forgive, I am not condoning hurtful behavior.  I realize that there is
something within me that is more important than this wounding experience
and so I am free to let go of the past and move on with my life.  Today I
write a letter to forgive someone.  I don't need to mail the letter, I simply
set myself free from the past.

************************************

#27 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Generosity

Mother Teresa said, "There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of
money.  It is the poverty of the heart."  Today I discover three ways to give
generously of my time, attention and resources to others.

************************************
#24 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Friendliness

To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn't met.  Today
I view the new people I encounter as friends I haven't yet met.  Today I make
a new friend.

************************************

#6 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Dreaming

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a great dream--a vision of brotherhood.  Today I
envision my own dream for peace and commit it to paper.  Today I choose to do
at least one thing that honors my dream.

************************************
#24 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Harmony

Today I want to be that which I seek.  I want to create harmony wherever I
am.  Choosing not to engage in any form of gossip contributes to harmony.
Today I choose to see the good in others rather than find fault.

************************************
#22 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Mission

"My life is my message," says Gandhi.  Today I take the time to contemplate
what my message is, what my life stands for.  When others see me, I want them
to see what I'm committed to.  Knowing my purpose and inspired by Gandhi, I
look for new ways that I can show my message through my actions.  From today,
my life is my message.

************************************

#21 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Inspiration

Today I take time to think of two people who exemplify for me the practice of
nonviolence.  I think of what it is I admire about them, their actions, their
behaviors, their attitudes.  Today I practice these attitudes and behaviors
so that other people may be inspired by my practice of nonviolence.  I carry
with me the phrase "Each one, teach one."  Today I am inspired.

************************************

#20 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Self-Forgiveness

When I judge myself I tend to believe who I am is what I have done or not
done, what I have or don't have.  Knowing that who I am is greater than all
of these things, today I forgive myself for forgetting the good that is in
me.

************************************
#19 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Acceptance

"Resentment, fear, criticism and guilt cause more problems than anything
else," says Louise Hay.  Today, I choose not to judge myself (my looks, my
capabilities, my expression).  I see myself as unique, loving, capable and
bright!  I accept myself just as I am.

************************************

#18 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Freedom

Civil rights activist Diane Nash said, "Freedom, by definition, is people
realizing that they are their own leaders."  Today, I take a leadership role
in my own life.  I free my mind and discover at least one way I can be more
expressive of who I truly am.

************************************

#17 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Integrity

Do the right thing.  Spike Lee used these words as a title for one of his
movies.  When faced with a choice, I listen to my conscience.  I know what's
right.  Today I do the right thing.

************************************
#16 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Gratitude

On her show, Oprah Winfrey frequently promotes the daily practice of
gratitude.  Today I begin and end the day by listing five things for which
I'm grateful.  Today I find one person with whom I can share the things I'm
grateful for in my life.
************************************
#15 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

REVERENCE

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 I go for a walk and realize the beauty
around, above and below me.
************************************
#14 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

HUMILITY

Making mistakes is a part of learning and growing.  It is simply an error
"error in approach." Today, I freely acknowledge at least one mistake I make,
and I take the time to reflect on what my mistake can teach me.
************************************
#13 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Creativity

The worst thing that can be done to a human soul is to suppress its natural
desire to create.  Today I identify at least five ways in which I express my
creativity every day.  Today I allow something unpredictably joyous and
creative to express through me.
************************************
#12 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Groundedness

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 I acknowledge my relationship to the earth.  I place a seed in the
ground or nurture a plant and am reunited with the sacred tree.
************************************
#11 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Contemplation

Today, for at least three minutes, I relax, breathe and let my mind be fed by
"whatsoever is good and beautiful."  Sacred scripture states, "As a man
thinketh in his heart, so is he."
************************************
#10 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Faith

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 I say, "Yes, it is possible," even if I don't know
how my goal will be realized.  I have the faith to say "It is possible" until
I find a way.
************************************
#9 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

Dreaming

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a great dream--a vision of brotherhood.  Today I
envision my own dream for peace and commit it to paper.  Today I choose to do
at least one thing that honors my dream.
************************************
#6 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

SIMPLICITY

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.
************************************
 
#5 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

BELIEVING

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

************************

#4 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence is

CARING

According to Peter McWilliams, "Nonviolence toward the self is caring for
oneself.  Self-love is a crowning sense of self-worth ... 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.

*************************************

#3 of the Ways to Practice Nonviolence

APPRECIATION

Louise Hay says "Praise yourself as much as you can ... The love in our lives
begins with us ... Loving yourself will help heal this planet."  Write down
10 things that you appreciate about yourself.  Read aloud what you have
written.

************************

#1 of the ways to practice nonviolence is

COURAGE

Eleanor Roosevelt has urged, "You must do the things that you think you
cannot do. "  Practicing these 64 Ways will challenge you to do things that
you think you cannot do.  Today light a candle and accept the courage to
practice 64 Ways of living nonviolently.