Marianne Williamson describes a healthy society as one in which “those who disagree can do so with honor and respect for other people’s opinions, and an appreciation for our shared humanity.” In the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, he says, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others.” Today, speak up but do not enter into the spirit of argument.
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Every day we hear of random and senseless acts of violence. Participate in the counter-revolution of kindness started by Anne Herbert. Perform three acts of kindness today.
When you are out driving today, be more courteous. Give others the right of way and stop and let pedestrians cross the street.
If we just act in each moment, with composure and mindfulness, each minute of our life is a work of art. Be aware of the motivation behind your action, the intention behind your words, and the needs and experiences of other people. By doing so, you are making life more beautiful for others.
Thich Nhat Hanh says, “When you understand, you cannot help but love...practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion.” Send a silent thought of love to ten people today. Share your experience with someone.
Gandhi wrote, “Nonviolence is based on the assumption that human nature ... unfailingly responds to the advances of love.” Today, focus on what you appreciate most about the person you like the least.
Tell someone today what a difference he or she has made in your life. Acknowledge that person for being there for you. Make this a day when you don’t take people for granted.
According to Caesar Chavez, “Nonviolence is not inaction ... It is hard work ... It is the patience to win.” When your plans seemed delayed, choose to be patient by identifying at least three ways that you can constructively use this time to support your goal.
Appreciation helps people to grow. Offer praise to at least three people today for their personal qualities, achievements, or helpful service.
Make amends today. Apologize to someone you may have hurt and mean your apology sincerely.
Today, stop what you are doing and take five minutes to listen to the feelings behind someone’s words to you. Be fully present for the conversation and be interested in what the person is saying.
Mother Teresa said, “There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart.” Find three ways to generously give of your time, attention and resources to others.
Gandhi taught, “Language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” Today, respect yourself and others by choosing not to use any profanity or “put downs.”
To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn’t met. View those you encounter today in that light. Make a new acquaintance.
Today marks the 24th day of the Season for Nonviolence! During the last 23 days, we explored the different ways that we can practice nonviolence in our personal lives.
In order to create a peaceful world, we must learn to practice nonviolence with one another in our day-to-day interactions. The following ways to practice nonviolence will encompass our interpersonal lives. Choosing not to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault. “Prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can,” said Gandhi. Begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. Let peace begin with you.
Today marks the fourth week of the Season for Nonviolence. This week, add A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life by Parker J. Palmer to your reading list! It can be found at the Manhattan Public Library.
“My life is my message,” says Gandhi. Write down what you want to stand for in your life. Note at least one way you can show, through action, that you stand for your beliefs. Take this action today.
Think of at least two people who exemplify the practice of nonviolence. What is it you admire about them? Practice these behaviors today so that other people may be inspired.
When you judge yourself, you tend to believe that who you are is what you have done or not done, what you have or don’t have. Knowing that who you are is greater than all these things, today, forgive yourself for forgetting the good that is in you.
“Resentment, fear, criticism, and guilt cause more problems than anything else,” says Louise Hay. Today, choose not to judge yourself (your looks, your capabilities, your expression). See yourself as unique, loving, capable and bright!
Civil rights activist Diane Nash said, “Freedom, by definition, is people realizing that they are their own leaders.” Take a leadership role today in your own life. Find one way you can be more expressive of who you truly are.
Do the right thing. Spike Lee used these words as a title for one of his movies. When faced with a choice today, listen to your conscience. You know what’s right. Do it.
On her show Oprah Winfrey frequently promotes the daily practice of gratitude. Begin the day by listing five things for which you are grateful and end it by sharing with one person all of the good things that happened to you today.
Environmentalist John Muir said, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul.” Today go for a walk and realize the beauty around, above and below you.
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