Value the earth by conserving natural resources and avoiding the purchase of products that deplete rain forests or exploit labor forces. Practice recycling today by using at least one recycled product or by recycling a product.
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We are quickly nearing the end of the Season for Nonviolence.
Today is the 46th day of the Season; for the remaining eighteen days, we will take on the ways we can practice nonviolence in our communities. Have a conversation with someone today about what the world would be like if there were no weapons nor any need for them. Imagine such a world. Mother Teresa implored us to “find someone who thinks he is alone and let him know that he is not.” Today, do as Mother Teresa suggests.
Labor organizer Caesar Chavez teaches, “If you use violence, you have to sell part of yourself for that violence. Then you are no longer a master of your own struggle.” Breathe deeply, silently counting backwards from ten to calm yourself and cool off before you speak or act with impatience or anger. Do this as least once today.
When we work together, we are stronger than when we work alone. Today, find one significant way that you can cooperate more effectively with the people in your family or workplace, school or community. Do it.
Dale Carnegie says that the greatest need people have is for love and approval. Praise, compliment and honor the uniqueness of at least five people today. Notice the positive impact you make by valuing the individuality of each one.
In conflicting situations, personal accountability allows us to take responsibility for how we contribute to the conflict. Today, take responsibility for how you contribute to a conflict and make a different choice that can lead to a peaceful resolution.
A Turkish proverb says, “He who builds himself a fence, fences out more than he fences in.” Today be open to understanding ideas and people that you have previously opposed.
Differences give variety to life and are often only on the surface anyway. Today look for three ways to see beyond outer differences in opinions, appearances, or goals. Find the meeting point of underlying unity that exists in diversity
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.
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.
The first five Peace Reads of the Season were quite enlightening. They provided unique perspectives that enrich our experiences with everyday nonviolence. Please join us this week in reading Dominic Cappello's Ten Talks Parents Must Have with their Children about Violence. A child happens upon a Web site created by classmates that threatens students who don't fit in. A teenage boy approaches a younger girl walking home from school and starts telling her how good she looks. Harmless or potentially violent behavior? Unquestionably, some violent acts (murder, physical abuse) are easy to spot, while others prove much harder to identify. In Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children about Violence, Dominic Cappello, of the National Education Association, sets out to help parents teach their children how to avoid violent situations and stay safe. Each chapter includes a fairly brief but compelling introduction to its topic--violence in the home, in the media, at school, etc.--and then offers thorough notes and questions for adults to ponder. Guidelines on how to launch the conversation with children follow, along with words to review and single-sentence stories for discussion. Most helpful are Cappello's post-talk notes, which guide parents through an assessment of their dialogue and help them identify warning signs. Excerpts from actual parent-child talks and suggestions on engaging the "less-than-enthusiastic child" help illuminate how these sessions can actually produce results. --Liane Thomas We hope you'll join us in learning how to apply everyday nonviolence to our relationships with young ones! 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.
When we forgive, we do not condone hurtful behavior. When we realize that there is something within us that is more important than this wounding experience, we are free to let go of the past and move on with our lives. Today, write a letter to forgive someone. You do not have to mail it.
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.
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