64 WAYS TO PRACTICE NONVIOLENCE
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Why 64 Ways?
198 Methods of Nonviolent
Action (Gene Sharp)
http://www.peacemagazine.org/198.htm
The 64 days between the assassination anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi (Jan 30th) and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (April 4th) were designated as the SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE in Los Angeles in 1998. Each of the 64 days was linked to a "way" to practice active nonviolence.
Since then, The Season For Nonviolence has grown into an international grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. There are many more than 64 Ways to practice nonviolence, but the designated Season gives us a time to focus on decreasing violence in our lives and our communities by learning to practice nonviolence. It is now celebrated in over 100 cities, including the Manhattan-K-State community.
We learn to practice nonviolence one step at a time, one choice at a time, one day at a time. Through our daily nonviolent choices and actions, the noble and courageous spirit within each of us expresses itself as the skills, wisdom and character of a nonviolent human being. This is how we each, in our own way, move the world in a direction of peace. (A Season for Nonviolence-Los Angeles, 1998)Nonviolence begins by learning how to be less violent and more compassionate with ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with a respect, honor and reverence for our own being
Eleanor Roosevelt 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.
Date: Jan. 30
Buddhist teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh said, If in our daily life, we can smile....not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work. Today, share a smile with at least three people, knowing that your smile contributes to peace.
Date: Jan 31
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.
Date: Feb. 1
According to Peter McWilliams, Nonviolence toward the self is caring for oneself. Self-love 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.
Date: Feb. 2
Author Wayne Dyer writes about the impact that our beliefs have on our daily lives. Today believe that you have all the resources to move your life in the direction of peace. Be aware of simple, peaceful responses you receive.
Date: Feb. 3
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.
Date: Feb. 4
Knowledge strengthens your conviction and deepens your wisdom and understanding. Learn about the power of nonviolence by educating yourself. Read an article, periodical or book; watch a video on a subject that relates to nonviolence. Learn about human rights, diversity, ecology, history, politics, forgiveness, spirituality, peace studies, biographies of heroes and more.
Date: Feb. 5
Writer, poet, activist, and professor Maya Angelou turned a traumatic childhood experience into a catalyst for creativity and achievement. Today, choose a painful incident in your life and find the gift it has given you. Consciously share this gift with others.
Date: Feb. 6
Martin Luther King, Jr., had a great dream. What is your own dream for peace? Write it down. What is one thing you can do to honor your dream? Do it today.
Date: Feb. 7
When Caesar 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, say, Yes, it is possible, even if you don't know how your goal will be realized. Have faith and say, it is possible, until you find a way.
Date: Feb. 8
For at least three minutes, relax, breathe, and let your mind be fed by whatsoever is good and beautiful. Sacred scripture states, as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Date: Feb. 9
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 place a seed in the earth or nurture a plant.
Date: Feb. 10
The worse thing you can do to a human soul is to suppress its natural desire to create. Identify at least five ways in which you express your creativity everyday. Today, allow something unpredictable and joyous to express through you.
Date: Feb. 11
Making mistakes is a part of learning and growing, simply an error in approach. Today, freely acknowledge at least one mistake you make and reflect for a couple of minutes on what you have learned.
Date: Feb. 12
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.
Date: Feb. 13
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.
Date: Feb. 14
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.
Date: Feb. 15
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.
Date: Feb. 16
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!
Date: Feb. 17
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.
Date: Feb. 18
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.
Date: Feb. 19
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.
Date: Feb. 20
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.
Date: Feb. 21
In order to create a peaceful world, we must learn to practice nonviolence with one another in our day-to-day interactions.
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.
Date: Feb. 22
To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn't met. View those you encounter today in that light. Make a new acquaintance.
Date: Feb. 23
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.
Date: Feb. 24
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.
Date: Feb. 25
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.
Date: Feb. 26
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.
Date: Feb. 27
Make amends today. Apologize to someone you may have hurt and mean your apology sincerely.
Date: Feb. 28
Appreciation helps people to grow. Offer praise to at least three people today for their personal qualities, achievements, or helpful service.
Date: Mar. 1
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.
Date: Mar. 2
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.
Date: Mar. 3
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.
Date: Mar. 4
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.
Date: Mar. 5
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.
Date: Mar. 6
When you are out driving
today, be more courteous. Give others the right of way and stop and let
pedestrians cross the street.
Date: Mar. 7
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.
Date: Mar. 8
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.
Date: Mar. 9
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.
Date: Mar. 10
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.
Date: Mar. 11
In conflicting
situations, personal accountability allows us to take responsibility for how
I 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.
Date: Mar. 12
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.
Date: Mar. 13
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.
Date: Mar. 14
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.
Date: Mar. 15
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.
Date: Mar. 16
Nonviolence challenges us to stand for truth by taking action that honors the dignity and worth of every human being.
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.
Date: Mar. 17
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.
Date: Mar. 18
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, stop to
honor all the hands that brought it to you and to bless the earth for its
bounty.
Date: Mar. 19
Be aware today of any
jokes or remarks that show disrespect toward ethnic groups, women or men,
classes of people, religious groups, gays or lesbians. Be considerate of
every person's dignity, and choose not to participate in disrespectful
conversation.
Date: Mar. 20
When someone stands up to
violence, says 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 be an ally. Without blaming or judging others, speak out
for those who are disrespected.
Date: Mar. 21
Have you ever noticed the
groups of people who are under-represented in your activities and lifestyle?
Find one way to connect with a person from these groups today.
Date: Mar. 22
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, find a
way to make one, small change that will contribute to the well-being of your
home, school, workplace or community.
Date: Mar. 23
Practice generosity by
sharing time, energy and material resources with those in need. Clean out
your closet, bureau drawers, or garage. Are there things you Aaron’t using
that might be of value to someone else? Today give away what you are no
longer using.
Date: Mar. 24
The quality of your
community starts with you. Take responsibility for the quality of your
community wherever you are. Today, pick up trash that is not your own,
whether at home, at the office, or on the street. Every little bit helps.
Date: Mar. 25
People need the dignity
of work and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families.
Economic self-sufficiency is a requirement for a nonviolent world. Today,
create a job for someone or help someone to find employment (examples: help
them with a resume or application. Help them make phone calls, dress
appropriately, practice interviewing.)
Date: Mar. 26
Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. said, Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve ... You only
need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. Sign up to
volunteer a minimum of two hours this month with an organization of your
choice. Share your commitment with at least one person.
Date: Mar. 27
Robert Muller, former
assistant secretary general to the UN, urges, Use every letter you write,
every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your
fundamental beliefs and dreams. Today call or write one of your legislators
and register your views.
Date: Mar. 28
Alcohol and drug abuse is
both a consequence and a cause of violence. Today have the courage to
intervene in a caring way with someone who is using alcohol or drugs.
Through your honest and straightforward communication, encourage them to get
educated, get help, get sober and free from drugs.
Date: Mar. 29
We are each other's bond,
writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Those who practice nonviolence cannot close
their eyes to injustice or cruelty. We are here to be a witness for justice
and compassion. Today be willing to stand up for Truth by your presence,
your words and actions.
Date: Mar. 29
An 11 year old writes,
Peace is a special thought or a special love or light or spark that we all
share within ourselves. Thich Nhat wrote, Practice watering seeds of joy and
peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in
all of us will be transformed. Today, make a choice to meet each experience
with an intention for peace.
Date: Apr. 1
Spend five minutes
reflecting on your commitment to nonviolence. Write down what it means to
you and what you are willing to do as a consequence of your commitment to
it. Make your commitment public by sharing it with at least 2 people.
Date: Apr. 2
A Sufi proverb says, When
the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what it has
found. Today look back on how far you have come during this 64 day journey.
Release the weight of your past, judgments of yourself and others, and the
idea that world peace is not possible by acknowledging that you do make a
difference.
Date: Apr. 3
Rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you 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. Margaret Mead said Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.