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Have you told a friend about GoodThings today?
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Have you told a friend about GoodThings today? |
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A few favorite goodthings from Sue Stephenson of Independence, Kentucky:
"The resistance of the earth when digging a hole. The feel of the soil on your hands as you plant. The tight clasp of my son's small hand in mine. The visual gratitude of a patient you have consoled without words. The feel of soft warm pockets of air after winter."
[ What are YOUR favorite goodthings? ] Read more |
| A Season for Nonviolence A fitting, action-oriented tribute bridges the enduring legacies of two of the 20th century's most important human rights leaders and offers "A Season for Nonviolence" to people everywhere who dream of peace. Aloha GoodLetter readers, I live in what must be one of the most peaceful spots on Earth, on the west side of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Here, the weather is idyllic, the heady fragrance of tropical flowers wafts gently in the breeze, and the pace is slow and laid back. The highlight of my day is usually walking along the nearly deserted beach at sunset with my husband and my dog. Ah, talk about a peaceful moment! Most of the time there is a ready smile on people's lips and a quick "Howzit?" or an "Aloha." The atmosphere of one big happy family or "ohana," as native Hawaiians call it, is evident most places you go. But even here in paradise, modern life is creeping in and taking its toll. We see road rage on the freeways, the occasional hate crime, and drugs and gangs among the youth. It hurts my heart to see such pain in these islands, but I often wonder: If this is happening here, in the land of aloha, how much worse is it elsewhere? And what can I do? Who doesn't want to see world peace in their lifetime? But it can be a little hard to imagine, and those of us who dare to dream are branded idealistic. Yet in spite of recent events, I have always believed that somehow, some way, it is attainable. Before we can have peace on the planet, we have to first find peace within ourselves. It takes more than just saying, "I choose peace." We need to know how to choose nonviolent practices in our daily lives when we are faced with potential conflict. This is what "A Season for Nonviolence: Compassionate Activism for Global Healing" is all about. A little over five years ago, Arun Gandhi (the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi) approached the Association of Global New Thought and colleagues of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s and said, "The time is now. Let's work together to help people learn the principles and practices of nonviolence." 1998 marked the first "Season for Nonviolence." Each year, it begins on January 30, the anniversary of Gandhi's death in 1948. It ends 64 days later on April 4, the anniversary of King's death in 1968. 400 major peace, business, religious, arts, and learning institutions became co-sponsors, and as a result, more than 300 ongoing community-based nonviolence programs emerged. "Season for Nonviolence" programs demonstrate that every person can move the world in the direction of peace through daily choice and action based on compassion, respect, and understanding. "A Season for Nonviolence" has become the answer to my own questions. One of its major features is "64 Ways in 64 Days," a great tool to help you focus on peace and nonviolence each day. I have practiced the 64 ways on my own every year and shared them with whomever I could. I have made conscious efforts to be as clear in my communication as I could, and I have worked mindfully to heal the hurts buried deep within me so that I wouldn't be so quick to react to things I saw as conflict. Here in Hawaii, we are kicking off our inaugural season a little early with Aloha Peace Day on January 26, a full day of entertainers and speakers focusing on the principles and practices of peace and nonviolence. We join the hundreds of cities throughout the world that will be focusing on the practices and principles of nonviolence during this same 64-day period. I don't know if it is because of September 11, the war on terrorism, or simply because the time is now, but everything has fallen into place with the greatest of ease. Private businesses are supporting the event wonderfully. And the local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse, a national organization working to prevent child abuse and neglect through public awareness, education and advocacy, is excited to be among the groups offering workshops, classes, and seminars teaching positive ways to relieve stress, communication techniques, peaceful negotiations, forgiveness practices, and other tools for nonviolent behavior. The whole process has been a delightful demonstration of what the power of intention can do. Gandhi and King had the power of intention. It's up to us to pick up where they were forced to stop and continue their important work. It's time, as Gandhi said, to "be the change you wish to see in the world."
:: Sue Blocki-McKenna
:: Find out more about the work of the organization, Prevent Child Abuse. :: Get information about Hawaii's Aloha Peace Day.
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