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
Oahu, Hawaii

When not walking her dog along the beach at sunset (definitely one of her favorite goodthings!), Sue is the minister of the New Thought Church of Ke'auhou. Ke'auhou means new beginnings in Hawaiian and represents each day's new opportunity to choose a better life for ourselves and for the world.

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