An email received today from the 64-days website came just at the right time to remind me of my commitment to maitri this year. The 64 days season of non-violence is something I have participated in in years gone by and it fits well with my intentions for this year.
The badge above also links to the other main website which is a great source of support and resources for the SNV. There are some great tools for youth workers and teachers to use with young people and children. Also for parents or just for yourself and your own spiritual practice.
The SNV is a reminder of the work of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, a very timely reminder this January 30th given the protests happenening in Egypt, Tunisia, Greece, Sudan, Libya and here in the UK.
The 30th January 1948 was the day that Gandhi was assassinated and this day is a day of remembrance here. The Season for Non-Violence ends on the 4th April which is the anniversary of Martin Luther King's assassination in 1968.
My thoughts are with the protesters today.
Today's email reminds me that:
Nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate towards ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor and reverence for our own being.
Daily Practice
Day 1
January 30th
COURAGEI sit beside my lonely fire and pray for wisdom yet: for calmness to remember or courage to forget.
How would your life change if you could forget? It takes courage to forget the wrongs we believe have been done to us, but it is even harder to forget what we often consider the beliefs we took on as a result. The experiences that made us tougher, less trusting, or less optimistic can also make it hard for us to be vulnerable, open and hopeful as we walk through life. We let those parts of ourselves become dormant, dismissing them as naïve.
Today, journal about or contemplate the hurts and disappointments that changed you and how they separate you from your joy. Remember love and forget what closes you off from your good.
Eleanor Roosevelt has 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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment