Opening Breath and Affirmation:
Take a deep breath and say: I will be Nonviolent by taking responsibility for my actions by admitting when I have made a mistake and/or offended someone.
Quote of the Day:
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” -MLK in his Beyond Vietnam speech
Today in Social Movement History:
On January 19, 1936, there was a general strike in Syria in response to the oppressive policies of the French colonial regime. It lasted 50 days--employees refused to work and teachers and students stayed away from colonial schools--and forced France to negotiate a treaty of independence for Syria and Lebanon.
Sunday's Character of Nonviolence:
Mohandas Gandhi (b. 1869 d. 1948) was the leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement, who forced the British to quit India. Dr. King studied Gandhi’s successful campaigns and adapted some of Gandhi’s strategies in the American Civil Rights Movement. As Dr. King said of the role of Gandhi’s teachings in the Civil Rights Movement, “Christ furnished the spirit and motivation, while Gandhi furnished the method.” Dr. King said “Gandhi was the guiding light of our technique for nonviolent social change.” Mahatma is a title given to a holy man.
Activity of the Day:
Write or draw about a time when you experienced violence in the past. How does it feel to review that experience? Write or draw about how you feel now.
Respond:
After finishing the activity, think about whether or not there is anything you need in order to heal from that experience. Take this opportunity to take one step on your healing journey: Make one phone call, write one email, say one prayer, listen to one (nonviolent!) song, or make one appointment towards continued healing. If you feel completely healed, make one donation to an organization that helps others heal too.
