Across the country, it seems that divisiveness and political turmoil have risen to a fever pitch. Family, friends, and neighbors are often at odds over issues that can cause anger and hurt. With the election behind us, it will take understanding, patience, and determination to heal the country as we move forward. We thank you for joining us in taking a pledge to develop and sustain a personal sense of peace and nonviolence in all aspects of our lives and bring us together.
Each Monday, from November 9 through December 21, we will be sending you a list of resources and suggestions on how to lead a more peaceful, just, and sustainable life. It’s a way of working toward eliminating violence, one step at a time, starting with ourselves.
Peace and all good!
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WEEK ONE
To Respect Self and Others: To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.
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Showing yourself respect does not make you narcissistic or conceited. In fact, it does quite the opposite. When we respect ourselves, we are more worthy of receiving love and, in turn, giving love to others. Psychologist Danielle Dowling offers 12 strategies for practicing true self-respect—not the kind that stems from "likes" on social media. MORE
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There is no doubt that this is a heightened and unpredictable time for each and every one of us. That’s why it is especially key to practice self-care now more than ever. This resource guide from Safe Horizon shares a variety of compassionate, holistic, multifaceted, science-based practices to help you thrive. While this page is focused on dealing with the stress of COVID, the principles can be applied to any stressful situation. These self-care guides can encourage healthy online and in-person engagement, strengthen relationships, better your mental and physical health, and improve creativity. MORE
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The year 2020 hasn’t been one to remember—in fact, for a lot of people, it has been an outright nightmare. The pandemic, along with political turmoil and social unrest, has brought anxiety, heartbreak, righteous anger, and discord to many. Amid such suffering, people need some joy. Angela Gorrell is an assistant professor of practical theology at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University and author of the forthcoming book “The Gravity of Joy”. MORE
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With Malice Toward None is an initiative from Braver Angels to heal America in the aftermath of a clear 2020 election outcome. Religious congregations, colleges, civic organizations, and small groups of friends and neighbors are invited to organize gatherings (online or in-person) for their members after the election has been decided. In these gatherings, red and blue Americans consider how they want to regard their fellow citizens who voted differently and begin building the capacity of We the People to forge “a more perfect union” moving into 2021. The core values of the campaign include respect, humility, honesty and responsible citizenship. MORE
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In her book Revolution and Equilibrium, the late writer and activist Barbara Deming presents the metaphor of the two hands of nonviolence, underscoring the creative tension that fuels both interpersonal transformation and social change. In this video, Clinton Franciscan Sister Marilyn Shea explains how this simple approach to conflict images perfectly the attitude of a person who practices active nonviolence. MORE
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When we can take responsibility for our part in any abuse we’re receiving from others, it takes us out of a ‘victim’ stance and allows us to see what we actually are able to change — ourselves. Psychologist and addictions specialist Candace Plattor explains the difference between self-esteem and self-respect and how we actually teach other people how to treat us. MORE
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Receiving respect from others is important because it helps us to feel safe and to express ourselves. Sometimes we find ourselves not feeling respected by other people, including our family or friends. While it’s not always possible to change somebody and make them respect you, there are some things you can try. From Australia-based Kids Helpline. MORE
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There is a belief that our country can find guidance through the dilemma of polarization in the spiritual teachings and practice of the Golden Rule – to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”— especially as we engage in political activity. Living Room Conversations suggests that if enough people follow this Golden Rule principle, it will help generate the respect and kindness we so desperately need in our country. MORE
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Inspired by the Pledge of Nonviolence
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