What really gives value to anything is its usefulness in serving others. Our life draws its value not from the money we make, or the prizes we win, or the power we wield over others, but from the service we give every day to add a little bit more to the happiness of our family and our community.  And when you serve, do it without thinking of getting anything in return. Do it as a service to the universe, not reluctantly, but with joy.  By doing so, you are a model to others, and add to a culture of nonviolence.  

Today:  I will volunteer a minimum of two hours this week with an organization of my choice and share my commitment with at least one person.  I will do one thing today to help somebody at home, at school or work, or in my community, and then write a paragraph about the experience.  

DAY 58 Mar. 28: The practice for today is CITIZENSHIP.  Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General to the United Nations urges, "Use every letter you write, every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your fundamental beliefs and dreams." Make a difference in your community by becoming involved.   

To be a citizen means to help your community be the best it can be.  You are a member of many communities:  your family, your place of work or school, your place of worship, your city, your country, and the planet.  Participation in your community presents an opportunity to model nonviolent action, peaceful resolution, and how each of us can and do make a difference.  

Today:  I will call or write one of my legislators and register my views.  I will tell at least three people of my efforts and ask them to do the same. 

DAY 59 Mar. 29: The practice for today is INTERVENTION.  Alcohol and drug abuse, as well as physical abuse, are both a consequence of, and a cause of, violence.  Without intervention, the cycle continues.  You could make a difference in someone's life through intervention.   Make no mistake about it - our lives affect others, mainly by the force of our example.

Today:  I will have the courage to intervene in a caring way with someone who is using alcohol or drugs, or is in a physically abusive situation.  Through my honest, straightforward, and nonviolent communication, I will encourage them to get educated, get help, and identify resources available to them.  

DAY 60 Mar. 30: The practice for today is WITNESSING.  "We are each other's bond," writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks.  Those who practice nonviolence cannot close their eyes to injustice or cruelty.  We are here to be a witness for justice and compassion.  Those who practice nonviolence look at injustice or cruelty and know that it is possible for the situation to be different, and that to bring about change, we cannot stand by and do nothing.  You can stand up for truth by your presence, your words and your actions, and by doing so, make a difference.   

 Today:  When I see injustice, I will say or take action to bring about a peaceful change.  I will write down my thoughts about the action I took, and share this with another person.

DAY 61 Mar. 31: The practice for today is PEACE.  "Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed," says Thich Nhat Hanh.   You water seeds of anger and violence by deciding to stay angry and act violently.  You water seeds of joy and peace by deciding to be peaceful, no matter what is happening to you.  Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart, and then respond in a nonviolent way. 

 Not only must we dedicate our lives to inner transformation, we must be prepared for our consciousness to make manifest ways that call for us to act for peace for all.  It is not enough that we are at peace, that we each have inner peace - we must BE a force for peace in the world.  Do we stand by and watch someone be physically abused and do nothing?  Do we rationalize the situation and say "gee, it's their problem" - of course not!

The same applies to armed conflict - do we stand idly by and do nothing, just as long as it's not our families who are put in harm's way?  As long as it's not our sons and daughters whose life is put on the line?  But the truth is, it IS our sons and daughters whose life is on the line, because if we don't stand up and be counted now, there is no hope for peace in our lifetime; their lives ARE at risk.

Today:  I choose to meet each experience with an intention for peace.  I will be aware of any feelings of anger or irritation and replace the feeling with calm.  I envision any areas of unrest transformed into safe havens for all people.  I see beyond conflict and discord to the truth: peace is everywhere present and active.  Peace begins with me. 

DAY 62 Apr. 1: The practice for today is COMMITMENT.   Until one is committed there is hesitancy, a chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.  Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans; that the moment that one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves, too.  All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way. 

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it!
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin it now!"

-Goethe

 And so it is with nonviolence.  We set forth a commitment to nonviolence with an intention that we can act upon today.  By doing so, we are presented with situations and circumstances that will allow us to model our commitment, to bring nonviolence to a situation. 

Today:    I will identify what I am willing to do as a consequence of my commitment to nonviolence.    I will clarify and affirm my personal commitment to nonviolence by sharing it with at least two people. 

DAY 63 Apr. 2: The practice for today is RELEASE.  A Sufi proverb says "when the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what is found."  Release the weight of your past, the judgments of yourself and others, and be the change you wish to see.  Make room for what is here in this present moment, release the hurts and resentments and mistakes of the past and be present to the nonviolent presence you are right here, right now.  In the presence of a man or woman in whom all hostility has been released, others cannot be hostile. In the presence of a man or woman in whom all fear has been released, no one can be afraid. This is the power of true nonviolence, as we can see in the life of Gandhi. Because he had released all hostility, he was a profound force for peace. Today:  I reflect back on how far I have come during this 64 day journey.  I release the false idea that World Peace is not possible and I acknowledge that I really do make a difference.  Say out loud, "I DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!" 

DAY 64 Apr. 3: The practice for today is CELEBRATION.  Margaret Mead said "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Nonviolence is building the courage to speak and act with respect, reverence and compassion for our own being.  Rejoice in the work that you have done.  Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their nonviolent choice and action.

 Today:  I celebrate my knowledge and maturity, my choice of nonviolence, and the journey I have chosen.  

CLOSING Apr. 4: Every day, I join others in this prayer for World Peace.

With each kind thought,

each choice for nonviolence,

we plant a seed that shall bloom

to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.

Together, friend, we till the soil and

plant the seeds that all creation may

sing for joy and dance in the

Garden of Peace.

May our prayers and practices

during this Season be but the beginning

of a new culture of peace, security and

joy that shall endure unto our

children's children's children.