From January 30 through April 4, many people around the world remember the work of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez during the Season for Nonviolence. January 30 is the anniversary of the death of Gandhi. April 4 is the anniversary of King’s death. Chavez’s birthday falls within those 64 days. These three men are known for their activism in civil rights while maintaining their philosophy of nonviolence. King once said, “I am convinced that even violent temperaments can be channeled through nonviolent discipline, if they can act constructively and express through an effective channel their very legitimate anger.”
Chavez changed the life of farmworkers by negotiating with their employers. He used boycotts and pickets to bring attention to the problem. There is much more work to be done in the name of civil rights, but creating solutions in angry situations without getting violent doesn’t come easy. Here are some ideas to implement a philosophy of nonviolence in your own life while fighting for what you believe in.
Ethical Tenets During a Season for Nonviolence: Be Grateful
Gratitude offers many benefits. Scientists have been researching the effects of gratitude on a person’s life. Gratitude makes you happier because you focus on the positive. Gratitude can also help you build relationships and overcome adversity. Cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your own life by starting your day with five things that you are thankful for. You could also end your day by sharing three good things from your day with a loved one. Once a week, take a few minutes and write a letter to someone in your past who contributed to who you are today.
Be Caring
We all have good intentions when it comes to caring for each other. Spend a few minutes today thinking about how you care for the relationships in your life. Caring people exhibit understanding, empathy, and patience. Caring isn’t always about the big displays; giving a loved one your full attention while they tell you about their day shows you care. Do one act of kindness every day without any expectations. Leave extra money for the server at the restaurant. Write a thank-you note to someone in your community who goes the extra mile. Call a friend to say hi. Take a bouquet of flowers to a loved one who needs a boost.
Be Inspired
Find leaders in your community and in your culture who inspire you to be better. Read a biography or listen to a podcast about your favorites. Meet for lunch with a mentor to discuss problems and how to handle them nonviolently. Practice the same behaviors of those you want to exemplify so you can inspire others. You don’t have to make sweeping changes to your life—choose one or two things to do each week to be the person you want to be.
Be Respectful
H.G. Wells said, “The first [one] to raise [their] fist is the [one] who has run out of ideas.” It could be said that the first one to call names is the one who is more disrespectful. You may not be able to change anyone else, but you always have a choice in the way you respond. Choose to respond without insults, even when the other person is acting disrespectful. Unfortunately, not all conflicts can be resolved. Walking away isn’t admitting defeat—it’s about knowing what you can change and what you can’t.
Be Forgiving
Choosing to be nonviolent isn’t an easy path. Forgiving yourself when you don’t measure up can help you get a fresh start when you do act out of character. Give yourself a break and recognize that you’re not perfect. When someone else rudely responds to you, forgiveness can go a long way toward creating a nonviolent response. It isn’t always satisfying, but remember that celebrating a Season of Nonviolence is about moving towards peace and creating connections in a disconnected world.