DAY 29 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "FORGIVENESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, February 27, Day 29--and the start of week 5--of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is FORGIVENESS.

When we forgive, we do not condone hurtful behavior. When we realize that there is something within us that is more important than this hurtful experience, we are free to let go of the past and move on with our lives. In doing so, we open our hearts to the humanity of those we forgive.

As we forgive others, we are teaching the mind to respond with forgiveness everywhere, even to the misdeeds and mistakes of our own past. And if I have treated a particular person badly, even if I can no longer win that person's forgiveness, I can still win the forgiveness of myself.

"The results of forgiveness is the stopping of the recycling of anger within ourselves and in the world. Peace will come to the world when each of us takes the responsibility of forgiving everyone, including ourselves, completely." -Gerald Jampolsky

Today: I am willing to let go of the past, and forgive those who have hurt me, and towards whom I feel anger. I will forgive myself too. Today, I will write a letter of forgiveness to someone (I do not have to mail it).

EVERY TIME I POINT (Janis Kelly @2006)

Find myself so wrapped up in what's going wrong today;
The world is such a mess and it keeps getting worse each day;
Our leaders line their pockets while protecting their own kind;
They traffic in our misery, they rob this country blind!
But when I take a good, look tell me what do I see?
Every time I point my finger I got three pointin’ back at me!

It’s true I really want to see peace throughout the earth;
We all should live in dignity regardless of our birth;
But as I wax poetic on my vision for all mankind;
I realize that it's judgment that is clouding up my mind!
‘Cause when I take a good look, tell me what do I see?
Every time I point my finger I got three pointin’ back at me!

I try so hard to live my life according to the Golden Rule;
To treat all of my brothers like they taught me in Sunday School;
So when I start to criticize and think that my way is best;
My conscience takes ahold and says,
“Please, give it a rest!”
So then I take a good look, tell me what do I see?
Every time I point my finger I got three pointin’ back at--

Pointin’ back—back at me!

So then I take a good look—take a real good look—
Said I take a good look, tell me what do I see?
Every time I point my finger I got three pointin’ back at me!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 28 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "LISTENING"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, February 26, DAY 28 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is LISTENING.

Can you stop what you are doing and thinking, and take time to truly listen to the feelings behind someone’s words to you? Being fully present for the conversation and interested in what that person is saying is a practice of nonviolence.

A component of Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication" involves listening with compassion. The listener attends fully to the speaker's words, while sensing the feelings and needs beneath the words. The listener is simply fully present, not trying to "figure out" what the speaker is needing, nor trying to "get it right." If I can listen to you with compassion, it is usually only a short time before you listen with compassion to me.

Today: I will be fully present to each conversation I engage in, and listen longer than usual - and with more patience - to what others are saying. I will give the other person my full attention, because nothing else really matters. I will look directly at the person who is speaking, without thinking about other things.

“It is by no means self-evident that human beings are most real when most violently excited; violent physical passions do not in themselves differentiate men from each other, but rather tend to reduce them to the same state.”
-Thomas Elliot

LISTEN (Janis Kelly @2008)

Listen—for my voice;
Listen—for my word;
Listen—for my truth;
Listen—you are heard.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 27 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "GENEROSITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, February 25, Day 27 of the Season For Nonviolence, and the thought for today is GENEROSITY.

Mother Teresa said, “There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart.” Look at ways you can contribute to your family, friends and community through your generosity. You will see how your generous gift comes back to you.

The more generous you are today, the more generosity you will have tomorrow. The more love you give, the more loving you become. The more generous you become, the less need to defend what you have, the greater your capacity for nonviolence.

Today: I will find three ways to give generously of my time, talent and resources to others. I will create a ‘Gift Certificate’ for someone.

I PRACTICE GENEROSITY (Janis Kelly @2007)

I practice generosity, as I share
All of the gifts that I’ve been giv’n;
I gladly give my time, my talent and my life.

I practice living gratefully, as I bless
All that I give and I receive;
All of my health, all of my wealth, all of my love.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 26 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "RESPECT"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, February 24, and the thought for today is RESPECT.

Gandhi taught “Language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers.” Respecting yourself and others means making a choice not to use profanity or ‘put downs’. Let our language be based on respect for those we address. The life of peace excludes no one. Let your words reflect your respect for others - speak from the depth of your heart and soul. The other side of respect is listening - listen to others with the respect that what they have to say matters. The act of listening has a calming effect on others, even if they are in a heated tirade, just listening models a nonviolent response.

"Courtesy towards opponents and eagerness to understand their view-point is the ABC of nonviolence." -M.K. Gandhi

Today: As I interact with and observe people during the day, I will be aware of ways in which I respect each person. I will draw a picture of someone for whom I have a great deal of respect, then frame the picture with words that describe this person.

“The right things to do are those that keep our violence in abeyance; the wrong things are those that bring it to the fore.”
--Robert J. Sawyer (1960 - ), "Calculating God", 2000

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? [WWJD?]
Janis Kelly @2007

Would He say, “Love your neighbors, but only if they look like you?”
And “Treat all men as your brother,” but only mean a chosen few?
Would He sit back and watch as the world came tumbling down?
Would He stand there in silence as we burned it to the ground?
And so I ask myself sometimes, WWJD?

Would He say, “All life is sacred, but really only up to birth?”
And would He give you His blessing, in using force to rule the earth?”
Would He preach that two wrongs can somehow make a right?
And if you think you're righteous, you are justified to fight”
And so I ask myself sometimes, WWJD?

(I think He’d:)
Stop the war! Free the people! Tell all nations that war shall cease!
(And He'd:)
Light the light! Love the loveless!
Teach the children—to live in peace!

If He were here today, I think we’d hear Him say,
"There has got to be a better--be a better way!”
If He were here right now, would He get a second glance,
Would we listen as He asked us to give peace a chance?

Would He say we're all a part of God’s great big family tree?
And would He say, “Please treat each other
the same as you would treat me?”
Would He show that forgiveness is the key to happiness;
And lasting power can be found in gentleness?
So I ask myself sometimes, WWJD?

(I think He’d:)
Stop the war! Free the people! Tell all nations that war shall cease!
(And He'd:)
Light the light! Love the loveless!
Teach the children—to live in peace!

Teach the children—to live in peace!
Teach the children—to live in peace!
Teach the children—to live in peace!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 25 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "FRIENDLINESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, February 23, and the thought for today is FRIENDLINESS.

To humorist Will Rogers, strangers were simply friends he hadn’t met. View those you encounter today in that light. Every time I am friendly toward another, I help break down the wall of separation and I contribute to nonviolence.

Today: I will make a new acquaintance, befriend a stranger. I will go up to someone I haven’t met yet and say “Hi friend.”

THANK YOU (YOU ARE MY FRIEND)
Janis Kelly @2006 


Thank you for helping; thank you for loving;

Thank you for showing the way--to me.

You are my teacher; you are my savior;
You are my friend; my friend.

You've shown compassion; you've shared your wisdom;
You are my friend.
 


Thank you for leading; thank you for guiding;

Thank you for caring so much--for me.

You've been so gracious; you've been so willing; 

You are my friend; my friend.

You've modeled patience; and understanding;

You are my friend; my friend.



I want to thank you; I want to bless you;

You are my friend.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 24 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "HARMONY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, February 22, and the thought for today is HARMONY.

Choosing NOT to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony. Choosing to see the good in others rather than finding fault leads to peaceful relationships. Look for the good in yourself and in others. By making these choices, we are contributing to a culture of nonviolence, we are being a model of peace.

Today: I will choose to see the good in others instead of finding fault. I will spend the entire day without criticizing anything or anyone; if I am tempted to criticize, I will write down the criticism rather than speaking it, then later discover where the criticism is coming from within me.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 23 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "PRAYER"

Greetings, family!

Today is Saturday, February 21, and the thought for today is PRAYER.

“Prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can” said Gandhi.
Begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. Let peace begin with me.

Saint Francis of Assisi said it this way:
"..... make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy."

Today: I will begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. When I say goodbye to people, I will say "May Peace Prevail on Earth." I will create a space in my home dedicated to prayer for nonviolence.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 22 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "MISSION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, Feb. 20, and the beginning of week 4 of the Season For Nonviolence. Our thought for today is MISSION.

“My life is my message” said Gandhi. Gandhi’s mission was to be nonviolent. What do you want to stand for in your life? Do you know your life’s mission?

Today: I will write down what I stand for in my life. I will note at least one way I can show, through action, that I stand for my beliefs. I will develop a personal mission statement and draw a picture of myself living my mission. I will share my mission with at least three other people.

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”--John F. Kennedy

MAY ALL BEINGS KNOW (Janis Kelly @2009)

May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness.
May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness.
And may peace prevail 'oer all the world.

May peace prevail in Africa;
May peace prevail in Asia;
May peace prevail in South America;
May peace prevail.

May peace prevail in Australia;
May peace prevail in Europe;
May peace prevail in North America;
May peace prevail.

May all nations come together in a pledge of unity;
May we stand in reverence for all life;
May we turn away from prejudice, from hatred, fear and greed;
May we choose instead to "let freedom ring!"

May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness.
May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness.
And may peace prevail 'oer all the world.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 21 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "INSPIRATION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, Feb. 19, and the thought for today is INSPIRATION.

There are many people who inspire us. Take a moment to reflect upon who inspires you and what characteristics you most admire in them. See the potential that is also within you and choose to cultivate these characteristics in your daily life.

"Cease trying to work everything out with your minds. It will get you nowhere. Live by intuition and inspiration and let your whole life BE Revelation." -Eileen Caddy

Today: As I think of at least two people who exemplify the practice of nonviolence, I'll acknowledge what it is I admire about them, what inspires me about them. I'll practice these behaviors today so that other people may be inspired and I'll share this insight with at least three other people.

SAY ‘YES’! (Janis Kelly @2007)

(Say YES! Say YES!)
When I say YES
I learn to move beyond my comfort zone. (Say YES!)
When I say YES
I find that I am really not alone. (Say YES!)
When I agree to take Love's hand,
And let its Spirit help me stand,
Then I say YES to life, and life says YES to me!
(Say YES! Say YES!)

When I say YES
I heal myself in body, soul and mind. (Say YES!)
When I say YES
The Universe and I become aligned. (Say YES!)
When I allow myself to grow,
And stretch beyond the me I know,
Then I say YES to life, and life says YES to me!
(Say YES! Say YES!)

Say YES to joy, Say YES to peace,
Say YES to overcoming fear or lack or grief;
Say YES to you, Say YES to me,
Say YES to everybody finally being free!
(Say YES! Say YES!)

When I say YES
I see the things that Life can do through me.
(Say YES!)
When I say YES
All limitations lift and I am free. (Say YES!)
I can move mountains with my faith,
I can make miracles each day,
When I say YES to life, and life says YES to me!
(Say YES! Say YES!)

Say YES--Breathe YES--Think YES--Be YES
Say YES!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 20 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "SELF-FORGIVENESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, February 18, and our word for today is, "Self-Forgiveness."

When I judge myself, I tend to believe that who I am is what I have done or not done, what I have or do not have. I know that who I am is greater than all these things. I am greater than any mistake I have ever made. When we get even the slightest glimpse of the unity of life, we realize that sitting in judgment of other people and countries and races trains our minds to sit in judgment of ourselves. As I forgive others, I am teaching my mind to respond with forgiveness everywhere, even to the misdeeds and mistakes of my own past. Practicing self-forgiveness is a foundation for practicing nonviolence.

Today's recommended activity: I will write an apology letter to myself for anything I have done to myself that I wish I had not, or any way in which I have disappointed myself by not fully living up to my potential. I will mail the letter to myself and, when it arrives, I will read it in a quiet place.

FREE CHILD OF GOD (Janis Kelly @2006)

I LIVE AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I LIVE AND A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I AM FREE FROM MY PAST, I AM FREE AT LAST,
I LIVE AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD

I THINK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I THINK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I AM FREE IN MY MIND, I AM FREE FOR ALL TIME;
I THINK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD

I SPEAK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I SPEAK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I AM FREE WITH MY WORDS, I AM FREE TO BE HEARD,
I SPEAK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD

OH, FREEDOM! OH, FREEDOM!
OH, FREEDOM! OH, FREEDOM!
OH, FREEDOM! OH, FREEDOM!
OH, FREEDOM—I AM FREE!

I BREATHE AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I BREATHE AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD;
I AM FREE TO EXPAND, I AM SAFE IN GOD’S HANDS,
I BREATHE AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD!
I THINK AS A FREE CHILD OF GOD!
I LIVE AS A FREE—CHILD—OF—GOD!
(FREEDOM—FREEDOM—FREEDOM OVER ME!)

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 19 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "ACCEPTANCE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, February 17th, and the word for today is, "Acceptance."

"Resentment, feat, criticism and guilt cause more problems than anything else," says author Author Louise Hay. By choosing not to judge myself and instead see myself as unique, capable, loving and bright, and by accepting myself just as I am, I will be modeling nonviolence. Any time I take down the walls of defense, I open myself to a nonviolent way of living.

"Life has no other discipline to impose--if we would but realize it--than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from,everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such."--Henry Miller

Today's recommended nonviolent activity: As I reflect on what is difficult for me to accept--in myself, in other people, and in the state of the world--I'll let go of any resistance or judgement, and allow myself to acknowledge and accept whatever I have been resisting.

TURNIN' IT ALL OVER (Janis Kelly @2008)

I'm gonna stop obsessing about the parts of life I can't arrange;
I'm gonna start addressing only those things I have the power to change;
I think I'll ease my stressing about what may or may not come to be;
And try some decompressing--release this stranglehold life's got on me;
And see myself as free!

I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
To the heart of Love!
To the mind of Love!

The weight that I've been giving to these thoughts of fear and lack and pain;
Just makes me keep reliving the same old situations again and again;
It's time to start forgiving the issues that still haunt me from my past;
So I can get to living a life that's filled with joy and happiness;
And find some peace at last!

I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
To the heart of Love!
To the mind of Love!

I want to let go; I want to know;
The difference between Your will and mine.
I want to see Your path for me;
And to find a way to make it truly mine.

I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over!

I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
I'm: Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over; Turnin' it all over;
To the hands of Love!
To the heart of Love!
To the mind of Love!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 18 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "FREEDOM"

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, February 16 and our word for today is "Freedom."

Civil Rights activist Diane Nash said, "Freedom, by definition, is people realizing that they are their own leaders." Take a leadership role today in your own life. Find a way where you can express who you truly are.

"When people decide they want to be free, there is nothing that can stop them."--Bishop Desmond Tutu

"To be free is to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."--Nelson Mandela

Today's recommended activity: Today I will claim my definition of freedom by finding one way to be more expressive of who I truly am.

MAY ALL BEINGS KNOW (Janis Kelly @2009)

May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness;
May all beings know the oness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness. (REPEAT)
And may peace prevail 'oer all the world.

May peace prevail in Africa;
May peace prevail in Asai;
May peace prevail in South America;
May peace prevail.

May peace prevail in Austrialia;
May peace prevail in Europe;
May peace prevail in North America;
May peace prevail.

May all nations come together in a pledge of Unity;
May we stand in reverence for all life;
May we turn away from prejudice, from hatred, fear and greed;
May we choose instead to let freedom ring!

May all beings know the oneness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness;
May all beings know the oness of peace;
May all beings know the peace of oneness. (REPEAT)
And may peace prevail 'oer all the world.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 17 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "INTEGRITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, February 15 and our word for today is, "Integrity."

"Do The Right Thing!" Spike Lee used these words as a title for one of his movies. When faced with a choice, listen to your conscience, and be willing to act accordingly, no matter what others may say. You KNOW what is right to do; you can choose to do it.

Integrity asks for firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values and denies any form of corruption. Integrity is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. And when I am in harmony, I am a model of nonviolence.

Today's exercise: When faced with a choice today, I listen to my conscience. I will recall then write a short story about a time when I listened to my heart when the people around me were doing something else.

Today's affirmation: "Today, I take time to tell a family member or friend how much they mean to me."

MAY I USE WORDS (Janis Kelly @2007)

May I use words of love and light and healing;
May they reflect the oneness of all life;
May they express the joy and wonder of my heart’s own path;
And may they build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.

May I be guided by compassion in my speaking;
May I be generous and brave and true;
May I maintain integrity in all I say and do;
And may I build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.

Let my voice be a blessing; to all who are yearning;
For hope and for comfort and for strength!

May I stand for dignity and honor;
May I accept my neighbor as myself;
May I choose to recognize the sacredness of Now;
And may I build a bridge of peace, that reaches ‘round the world.
The world--reaches 'round the world.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 16 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "GRATITUDE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Saturday, February 14 (Happy V-day everybody!!), and our word for the day is, "Gratittude."

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."--Melody Beattie

Today's exercise: I will list five things for which I am grateful and share these good things with another, then reflect on who and what made those experiences possible. I will write a "thank you" note to someone who would least expect me to thank them. I'll journal about my feelings with regard to this.

Today: "Today, I make a conscious effort to smile at someone whom I have held a grudge against."

MY LOVE DIVINE (Janis Kelly @2008)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y8Wv5KA1Fw)
I am discovering my own beauty, discovering my worth;
I am discovering my perfection, and my place upon this earth.
I am divine! I am divine!
I am divine! I am divine!

I am my own beloved, I'm everything I've been searching for;
I am my own beloved, I am all this and so much more;
I am my own beloved, I am everything I've been trying to find;
I am my own beloved—-my love divine!

I am exploring my inner vision, exploring what makes my heart sing;
I am exploring my deepest yearnings, and all the gifts I have to bring.
I am divine! I am divine!
I am divine! I am divine!

I am my own beloved, I'm everything I've been searching for;
I am my own beloved, I am all this and so much more;
I am my own beloved, I am everything I've been trying to find
I am my own beloved—-my love divine!

I am embracing my passionate nature, embracing my heart's desire;
I am embracing my true potential: water, earth and air and fire.
I am divine! I am divine!
I am divine! I am divine!

I am my own beloved, I'm everything I've been searching for;
I am my own beloved, I am all this and so much more;
I am my own beloved, I am everything I've been trying to find
I am my own beloved—-my love divine!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 15 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "REVERENCE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, February 13 and we are starting week 3 of the Season For Nonviolence! Today's word is, "Reverence." Reverence for all life is fundamental to Ahimsa; it is the ultimate rationale for nonviolence--for how can one willingly do harm to that for which one has reverence--and towards which one has th elove that reverence engenders?

"In the main, reverence for life dictates the same sort of behavior as the ethical principle of love. But reverence for life contains within itself the rationale of the commandment to love, and it calls for compassion for all creature life."--Albert Schweitzer

"Reverence is a virtue that prepares us well to belong to one another; it reaches out to those who have given messages of not wishing to belong. When we approach others with gentle reverence, we bring gifts and share theirs with us."--Paula Ripple

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread...where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul."--Muir

Today's exercise: I open myself up to a feeling of reverence for all forms of life, especially each and every person that I meet during the day. I will take a walk outside and experience the beauty that surrounds me as I BE with the sky, the plants and animals, as well as my brothers and sisters.

Today's affirmation: "Today, I practice compassion and forgiveness by apologizing to someone whom I have hurt."

NAMASTE (Janis Kelly @2008)

Namaste--means that I greet you;
Namaste--means that I see you;
Namaste--means that I honor you;
I recognize the Light in you.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 14 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "HUMILITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, February 12, and our word for the day is "Humility." Making mistakes is a part of learning and growing, simply an error in approach. Paradoxically, the only way we can begin to escape from the consequences of our actions is to stop running from them and to face them with fortitude and humility. In this sense, every difficult situation is a precious opportunity for learning.

When we humbly acknowledge our mistakes and reflect on what we have learned, it frees us from the need to be defensive. Being free from defending our position creates an opportunity for nonviolence.

"The seeker after truth should be humbler than the dust. The world crushes the dust under its feet, but the seeker after the truth should so humble himself that even the dust could crush him. Only then, and not till then, will he have a glimpse of the truth."--Gandhi

Today's exercise: As I gaze up at the stars tonight, I am aware of how small I am, how my life is but a fleeting moment in the vast scale of time and distances of the solar system and the universe. And in that moment of humility, I acknowledge that I DO make a difference.

CHANGE THE WORLD (Janis Kelly @2007)

CHORUS: I can help to change the world,
I can help to turn things ‘round;
With just one simple act of kindness,
Just one single act of faith!
I can help to change the world,
I can let my voice be heard;
If I allow myself to stand in peace,
And always live in love!

I may not think that I am strong enough,
Or smart enough, or skilled enough;
I may not think that I have gifts that can—
Bring healing to this world;
But when I listen to my Spirit’s voice,
Which says I can do anything;
I know that I can make a difference,
I know that I can take a stand!

CHORUS

You may not think that you are brave enough,
Or bright enough, or blessed enough;
You may not think that you have anything—
To offer to this world;
But when you lend someone a helping hand,
A friendly word, a warm embrace;
You see that you can make a difference,
You see that you can take a stand!


CHORUS: You can help to change the world…

We change the world—by changing our thoughts;
We change the world—by changing our lives;
We change the world—by changing our vision;
Not just for ourselves but for all mankind!

We can change the world! We can change the world!
We can change the world! We can change the world!

CHORUS: We can help to change the world...

If we can always live [always live, always live]
If we can always live [always live, always live)
If we can always live [always live, always live]
If we can always live [always live, always live]
If we can always live [always live, always live]
If we can always live [always live, always live)
If we can always live [always live, always live]
If we can always live [always live, always live]
IN LOVE!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 13 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: 'CREATIVITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, February 11, and the word for today is "Creativity." The human soul's natural desire is to create. The best thing you can do to a human sould is to express the natural desire to create. Your life is your creative expression. Creativity allows something unpredictable and joyous to express through you.

"Why should we use all our creative power?...Because there is nothing that makes people so generous, joyful, lively, bold and compassionate, so indifferent to fighting and the accumulation of objects and money."--Brenda Ueland

Today, allow something unpredictable and joyous to express through you!

Today's exercise: Identify at least 5 ways in which I can joyously express my creativity. I will create something that expresses my feelings about nonviolence.

Today's affirmation: "Today, I hold no one hostage to the past, seeing each as a work in process."

LET IT LIVE IN ME (Janis Kelly @2007)
There is a light that is shining—from deep within my soul;
There is a flame that is burning—way down inside my heart;
There is a spark of hope, that guides my way,
When darkness starts to fall;
It’s called forgiveness—forgiveness;
And it can live inside us all!

So let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let real mercy and real goodness always have a home in me!
Let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let the power of true forgiveness live—in me!

Sometimes it seems impossible—to heal our wounded lives;
Sometimes the past feels too powerful—to ever leave behind;
But there is one sure way, to ease the pain,
Of what we’ve all been through;
It’s called forgiveness—forgiveness!
And it can live in me and you!

So let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let real mercy and real goodness always have a home in me!
Let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let the power of true forgiveness live—in me!

I want to hold a space for true forgiveness, and for true piece of mind;
I want to be someone who stands in freedom for myself and all mankind;
I want to have compassion for my brother, irregardless of his deeds;
I want to show the world that we can live in peace and perfect harmony.

So let this light keep shining—from deep within my soul;
And let this flame keep burning—way down inside my heart;
And let this spark of hope still guide my way,
When darkness starts to fall;
And let forgiveness—forgiveness;
Oh, yeah, keep living in us all!

And let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let real mercy and real goodness always have a home in me!
Let it live in me, ooh, yeah, let it live in me!
Let the power of true forgiveness live;
Let the power of true forgiveness live;
Let the power of true forgiveness live—in me!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 12 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: 'GROUNDEDNESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, February 11, and the word for today is "Groundedness." Gandhi said, "To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves." Bleack Elk reminds us, "Some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds."

This is how we are going to feel grounded, like a tree planted in the earth: Stand up straight and close your eyes. Imagine your body is a tree. Send down roots into the soil, feel the sun shining from above. Feel your branches and leaves blowing in the wind. When we feel grounded, we feel secure in our environment; and when we feel secure, we are more likely to respond to a situation in a nonviolent way. Being grounded helps us contribute to peace, to a culture of nonviolence.

Today's exercise: I will nurture a plant or plant a seed in, and for, the earth. When I am in a confrontational situation, I will recall that sense of being grounded and respond in a nonviolent way.

Today's affirmation: "Today, I choose to be aware of what I talk about and I refuse to gossip"

BREATHE (Janis Kelly @1996)
Breathe the breath of life into my soul;
Take my fear away, make me feel whole;
Breathe the breath of life into my heart;
Take my pain away, help me love again;
Help me love again!

When I breathe, I feel such power rushing over me
When I breathe, I feel so quiet in my mind
When I breathe, I feel so light that I can touch the sky
And I can see with eyes unblinded, and I can hear with open ears;
The peace and joy that I’m surrounded by, the truth and beauty that’s so near.

Breathe the breath of life into my soul;
Take my fear away, make me feel whole;
Breathe the breath of life into my heart;
Take my pain away, help me love again;
Help me love again!

When I breathe, I feel the earth open its arms to me;
When I breathe, I feel at one with all of life;
When I breathe, I feel so grounded, I feel so divine;
And I can heal my wounded places, and I can leave my past behind;
As I forgive, accept and honor, my inner self and all mankind.

Breathe the breath of life into my soul;
Take my fear away, make me feel whole;
Breathe the breath of life into my heart;
Take my pain away, help me love again;
Help me love again!

Breathe the breath into my soul, take the fear and make me whole;
Breathe the breath into my heart, heal the pain from every part!
Breathe the breath into my soul, take the fear and make me whole;
Breathe the breath into my heart, heal the pain from every part!

Now I can face my day unburdened, with any worries, cares or strife
I breathe in calm; I breathe tranquility, throughout the day, throughout my life.

Breathe the breath of life into my soul;
Take my fear away, make me feel whole;
Breathe the breath of life into my heart;
Take my pain away, help me love again;
Help me love again!
Help me love again!
Help me smile again!
Help me live again!
Help me breathe again!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 1O OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "FAITH"

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, February 8, and the word for today is "Faith." When Cesar Chavez was organizing farm workers in California, he challenged them to say, "Si, se puede"--yes, it is possible--when they didn't know how they would overcome obstacles. Today, say "Yes, it is possible," even if you don't know how your goal will be realized. Have faith--you will find a way.

Today's exercise: I will say, "Yes, it is possible." in every obstacle I meet. I will write down three things I am having a challenge with and with each one write, "It is possible for me to overcome this obstacle and be successful."

Today's affirmation: Today, I will find one way to "treat" myself to a peace-filled experience.

BAHA'I PRAYER FOR PEACE
Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity;
Be fair in judgment and guarded in thy speech;
Be a lamp unto those who walk in darkness and a home to the stranger;
Be eyes to the blind, and a guiding light unto the feet of the erring;
Be a breath of life to the body of humankind, a dew to the soil of the human heart;
And a fruit upon the tree of humility.

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT (Janis Kelly @2006)
Love, joy and peace;
Patience, kindness and generosity;
Faithfulness and gentleness;
And self-control.
These are the gifts the Spirit brings;
These are the gifts the Spirit brings.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
http://www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 9 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "DREAMING"

Today is Saturday, February 7 (my daughter's 24th birthday, BTW--happy birthday, Sasha!!!!!!), and the word for today is "Dreaming."

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a great dream. Follow your dream; follow your heart; follow your inner light.

"We need men (and women) who can dream of things that never were, and ask why not."-George Bernard Shaw

"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask, 'Why?' I dream of things that never were, and ask, 'Why Not?'"-Robert F. Kennedy

Today's activity: I take ownership of my own dream for peace and nonviolence. I will write my dream down and act on at least one thing that will help honor my dream today.

Today's affirmation: "Today, I live in the present moment and release the past."

JAINIST PRAYER FOR PEACE
Peace and Universal Love is the essence of the gospel preached by all Enlightened Ones.
The Lord has preached that equanimity is the Dharma.
Forgive do I creatures all, and let all creatures forgive me.
Unto all have I amity, and unto none enmity.
Know that violence is the root cause of all miseries in the world.
Violence, in fact, is the knot of bondage.
Do not injure any living being.
This is the eternal, perennial, and unalterable way of spiritual life.
A weapon, howsoever powerful it may be, can always be superseded by a superior one;
But no weapon can, however, be superior to nonviolence and love.

BEAUTIFUL BEINGS (Janis Kelly @2007)
For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!
For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!

I know it’s hard, sometimes,
to see the truth of who we are.
We all compare, contrast, conspire to be more,
‘Cause that’s what life is all about.
But I am here to help illuminate
The sheer perfection of your soul;
To shine a light upon your own magnificence,
That lives beyond the realm of form.

For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!
For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!

When we persist, in life,
To seek acceptance from the world;
Then we resign ourselves to always come up short
Of that ever-elusive mark.
But if we look beyond the surface,
Behind the ego and false pride;
Our inner beauty is incomparable,
We each are one-of-a-kind.

For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!

-We all are: Beautiful Beings, being Beautiful Beings, being Beautiful Beings, being--beautiful!
-We are all Beautiful Beings, being Beautiful Beings, being Beautiful Beings, being…

For we are Beautiful Beings—being beautiful;
We all have infinite spirits—we are all beautiful!