DAY 61 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "PEACE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 31, DAY 61 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought 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.

"Mankind must remember that peace is not God's gift to his creatures; peace is our gift to each other." -Elie Wiesel


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.

I Am Calm, I Am At Peace (Janis Kelly @2007)

I am calm, I am at peace;
I am filled with perfect love;
I am present to the Light within;
I am calm, I am at peace.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 60 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "WITNESSING"

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, March 30, DAY 60 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought 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.  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.


BE STILL AND KNOW (Janis Kelly @ 1996)

Be still and know that I am with you
Be calm and listen for my voice
Have faith my love for you is stronger than the wind
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

Be brave and let my spirit guide you
Be strong and claim your power and might
Take heart in knowing you’re surrounded by my light
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

Be true to all you hope and dream of
Be glad within your heart and mind
Let your soul ring out with truth and freedom all your days
And I will wash away your tears—
Oh! And I will wash away your tears

I’ll wash away your tears! I'll wash away your tears! I'll wash away your tears!
I'll wash--away--your tears!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 58-59 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "CITIZENSHIP" & "INTERVENTION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, March 29 and I am posting this blog for DAYS 58 & 59 of the Season For Nonviolence. For Saturday, March 28, the thought for the day 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.

And for March 29, the thought for today is INTERVENTION.

Alcohol and drug abuse is both a consequence of, and a cause of, violence. You can make a difference in someone’s life through intervention. 

Today: I will have the courage to intervene in a caring way with someone who is using alcohol or drugs. Through my honest, straightforward, and nonviolent communication, I will encourage them to get educated, get help, get sober and free from substances.

THIS IS THE PLACE (Janis Kelly @2006)

When I am feeling mighty low;
When sorrow seems to be my closest friend;
When all of life’s burdens
Are too much for me to bear;

That’s when I reach for higher ground;
Somewhere beyond the sadness and despair;
And I listen for a still, small voice;
And it takes me there again.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place—where hope lives.

When I am standing on the edge;
Uncertain whether I should sink or swim;
I long so to heal my pain;
So I can help to heal the world’s;

So I surrender to Your grace;
Your tender mercy makes me whole again;
Your lifts lifts me up on high;
And takes me back where I belong.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place—where hope lives.

This—is the place!
This—is the place!
It’s in you, it’s in me;
You’ve got to listen to your heart!
Your heart!

So when you feel you can’t go on;
And you can find no shelter from the storm;
Take hold of Love's mighty hand;
And It will take you there again.

This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place my searching ends.
This is the place that I call Hope;
This is the place where life begins;
This is the place;
This is the place;
This is the place—where Hope lives!
Hope lives!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 57 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "SERVICE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, March 27, DAY 57 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is SERVICE.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve … you only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” How can you serve today?

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.

Reach Out & Touch [Somebody's Hand]
(Ashford & Simpson @1970)

CHORUS
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
Reach out and touch
Somebody's hand
Make this world a better place
If you can
(Just try)

Take a little time out of your busy day
To give encouragement
To someone who's lost the way
(Just try)
Or would I be talking to a stone
If I asked you
To share a problem that's not your own
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

CHORUS

If you see an old friend on the street
And he's down
Remember his shoes could fit your feet
(Just try)
Try a little kindness you'll see
It's something that comes very naturally
We can change things if we start giving
Why don't you

CHORUS

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 56 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "SELF-SUFFICIENCY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, March 26, DAY 56 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

People need the dignity of work and the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. Economic self-sufficiency is a requirement for a nonviolent world.

"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency."
-"Mahatma" Gandhi


For Gandhi, economic self-sufficiency - symbolized by the spinning wheel - was a vital element of independence from colonial rule and from oppressive economic conditions.

Today: I will discover the satisfaction of making something for myself instead of buying something - and from spending time in self-sufficient quiet reflection or meditation. If I know someone who is looking for employment, I will offer to assist them with a resume, an application, making phone calls, or practice interviewing.

WHOLE, PERFECT, STRONG (Janis Kelly @2009)

I am: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
I am: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who I am!

You are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
You are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who you are!

We are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
Whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
We are: whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy;
This is the undisputed truth of who we are!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 55 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "RESPONSIBILITY"

Greetings, family!

Today Wednesday, March 25, DAY 55 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is RESPONSIBILITY.

The quality of your community starts with you. Take responsibility wherever you are. Whatever we are today is the result of what we have thought, spoken, and done in all the previous moments before now. The responsibility for both present and future is in our own hands. If we live right today, then tomorrow will be right. This applies to our physical, emotional and spiritual life; we each have the ultimate responsibility for our choices.

Today: I will pick up trash that is not my own, whether at home, at the office or on the street. If there is a conflict present in my life, I will take responsibility for my part in the conflict.

WHOM SHALL I CALL MY NEIGHBOR? (Janis Kelly @2007)

Whom shall I call my neighbor?
Whom shall I call my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Whom shall I call my neighbor?
Whom shall I call my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Whom shall I call my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"He's everyone you know!"

Where shall I find my neighbor?
Where shall I find my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Where shall I find my neighbor?
Where shall I find my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
Where shall I find my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"She's everywhere you go!"

When shall I help my neighbor?
When shall I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
When shall I help my neighbor?
When shall I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
When shall I help my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"You help him all the time!"

How do I help my neighbor?
How do I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
How do I help my neighbor?
How do I help my neighbor--I asked the Lord,
How do I help my neighbor?
And the Lord answered me,
"You treat her as yourself!"

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www-janis-kelly.com

DAY 54 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "GIVING"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 24, DAY 54 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is GIVING.

Practice generously giving by sharing time, talent, energy and material resources with others. Whatever you give, do it without thinking of getting anything in return. Do it as a service, not reluctantly, but with joy. That is a real gift.

Whatever you give, be sure it is from the heart:
“Not in what we give, but what we share,
For the gift without the giver is bare.”

Today: I will clean out my closet, bureau drawers, or garage and give away things I'm not using. I will give my time to a volunteer organization and my financial resources to a cause that supports and practices nonviolence.

WHATEVER I GIVE, I GET MORE BACK
(Janis Kelly @ 2007)

Whatever I give, I get more back;

If I bless my abundance, I will have no lack;

Whenever I share, I always receive;

Everything I ask for, everything I need.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 51-53 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "ADVOCACY," "EQUALITY," "ACTION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, March 23, and I will be posting for days 51-53 of the Season For Nonviolence today, on the following topics: ADVOCACY, EQUALITY and ACTION.

DAY 51 Mar. 21: The thought for today is ADVOCACY. “When someone stands up to violence” says Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh, “a force for change is released. Every action for peace requires someone to exhibit the courage to challenge violence and inspire love.” Thich Nhat Hanh's life is about nonviolence, and ours can be too.

When we choose to be an advocate for nonviolence and decide right now that we will be the one to stop the violence, we release peace into the world.


Today: I will be an ally. Without blaming or judging others, I will listen from my heart, and speak out with love for those who are disrespected, abused or not listened to. I will find out how I can be an advocate in current conflicts, such as in The Sudan.

DAY 52 Mar. 22: The thought for today is EQUALITY. Have you ever noticed the groups of people who are under-represented in your activities and lifestyle? The Constitution of the United States says that all people are equal, and all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Do you think everyone in our community is treated equally?  If not, what can you do to change this?

"Unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, then he labors in vain and hypocritically in the vineyards of equality." -Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.


When you recognize as your equals those with whom you disagree, true opportunities for dialogue emerge - opportunities that are denied when you think of yourself as better than, or less than, others. Martin Buber wrote about the "I-Thou" connection, the ultimate equality, and the place from which nonviolence originates.

Today: I will be mindful of ways that I see myself as better than others. When I listen to people today, I will listen to them as equals; when I speak, I will speak to others as equals. I will enrich my life by considering how I can invite different people and unusual experiences into my life today.

DAY 53 Mar. 23: The thought for today is ACTION. “Each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation” said Robert Kennedy. Imagine what actions Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy would be taking if they were among us today.


Truly nonviolent action is centered in love and compassion. Actions speak louder than words, it is said, yet it is not so much loudness as clarity and truth that matters; a gentle action can be far more powerful than a forceful one. So, too, the smallest actions - those closest to home - can be more meaningful than those expressed from a distance.

Today: I will explore actions from the heart I can take today to express my commitment to peace and nonviolence - in both my personal life and in the public domain. I will find a way to make one small change that will contribute to the well being of my home, school, workplace or community.

May You Know Light (Janis Kelly @2007)

I'm praying for my brothers,
everywhere around the world;
I'm praying for my sisters,
that their voices might be heard;
I'm praying for the children,
that hope always lights their way;
I'm praying for the elders,
that they're blessed by each new day.

May you know love, may you know light,
may you know Peace-on-Earth;
May you know courage, beauty,
grace and power;
May you know strength, may you know joy,
may you know mercy all your days;
May you know blessings without end.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 50 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "CHOICE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, March 20, DAY 50 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is CHOICE.

Be aware of any jokes or remarks that show disrespect toward ethnic groups, women or men, classes of people, religious groups, gays or lesbians. By being considerate of every person's dignity and by choosing not to participate in disrespectful communication, I am contributing to a nonviolent society.

"The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny - it is the light that guides your way." -Heraclitus

Do you think the statement “We always have a choice” is true?  Do you ever think that you don’t have a choice?  Do you ever think you must be violent?  Can you always choose nonviolence?

Today: I will write about the choices I face throughout the day and on how they translate my commitment to nonviolence into my thoughts, words and actions.


LOVE TAKES OVER ME (Janis Kelly @ 2006)

When I’m all alone without a friend in sight
No one but myself to tell me I’m alright
I stop—‘cause I’ve seen this all before
I find my special place where no one goes but me
I turn within myself and set my spirit free
And smile—‘cause I’m lonely never more (never more)

When I want the world to stop, the skies to fall
The rains to come, and flood my soul
I think of you, and love takes over me!

I’ve searched for all my life to find a sense of peace
Plagued by doubts and fears I thought would never cease
I cried—‘cause I longed so to be free
But then one day I stopped to hear a still, small voice
And it reminded me, I always have the choice
You said—that it’s all inside of me (in me)

When I want the world to stop, the skies to fall
The rains to come, and flood my soul
I think of you, and love takes over me!

(Love takes over me…)
Love, you picked me up, and you turned me ‘round
(Love takes over me…)
You helped me plant my feet, on solid ground
(Love takes over me…)
Now everything I do, or say, or be
(Love takes over me…)
Is truly a reflection, of your love inside of me!

Your love has touched my soul, it’s opened up my heart
It’s healed the places where I once was torn apart
I know—‘cause I’ve changed in every way
But there are still those times when I forget what’s true
I feel such pain inside I don’t know what to do
I say—“give me strength for just this day!”

When I want the world to stop, the skies to fall
The rains to come, and flood my soul
I think of you, and love takes over me!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 49 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "HONOR"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, March 19, DAY 49 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is HONOR.

"Those who are good and pure in conduct are honored wherever they go. The good shine like the Himalayas, whose peaks glisten above the rest of the world even when seen from a distance. " -The Buddha

People who are as described by Buddha, who work for the welfare of others, will be very deeply loved, respected and honored wherever they go. It is a simple law of human nature that we love the highest, that we emulate such people, and we want to lead the kind of life they lead. This is the saving grace of human nature: when we see someone who is patient, kind, forgiving, and forbearing, we recognize their nonviolent ways, because we too, have those qualities. As we honor them, we honor ourselves.

Today: A simple way to raise my awareness of honoring others is to do so at mealtime. Before each meal today, I will stop to think about all the people involved with the food I eat and I will silently say to them, "I honor you." Likewise, I will bless and honor the earth for its abundance.

LET ME CARE FOR YOU (Janis Kelly @2007)

Let me guide you, and I will show you a world
Where blessings never cease;
Let me lead you into a life
Where miracles unfold before your eyes;
Let me grant you the gift of peace which passes
Through all space and time;
Let me care for you—
And I will shower you with love.

Let me speak to you, in a voice that will soothe
Your heart and soul and mind;
Let me hold you within my arms
Of everlasting grace and calm;
Let me show you that I believe in you and see you
As you truly are;
Let me care for you—
And I will shower you with love.

Let me care for you, let me care for you;
Let me take away your burdens,
And show how much I want for you.
Let me care for you, let me care for you;
Let me ease your earthly sorrows,
And give you life—anew.

Let me help you, and you will find you have strength
To overcome all fear;
Let me teach you to use your power
To be the change you’d like to see;
Let me lift you into a consciousness where
You and I are one;
Let me care for you—
And I will shower you with love, with love, with LOVE.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 48 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "ECOLOGY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, March 18, DAY 48 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is ECOLOGY.

Gandhi said "To forget how to dig the earth and tend the soil is to forget ourselves."

Individuals like you and me make the final decisions about what is bought and sold in the stores, how much carbon dioxide is pumped into the atmosphere, and what is dumped into the sea. Each of us can begin to heal the environment right away by changing our daily habits.



And what about our internal environment, which is as real as the one we see around us? This internal environment has a powerful effect on the external environment: the way we think affects the way we treat the earth. When we purify this inner environment, we are not only making ourselves more secure and fulfilled, but we are also making an important contribution to the health of Mother Earth. Nonviolence extends from ourselves, not just to our brothers and sisters, but to the earth as well.

Today: I will practice recycling by using at least one recycled product and by recycling a product. I will reduce, reuse and recycle the products I use.


THOUGHTS HELD IN MIND (Janis Kelly @2007)

Thoughts held in mind;
Always create their own kind;
That’s why what we believe is exactly what we achieve—
Ooh!

If we can change our thoughts;
Then we can change our lives;
Our joy will start to grow as we allow our good to flow—
Ooh!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 47 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "DISARMAMENT"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 17, DAY 47 of the Season For Nonviolence (happy St. Patrick's Day as well!). The thought for today is DISARMAMENT.

What if we lived in a world where there were no weapons? What if we used the resources for developing weapons for other projects? What if we really did beat swords into plowshares? Imagine such a world for yourself and your family, because until we believe it is possible, it cannot become a reality. Peace and nonviolence, does--and must--begin with each and every one of us.

Today: I will have a conversation with someone today about what the world would be like if there were no weapons, nor any need for them. I will define new uses for the resources freed-up by not developing weapons.

“The only thing that's been a worse flop than the organization of non-violence has been the organization of violence.”
-Joan Baez (1941 - )

LET IT ALL GO (Janis Kelly @ 2009)

Let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it go--
Oh, let it go!
(repeat)

I'm letting go, gonna leave this world behind;
'Cause the one that I've created for myself;
Is feeling cruel instead of kind;
I'll start again, with a soul that's been renewed;
A heart that's filled with joy and happiness;
A spirit brave and kind and true.

It's time to:
Change my thoughts of fear and lack into those of hope and glory;
Change my version of the past to a more expansive story;
Change my vision for myself into one that has me win;
A me that's filled with confidence so I can live and love again;
And so I tell myself again, this time I really can--

Let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it go--
Oh, let it go!
(repeat)

I'm letting:
Go of limitation, letting go of playing small;
Letting go of worry that I may stumble, fail or fall;
Letting go of judgement, toward myself and others too;
Letting go of anything that hides my light from you;
There's nothing left for me to do, but to start my life anew--

And let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it all go;
Let it all go, let it all go, let it go--
Oh, let it go!
(repeat)

This is me, letting go!
This is me, letting go!
This is me, letting go!
Oh, I'm letting go!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 45-46 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: MASTERY & COMPASSION

Greetings, family! Today's blog is for DAYS 45 & 46 of the Season For Nonviolence. For Sunday, March 15, the thought is MASTERY.

Labor organizer, Cesar Chavez taught "If you use violence you have to sell part of yourself for that violence. Then you are no longer a master of your own struggle." To practice nonviolence you must learn to master your anger. Breathe deeply, silently counting backwards from ten to calm yourself and cool off before you speak or act with impatience or anger.

"We can do anything we want to do if we stick to it long enough."
-Helen Keller

This should not be surprising. After all, to attain excellence in anything we have to work at it. An Olympic swimming champion doesn't go for a workout once a week on Sunday afternoon, but practices for hours every day. The impetus to gain mastery over one's mind and senses does not come from some Olympian height, or from a distant deity; it doesn't come from any monastic rule, or even from one's spiritual teacher. It comes from deep within yourself. You have had a fleeting glimpse of the shining presence within, and in its bright remembered light, all your flaws and blemishes are thrown into sharp relief. You can't wait to start removing them.


Today: When I think of something or get into a situation where anger comes up, I will acknowledge the anger then breathe deeply, silently counting backwards from ten, and then decide what action to take. Mastery of nonviolence will come as I continue to practice.


For Monday, March 16, The thought for today is COMPASSION.

Mother Teresa implored us to “find someone who thinks he is alone and let him know that he is not.”

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -The 14th Dalai Lama
"A human being is part of the whole, called by us 'universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
-Albert Einstein


Compassion is about both relieving suffering and about celebration (which also relieves suffering by putting it in a context of gratitude). With compassion comes a greatness of heart. Compassion arises when we allow our heart to be touched by the pain and needs of others.

Today: I will engage compassion to lead my actions, my words and my life.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 44 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "COOPERATION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Saturday, March 14, DAY 44 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is COOPERATION.

When we work together, we are stronger than when we work alone. When we find ways that we can cooperate more effectively with the people in our family or workplace, school or community, we are tearing down walls of separation; we are contributing to a nonviolent culture.

Today: Find a very heavy object.  Try to pick it up by yourself.  Now ask 3 or 4 other people to assist.  How did working together with other people help make this task easier for you?


FAMILY OF LOVE (Janis Kelly @ 2007)

You are strong, you are steadfast, you are loved;
You are kind, you are confident, you are loved;
You are wise, you are wonderful, you are loved;
You are pure, you are powerful;
And you are part--

Of the family of Love! Of the family of Love! Of the family of Love! Of the family of Love!

Family of Love, family of Love;
We all belong to the family of Love.
Family of Love, family of Love;
We all belong to the family of Love...

I am so glad;
I’ve been touched by Love’s own hand.
I’ve been cleansed by Love’s spirit;
Healed by Its light.

I am so glad;
I am part of Love's great plan.
To unite all God's children;
To live as one.

(Well I may not know)
What my tomorrow brings
(But I know it’s finally time)
To heed the call
(Time to love your neighbor)
Just as you love yourself
(And to recognize that God--)
Made us all!

We’re the family of Love! We’re the family of Love! We're the family of Love! We're the family of Love!

Family of Love, family of Love;
We all belong to the family of Love!
Family of Love, family of Love;
We all belong to the family of Love--

The family of Love!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 43 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "UNIQUENESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, March 13, DAY 43 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is UNIQUENESS.

Dale Carnegie says "The greatest need people have is for love and approval." Most of us cannot help comparing ourselves with others, at least now and then. This has become so entrenched in our culture that in order to have self-esteem, it seems almost necessary to say "I am better than he or she" implying therefore I am good. As long as we compete with each other and compare one with another, a certain amount of envy is inescapable. It is the very rare person who is completely free from jealousy. 

But as our awareness grows, we will know that there is a uniqueness about everyone. The truly nonviolent person never tries to compare himself with others, or others among themselves. While being aware of our uniqueness, also being aware of our oneness creates a sense of nonviolence. 


Today: I will do something that shows how unique I am.  I may draw a picture, sing a song, dance or write a story. I will praise, compliment or honor the uniqueness of someone I know and by doing so, notice the positive impact I make by recognizing their uniqueness.

GOD GAVE YOU WINGS (Janis Kelly @ 1996)

CHORUS
God gave you wings, so you could fly
All around the earth, and across the sky
God game you wings, so you could see
You’ve got the power inside to be where you wanna be

You’re like an angel sent from up above
Your heart is filled with pure peace and love
Trusting everybody, kind to everyone
Wise beyond your years, ageless yet young

CHORUS 1X

You’re like a fairy from out of my dreams
You’re filled with magic, wonder and schemes
Dancing through your days, singing in the night
You bring us joy, you bring us light

CHORUS 1X

You’ve got wings to fly—to reach and touch the sky
You’ve got wings to see—you are truly free

You’re like a butterfly, just out of its shell
You radiate beauty that’s too great to tell
You’re a free spirit, you must have space
To let your soul ring out, to find your place

CHORUS 1X

You've got the power inside to be where you wanna be
You've got the power inside to be--where you wanna be

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 42 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "ACCOUNTABILITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, March 12, DAY 42 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is ACCOUNTABILITY.

In conflicting situations, personal accountability allows me to take responsibility for how I contribute to a conflict. I can then make a different choice that can lead to a peaceful resolution.

Today: I will be accountable for my words.  I will make a list of the thoughts I think and the words I speak that are violent.  Every time I become aware of my violent thoughts or words, I will say to myself “delete” and start again.

TRUST IN MY PROMISE (Janis Kelly @2006)

I may not see it yet, but I know it's coming;
I may not feel it yet, but I know it's there;
I may not hear it yet, but I know it's calling, sayin'

"Trust in my promise, and you're half-way there!
Oh, trust in my promise, and you’re half-way there!”


I may not be it yet, but I know it's working;

I may not have it yet, but I know it’s mine;

I may not hold it yet, but I know I will, ‘cause you said,

"Trust in my promise, and you're half-way there!
Oh, Trust in my promise, and you’re half-way there!”

You promised: If I have faith—
Even the faith of a mustard seed—
I can move any mountain, and open any door.
You said you’d pour out your peace—
Unto the world through me—
And that you’d give me—
The strength to carry out your will!

I may not show it yet, but I know I'll make it;

I may not do it yet, but I'm on my way;

I may not get it yet, so I’ll keep on listening, as you say,

"Trust in my promise, and you're half-way there!

Oh, Trust in my promise, and you're half-way there!

Yeah, Trust in my promise--
And we're all—all—all—we're all the way there!"

“Trust in my promise and you’re all the way—there!”

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 41 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "OPENNESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, March 11, Day 41 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is OPENNESS.

A Turkish proverb says, “he who builds himself a fence, fences out more than he fences in.” If you don’t listen to someone because they look different or have different ideas than you, you’re building a fence around yourself and you’re missing out on having a new friend and learning something new.  When we refrain from acting on a negative emotion or selfish desire, we stop building the fence around our life - we can open our life up to others. When we can be open to the opportunity for growth, we can use this as a way to find nonviolent ways to resolve differences.

Today: I will be open to understanding ideas and people that I have previously opposed. I will find somebody who I never wanted to talk to before and find a way to have a conversation with him or her.

I Want To Share...(Janis Kelly @2007)

There's so much good; There's so much grace
There's so much joy; Within my world;
I want to share all of these blessings--with you.
 
There's so much love; There's so much light
There's so much life; Within my world;
I want to share all of these blessings--with you.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 39 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: DIALOGUE

Greetings, family!

Oops! I got soooo excited for March 10, my daughter Katia's birthday, that I couldn't wait and posted for March 10 instead of March 9 yesterday! I will fix that now, by going back in time and correcting my error, thus moving ahead in complete "righteousness" and restoring order to the planet! (you are most welcome...)

At any rate, today is Monday, March 9, DAY 39 of the Season For Nonviolence.
The thought for today is DIALOGUE.

Marianne Williamson describes a healthy society as one in which “those who disagree can do so with honor and respect for other people’s opinions, and an appreciation for our shared humanity.”

We might not always agree with other people, but when we really listen to what they have to say we are having a dialogue.  We never argue in a dialogue.  We say what we think and then we listen to the other person so we can understand what they think and learn from them.


When we engage in dialogue, we seek not to prove we are right, or that the other person is wrong, but to state clearly - from a place of ahimsa and truth force - what we believe to be true. We listen deeply so as to be able to understand the perspectives of those who do not appear to share our understanding.

Today: I will speak my truth quietly and clearly, and not enter into the spirit of argument. I will listen with an open heart, with compassion, to the truth as perceived by others.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 40 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "UNITY"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 10, DAY 40 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is UNITY.

Differences give variety to life and are often only on the surface. Most communities are made of diverse groups of people who have different opinions, who look different, and who speak many different languages.   Our challenge is to see beyond outer differences in opinions and appearances and find a meeting point of underlying unity that exists in diversity. There is peace and nonviolence in unity as we recognize who we are in others, a transformation from separateness to unity.


Today: I will look for three ways to see beyond outer differences in opinions, appearances, or goals. I will seek out someone who looks different from me; looking beyond these outer differences I will see the unity which is inside and journal about what I have discovered.

A CALL TO UNITY (Janis Kelly @2009)

We are more the same than different;
We are more alike than not;
We are more connected than we may realize;
For we are children of the Light!

We can live in Unity!
We can live in Peacefulness!
We can live in Harmony!
And we can live in Love!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 37-38 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

Greetings, family!

Another weekend is upon us and, as a result, I am combining our next two days of Season For Nonviolence ideas. For Saturday, March 7, Day 37, our thought is GRACIOUSNESS.

Are we willing to make all sorts of gracious concessions on things that do not matter in life and yet stand unshakable on essentials? To do this, we have to be detached from our opinions. This doesn't mean being wishy-washy, or lacking strength in our convictions, but that we cultivate the forbearance not to force our opinions on others.

Today: I will create a skit with at least three other people to show the difference between graciousness and selfishness. I will observe and share with the others how graciousness adds to nonviolence.

For Sunday, March 8, Day 38 of the Season For Nonviolence, our thought is KINDNESS.

Every day we hear of random and senseless acts of violence. By participating in the counter-revolution of kindness started by Anne Herbert you are contributing to a culture of nonviolence.

"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty."
-Anonymous

"My religion is kindness"
-The Dalai Lama

Today: I will do something kind for someone for no reason other than to be kind. I will bring beauty to a place where it may be needed without letting anyone know that I was the one who did it.  I will write about how it felt and then share this story with someone.

BREATHE (Janis Kelly @1996)

CHORUS
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.

CHORUS

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.

CHORUS

Breathe the breath into my soul, take the fear and make me whole;
Breathe the breath into my heart, take 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.

CHORUS 2X

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 36 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "MINDFULNESS"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, March 6, Day 36 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is MINDFULNESS.

Mindfulness is thinking about what you’re doing and knowing why you’re doing it.  If we just act in each moment with composure and mindfulness, each minute of our life is a work of art. Be aware of the motivation behind your action, the intention behind your words and the needs and experiences of other people. By doing so, you are making life more beautiful and you are more likely to make nonviolent choices.

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers." -Thich Nhat Hanh


Today: Choose something simple to do, such as eating a piece of fruit.  Bringing my complete attention to it, I will not allow myself to talk to anyone or think of anything else except what I'm doing.  Notice what my hands do, the way the food feels in my mouth, the taste, the texture, the idea of nourishing my body.  Is this different from the way I normally eat?  I will practice being mindful in everything I do today.


Infinite Well Of Love (Janis Kelly @ 2007)
(inspired by Louise Hay)

Deep at the center of my being, there is an infinite well of love;

I now allow this love to surface, to fill the me that lives above;

I send it out in all directions, and it returns to me ten-fold;

The more I use the more I have to give, ‘til it is more than I can hold.

Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah! Allelujah!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 35 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "UNDERSTANDING"

Greetings, family!

Today is Thursday, March 5, DAY 35 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is UNDERSTANDING.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist teacher, says, “When you understand, you cannot help but love. Practice looking at all living beings with the eyes of compassion.”   

Today: When I find myself disagreeing with someone, I will focus on understanding what they are saying - and why. I will listen compassionately to them, with a silent thought of love, and tell them what I understand them to be saying. With empathy, I will say clearly and quietly what I believe to be true.

LET ME BE (Janis Kelly @ 2005)

VERSE 1
I don’t look the same as you do
I don’t have the same kind of name
I don’t share your views on so many things
But deep in our hearts we’re the same—just the same

CHORUS
Let me be!
Let me be!
Let me be!
Let me be!

VERSE 2
I don’t sound the same as you do
I don’t say the same kind of prayers
I don’t read the books that you say I should
But I share your hopes and your cares—your cares

CHORUS

BRIDGE
I want to dream, just like you; I want to strive, just like you
I want to laugh and to cry and to live and to die
To be free, like you—
Why can’t you let me...

VERSE 3
I don’t teach my children to hate you
I don’t try to tell them you are wrong
I say they should love and respect who you are
For how else can we get along—get along?

CHORUS

OUTRO VAMP
Just let me live my life
Just let me do what’s right
Why can’t we all be free?
Be you and I’ll be me!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 34 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "LOVE"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, March 4, DAY 34 of the Season For Nonviolence. The thought for today is LOVE.

Gandhi wrote, “nonviolence is based on the assumption that human nature ... unfailingly responds to the advances of love.”

All the great texts encourage us to "love your enemy." The ancients understood that this is where the creative energy comes from. An enemy does not have to be life-threatening or violent; an enemy can just be a thought that gets us to look at something in a different way. Consider the power of befriending someone you previously thought was an "enemy". In a conflict, rather than putting your energy toward winning, see what channeling that energy toward a loving, nonviolent solution can accomplish.

Today: I will focus on what I can find to love in the person I like the least. As I meet people during the day, I will reflect on how love can enhance the relationship.

GO AHEAD & LOVE YOURSELF (Janis Kelly @2007)

Today, today’s a very special day;
A day to practice showing thanks;
For what you have and what you are!

Today, you’ll waste no time on feeling sad;
Or anything that’s less than wonderful;
‘Cause you’re a perfect child of God!

And you deserve to have your dreams come true;
And you are safe, to say what’s real for you;
And you are recognized for what your presence brings the world!

So go ahead and love yourself;
Go ahead and trust yourself;
Go ahead and revel in the beauty of your soul!
Go ahead and find yourself;
Go ahead and free yourself;
Go ahead and celebrate your life--
The wonder of your life!

Today, you’ve got the whole world in your hands;
And it’s just waiting to be touched;
By your extraordinary light!

Today, you can let Spirit shine through you;
You can spread joy and peace and happiness;
To everybody, everywhere!

And you deserve to have your dreams come true;
And you are safe, to say what’s real for you;
And you are recognized for what your presence brings the world!

So go ahead and love yourself;
Go ahead and trust yourself;
Go ahead and revel in the beauty of your soul!
Go ahead and find yourself;
Go ahead and free yourself;
Go ahead and celebrate your life--the wonder of your life!

Celebrate love! Celebrate truth! Celebrate peace! It's up to you!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 33 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "ACKNOWLEDGMENT"

Greetings, family!

Today is Tuesday, March 3, Day 33 of the Season for Nonviolence. The thought for today is ACKNOWLEDGMENT.

Acknowledgment helps us see the oneness of all life, that we are part of a greater purpose, and by doing so, elevate our awareness of nonviolence. When I acknowledge someone, how could I possibly do harm toward them? When I tell someone what a difference he or she has made in my life and acknowledge that person for being there for me, I am affirming our connectedness.

"Acknowledge"
1. a. To admit the existence, reality, or truth of.
 b. To recognize as being valid or having force or power.
2. a. To express recognition of: acknowledge a friend's smile.
 b. To express thanks or gratitude for. "
-The American Heritage® Dictionary


Today: In each of the four meanings quoted above, I will take time to acknowledge each person I meet or see today - including myself - in the spirit of ahimsa and forgiveness. I will take time today to acknowledge the realm of nature, the community of life on Earth, and the Earth itself.

FAMILY OF LOVE (Janis Kelly @ 2007)

You are strong, you are steadfast, you are loved;
You are kind, you are confident, you are loved;
You are wise, you are wonderful, you are loved;
You are pure, you are powerful;
And you are part--

Of the family of Love! Of the family of Love!

Family of Love, family of Love;
We all belong to the family of Love.

I am so glad;
I’ve been touched by Love’s own hand.
I’ve been cleansed by Love’s spirit;
Healed by Its light.

I am so glad;
I am part of Love's great plan.
To unite all God's children;
To live as one.

(Well I may not know)
What my tomorrow brings
(But I know it’s finally time)
To heed the call
(Time to love your neighbor)
Just as you love yourself
(And to recognize that God--)
Made us all!

We’re the family of Love! We’re the family of Love!

Family of Love, family of Love; we all belong to the family of Love!

The family of Love!

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAYS 30-32 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

Greetings, family!

Today is Monday, March 2, day 32 of the Season For nonviolence. I am going to combine today's SNV thought with those of days 30 and 31, as they fell over the weekend.

So, here is Day 30's thought: MAKING AMENDS. The other side of forgiveness is making amends, when it is you who has been - or needs to be - forgiven for hurt or wrongdoing you may have caused. As with forgiveness, the gift of making amends - to yourself and to whoever has been hurt or wronged - is revealed when it is given unconditionally from your heart. What would it be like if world leaders made amends?

"Making amends may seem like a bitter pill to swallow, but for those serious about recovery it can be great medicine for the spirit and soul." -Step 9 Forgiveness. The Twelve Steps

For Day 31, our thought is PRAISE. Appreciation helps people to grow. Offer praise to the people you encounter today for their personal qualities, achievements or helpful service. Telling someone what you appreciate about them is paramount in nonviolent communication.

Praise is important for ourselves, too. Louise Hay says, “Praise yourself as much as you can … The love in our lives begins with us … Loving yourself will help heal this planet.” Peace in our world begins with each and every one of us.

And, finally, for DAY 32 Mar. 2: The thought for today is PATIENCE.

According to farm activist Cesar Chavez, “Nonviolence is not non-action… It is hard work…It is the patience to win.” When your plans seem delayed, choose to be patient by recognizing ways you can constructively use this time to support your goal. By practicing patience we can respond rather than react, and by doing so, stay centered and at peace.

Patience and passion both come from a Latin word meaning to suffer or endure. Whenever we practice patience - cheerfully bearing with somebody who is irascible, or enduring discomfort rather than imposing it on others - we are embracing those principles and creating an opportunity to model nonviolence. There is only one way to create a nonviolent world, and that is by being nonviolent ourselves.

Today: I will look for opportunities to practice patience. In a situation where there is friction, rather than run away, I will move closer to the core of the conflict and look for a nonviolent solution.

WE ARE BRILLIANT STARS (Janis Kelly @2007)

CHORUS: It is God’s will, that we be joyful;
It is God’s plan, that we feel blessed;
For we are one with all of creation,
And we are brilliant stars that shine throughout the world!
Yes, we are brilliant stars that shine throughout the world!

VERSE 1
(God wants you!) God wants you to feel wonderful;
(God wants you!) God wants you to be free;
God wants to hold you in the palm of
His mighty, mighty hand;
And fill you up with peace and happiness.

(God wants you!) God wants you to feel beautiful;
(God wants you!) God wants you to know you’re loved;
God wants to wrap you in Her everlasting
Goodness and Her grace;
And breathe new life and light into your soul.

CHORUS

VERSE 2
(God wants you!) God wants you to feel powerful;
(God wants you!) God wants you to see your worth;
God wants to lift you up and help you stand
In all your righteousness;
And tell you you’re Its perfect, holy child.

(God wants you!) God wants you to know you’re special;
(God wants you!) God wants you to be all that you can;
God wants to see you move in mighty ways,
Throughout the whole, wide world;
And to spread the Truth that Love is everywhere.

CHORUS

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com