DAY 4, SNV: "GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT"

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.

Listen @ http://worldpeaceassociation.ning.com/music/playlist/edit?id=2658430%3APlaylist%3A1787&trackCountChange=1

DAY 2, SNV: "PEACE BEGINS WITH ME"

Peace Begins With Me (Janis Kelly @ 2007)

Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
(With me!)

Love--true love;
Love begins with me!
Love--true love;
Love begins with me!
(With me!)

Joy--pure joy;
Joy begins with me!
Joy--pure joy;
Joy begins with me!
(With me!)

Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
Peace--deep peace;
Peace begins with me!
(With me!)

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2009: "GOOD"

GOOD (Janis Kelly @ 2009)

I wish you well;
I wish you harmony and happiness;
Like the music to your favorite song;
I hope your joy in life goes on and on (yeah)!

And I wish you peace;
That reaches far beyond all space and time;
Like the sweetness of the morning dew;
I'm seeing only lovely things for you;
I'm seeing nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
I wish you nothing but good!

I wish you well;
I wish that all your hopes and dreams would come true;
Like the flowers that bloom in springtime;
I wish you beauty from a place Divine (yeah)!

And I wish you love;
The kind that satisfies your heart and soul;
Like the promise of love's first embrace;
I hope your life is filled with joy and grace;
I hope it's nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
Nothing but good!

See good! Speak good! Feel good! Be good!
Know good! Show good! Flow good!
Good--I wish you nothing but:

Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good (GOOD!);
Good, good, good-good, good, good, good!
Good, good, good-good, good--
I wish you nothing but good!

JANUARY 2, 2010: "PEACE THROUGH MUSIC!"

Greetings, family!

"ALIVE AGAIN IN 2010!" is my motto for the new year and I am committing to live into that statement each and every day! With that in mind, let me invite you to my first event of the year, "Peace Through Music," on Friday, January 8th! Here are the details:

"In Harmony" Productions Presents:

PEACE THROUGH MUSIC...
...a First Friday gathering for peace musicians, peace makers, and peace lovers!

Please join us Friday, January 8, 2010, from 8-11 p.m. as we celebrate peace through music, dance, meditation and fellowship!

Equal parts open mic/showcase/jam session/sing-a-long and drumming circle, "Peace Through Music" offers musicians and music-lovers alike the opportunity to play, perform, present, produce and/or participate at the level of your choosing! All "like-minded souls" are welcome--no experience necessary!

Piano, digital keyboard, hand percussion & P.A. provided; please bring other instruments, charts, scores or "tools" of your choosing.

$10 suggested donation OR equivalent contribution of food/beverages to share.

Call (916) 873-4856 or email janis.e.kelly@gmail.com or www.janis-kelly.com for information, reservations and North Boulder location. Promotional fliers/handbills available for distribution--please ask!

"All we are saying, is give peace a chance!"

I sure hope you can join us; if not in body, than at least in spirit!

In Harmony,

Janis

DAYS 63-64 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "RELEASE" & "CELEBRATION"

Greetings, family!

Today is Friday, April 3, and I am posting for the final two days of the Season For Nonviolence! For Thursday, April 2, DAY 63, the thought for today is RELEASE.

A Sufi proverb says “when the heart weeps for what it has lost, the spirit laughs for what is found.” Release the weight of your past, the judgments of yourself and others, and be the change you wish to see. Make room for what is here in this present moment, release the hurts and resentments and mistakes of the past and be present to the nonviolent presence you are right here right now.

In the presence of a man or woman in whom all hostility has been released, others cannot be hostile. In the presence of a man or woman in whom all fear has been released, no one can be afraid. This is the power of true nonviolence, as we can see in the life of Gandhi. Because he had released all hostility, he was a profound force for peace.

Today: I reflect back on how far I have come during this 64 day journey. I release the idea that World Peace is not possible by acknowledging that I really do make a difference. Say out loud, “I DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”



For today, DAY 64, the thought is CELEBRATION.

Margaret Mead said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Nonviolence is building the courage to speak and act with respect, reverence and compassion for our own being. Rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their nonviolent choice and action.

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

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 62 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "COMMITMENT"

Greetings, family!

Today is Wednesday, April 1, DAY 62 of the Season For Nonviolence. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: I've had so much fun blogging for these first 62 days that I've decided to keep posting daily blogs for the rest of the year! (April Fools!!!!) At any rate, the thought for today is COMMITMENT.

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

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

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

I Am Becoming… (Janis Kelly @2008)

I am blessed, I am beautiful;
Beloved, bright and brave;
I am bold, I am bountiful;
And better every day;
I am becoming…(I can be);
I am becoming…(brilliantly);
I am becoming…(just for me);
I will be what I will to be;
I will be what I will to be;
I will be—what I will—TO BE!

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 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

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

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

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 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 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 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 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 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