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 3, SNV: "THE PEACE WHICH PASSES"

The Peace Which Passes (Janis Kelly @2007)

There’s a peace that lives within me--
Deep inside my soul;
It’s presence is unfailing;
It’s power makes me whole!

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

There’s a light that shines upon me—
It’s healing glow I feel;
It’s warmth and love surround me;
Illuminating what is real!

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

Peace, deep peace;
Peace, deep inside my soul.
Light, pure light;
Love, love that makes us whole.

Peace inside my soul, peace inside my soul;
Peace inside my soul, deep peace inside my soul;
Light within my heart, light within my heart;
Love that fills us up and makes us whole.

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds and lives
And may the One from whom all blessings flow upon us,
Fill us with Its love and light.

Now may the peace which passes all understanding,
Heal your hearts and minds (minds, minds)
And lives!

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!)

JANUARY 30, 2010: THE 13TH ANNUAL "SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE"

Greetings, family!

The 13th annual "Season For Nonviolence" is upon us again. A season for Nonviolence, January 30 - April 4, is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world. For more information, please visit http://www.seasonsfornonviolence.com/.

My commitment this year is to choose a "song of the day," from among my original compositions, posting its lyrics to my blog and singing/playing it throughout the day, both alone and with my students and fellow musicians.

I am also committed to performing in public at least once per week, in honor of the SNV, be it at an open mic or a professional engagement and I will post these appearances to my calendar.

Finally, I will continue to host my monthly "Peace Through Music" gatherings and will make a concerted effort to post video footage to my Youtube account.

So, thanks for coming along for the ride, and have a wonderful season!

In Harmony,

Janis
"Alive Again in 2010!"
www.janis-kelly.com

CLOSING DAY OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

Greetings, family!

Today is Sunday, April 5th, and we have now completed the 12th annual Season For Nonviolence. Congratulations, and thank you for joining me on this journey! It has been my distinct pleasure to offer these daily blogs, and I have sent each one out with the prayer that it be read by the perfect person at the perfect time for the perfect outcome to present itself. If even one of you has been touched by these words, my goal was accomplished, and for that I am truly grateful!

I am going to be stepping away from my computer now, fully embracing "Holy Week" and the opportunity it presents for quiet reflection and solitude. Therefore, I offer this closing prayer and wish you showers of blessings in the ensuing days:

Every day, I join others in this prayer for World Peace.
With each kind thought,
each choice for nonviolence,
we plant a seed that shall bloom
to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.
Together, friend, we till the soil and
plant the seeds that all creation may
sing for joy and dance in the
Garden of Peace.
May our prayers and practices
during this Season be but the beginning
of a new culture of peace, security and
joy that shall endure unto our
children’s children’s children.

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

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 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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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 14 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: "HUMILITY"

Greetings, family!

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

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

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

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

CHANGE THE WORLD (Janis Kelly @2007)

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

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

CHORUS

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


CHORUS: You can help to change the world…

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

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

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

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

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 13 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: 'CREATIVITY"

Greetings, family!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com

DAY 12 OF THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE: 'GROUNDEDNESS"

Greetings, family!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace, blessings & brilliance,

Janis
www.janis-kelly.com