Trust creates a foundation for peace and nonviolence to flourish, and trust is something we can promote. We begin to trust others by giving them benefit of the doubt (i.e. we practice compassion), we and we enable them to trust us when we keep our word.
Category: Blog
The Importance of Self Compassion
“It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 This verse is a favorite of many of my spiritual teachers, and it’s become one of mine, too. Why not? Who doesn’t like the idea of a generous Creator who delights in blessing us? What’s more, I’m told that these good things […]
Do You Feel Stressed?
If so, please listen up and lighten up! New studies show that people who scored high when asked about their level of stress or how frequently they felt stressed suffered negative cardiac effects. In fact, “high perceived stress is as bad for the heart as a 50-point increase in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol” (Wellness Letter April […]
Graciousness
Mercy, compassion, luxurious, elegant, tactful, kind, and polite: these are words used to define graciousness. What a peaceful world we would live in if these words defined it! Pick your favorite from the list, and let’s get started.
It’s Not in Your Hands
Have you heard the expression “We make plans and Gods laughs”? Unlike “Satan, get behind me,” I really dislike this saying. I think planning is very wise and God-ordained. It’s certainly well based in Scripture. Noah planned the ark, Jacob had a plan to win his beloved, Moses and David had countless plans to keep […]
Exercise – Good for Body and Mind
Finally a study with good news! The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reports that older people who did tai chi three times a week for 40 weeks not only showed increases in brain volume, they also scored better on memory and learning tests than those who didn’t exercise. It’s exciting to think that gentle forms of […]
Arnie’s Way
My college boyfriend, Arnie, was a champion of peace and nonviolence. I can remember walking in the dorm with him and encountering a guy sitting in the hallway with his legs stretched across, blocking our way. Rather than step over his legs, Arnie, all of 5’6”, waited and quietly said, “It’s not my way, man.” […]
Satan, Get Behind Me
Christian readers may recognize that the title of this piece is a rarely quoted rebuke of Jesus. Strange as it sounds, this harsh quotation has become perhaps my favorite of his expressions. What’s even odder is that I don’t even believe in Satan in the traditional sense. To explain why I like this expression and […]
EnLIGHTening Findings
Ever wonder if the bags of greens in the front of the supermarket shelf that are exposed to the light are more nutrient-dense than the ones in the back in the dark? Me neither, but researcher Gene Lester did. He found that just 24 hours of light exposure enhanced the greens’ nutrients. He also discovered […]
The Power of You
Each snowflake in an avalanche pleads not guilty. ~ Stanislaw J. Lec You and your words and actions matter. Today, take the high road and overlook the seeming offense. Encourage, praise or support someone. Your actions toward even one person keep the planet moving toward peace and nonviolence.