January 30th kicks off the Season for Nonviolence. Established in 1998, 2023 is the 26th year the Season has been commemorated. The Season for Nonviolence was initially developed by Dr. Michael Beckwith and Dr. Mary Morrissey of the Association for Global New Thought and The Parliament of The World’s Religions.
According to the Association for Global New Thought (AGNT):
January 30, 1998, marked the 50th anniversary of Mohandis K. Gandhi’s assassination. April 4th is the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. In memory of these two great peace advocates, a 64-day grassroots movement honoring nonviolence and peace began. This movement is called A Season for Nonviolence. It is a joint project involving the Association for Global New Thought known as AGNT, The M. K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, and the Martin Luther King Social Action training programs. In the past years since the Season began, it has been celebrated at the United Nations. Over a thousand events have been carried out by New Thought congregations and community leaders in nearly every U.S. and as many as 900 communities in 67 countries worldwide.
I grew up watching and hearing about Dr. Martin Luther King. His message resonated with my pacifistic mindset. Listening to him, I never really understood why society could not accept people for who they are rather than exclude them for their race, religion, or sexual preference.
But it saddens me that after 50 years of watching the movements, too little has changed.
So I ask: What is mine to do at this point in my life? I cannot change people. But I can continue to change myself and thus influence (even just a little) those around me by setting an example.
- I can choose to love and accept people where they are, remembering we are all One with Spirit
- I can choose to help where I see a need, such as volunteering at a Food Bank
- I can choose to remove myself from conversations that promote hate instead of love
- I can choose to vote for politicians who vow to promote peaceful solutions while accepting all people
- I can choose to be involved in churches and organizations that are open-minded and reject racism
- And last but not least, I can share the practices of the Season for Nonviolence
This year, I will feature on my Facebook Group a daily meme that includes a quote, an affirmation, and a practice that encourages positive growth.
In addition, I plan to participate in the CSL Olympia’s monthly Meditation for Peace and Harmony.
Will you stand with me by reading and applying the 64 daily affirmations during the Season for Nonviolence?
For more resources to support being a peacemaker, visit the Association for Global New Thought at www.agnt.org