Social justice innovator Victor Narro, arms crossed, participates in a Creative Self-Care workshop at Teada Productions in Los Angeles. (Texas Isaiah)

We are working on a post involving the topic of nonviolence and its place within tense situations such as occurred in Charlottesville.  While researching the piece, we came across an article called “Power to the Peaceful” in an August 2017 post presented by truthdig!  Take a look.  You might find the article and the embedded video inspiring.

Have you thought about adopting a non-violent stance within the context of protests or, even better (and harder), in EveryDayLife?  While many of us talk about nonviolence from a theoretical point of view how often do we exercise it?  Many might suppose the issue does not arise in the flow of day to day occurrences?  No?  That troublesome neighbor, co-worker, spouse or friend can often present a perfect opportunity to see ourselves as true, often times sacrificial, peacemakers.  Consider these six ideas from Dr. Martin Luther King.

Six pillars of nonviolent resistance

1. Do not mistake nonviolence for passivity or cowardice.
2. Do not seek to defeat or humiliate the opponent, but to win his friendship and understanding.
3. Remember that those who perpetrate violence are often victims themselves.
4. Accept suffering, if necessary, without retaliation, because unearned suffering is redemptive and can educate and transform.
5. Meet hate with love—not the sentimental kind, but an active love, of understanding and kindness, what the Greeks called agape—that restores community.
6. Know that the universe is on the side of justice.