We are really tired today, and we know you are, too.

Life can be chaotic, stressful and even overwhelming.  Sometimes,it is simply impossible to create and maintain largescale projects.  In the midst of chaos, a simple action goes a long way, such as picking up a piece of trash.  Or getting into the habit of recycling plastic water bottles.  Or remembering to turn off the lights when you leave the room, and unplug electronics when they are not in use.

Ghandi told us, “Live simply so others can simply live.”

For us, simple living is nonviolent living.

Question of the day:
What are other examples of simple living that we can incorporate into our daily lives?  Do you think simple living is related to nonviolent living?

From the KSU Nonviolence Education pamphlet,

“The global nonviolence movement axiom, ‘If you want peace, work for justice’ translates locally to: If we want a safe campus/community, we need to work for fair relationships at all levels.”*

Often times, nonviolence is understood in global terms.  In reality, nonviolence begins locally in our communities.  Interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships are at the very core of nonviolent action.  The way we interact with ourselves and those around us is correlated to global relationships.  Everyday nonviolence asks for us to make this connection.

From bell hooks’ Feminism: A Transformational Politic,

“Books are a primary source of education, which means that already masses of people who do not read have no access…it would further feminist movement if new feminist thinking could be once again shared in small group contexts, integrating critical analysis with discussion of personal experience.  It would be useful to promote anew the small group setting as an arena for education for critical consciousness, so that women and men might come together in neighborhoods and communities to discuss feminist concerns [emphasis ours].”**

It may become increasingly important for communities to organize themselves around the notion of everyday nonviolence.

Question of the day:
In your mind, how do grassroot organizations and local activism impact broader notions of nonviolence?

*(c) 2008 by Dr. Susan L. Allen
**Excerpt from “Feminist Theory: A Reader” (c) 2005

As part of a class project, we are attempting to explain feminist theory in terms of everyday nonviolence and humanism.  We would like to develop an art show that includes a spectrum of opinions regarding how nonviolence and humanism work in our lives.

With help from the community, it is our goal to take a step toward a society that values our Earth and its inhabitants…all of them!  As we begin to see how our actions directly affect our friends and family, our neighbors, our Earth and ourselves, it becomes clear that we need to evaluate the violent symbols in our culture.  If life becomes symbolized with images of mutual respect and understanding, an environment will be created that sustains healthy relationships and interactions.  What do you think?

Check for updates regularly and feel free to comment, anonymously if you wish.  Every contribution will eventually become a part of our final product.

Question of the day:
What does nonviolence mean to you?