Is it clear yet? The only way to overcome terrorism is through nonviolent means.
And we need a vision for how to do that. I want to use my introduction to this hopeful newsletter by repeating the mission and core values that guide our work at the Metta Center for Nonviolence.
We envision a world transformed by an awareness of the true potential of every human being, where all of life is sacred and where all our social systems work in harmony with the earth. We see a world in which conflict rarely occurs, and when it does, can always be addressed with the creative energy of nonviolence. Among other essential changes, unarmed peacekeeping replaces military intervention, restorative justice replaces retribution, and needs-based economies replace consumerism.
In fulfillment of this vision, we uphold five propositions:
- Life is an interconnected whole of inestimable worth
- We cannot be fulfilled by an indefinite consumption of things, but by an expansion of our relationships
- We can never injure others without injuring ourselves, therefore:
- Security does not come from locking up “criminals” or defeating “enemies;” it can only come from rehabilitating offenders and turning enemies into friends
- We are body, mind, and spirit; the human body may be completely developed, but in terms of our consciousness, we can and must continue our evolution, which has no known limits.
We highly recommend that you share these principles everywhere you go, in every conversation about a more effective response to global violence. By challenging the logic and worldview of violence, we begin to see the path toward a nonviolent future open before us.
In heart unity,
Stephanie Van Hook, Executive Director
P.S. You could also take our free 8-weeek email course, Nonviolence for Beginners. We invite you to spread the sign-up link far and wide: http://eepurl.com/bAikhT
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