Making peace must start within us, in our families, and in our
community. Each of us, members of The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment,
commit as best we can to become engaged in the practice of Nonviolence.
To Respect Self and Others
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism,
hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.
To Communicate Better
To share my feelings honestly,
to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving
problems peacefully.
To Listen
To listen carefully to one another, especially those
who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs
rather than insist on having my own way.
To Forgive
To apologize and make amends when I
have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding
grudges.
To Respect Nature
To treat the environment and all living things with respect
and care.
To Recreate Nonviolently
To promote athletic and recreational activities
that encourage cooperation and to avoid social
activities
that make violence
look exciting, funny or acceptable.
To Be Courageous
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever
I encounter it,
whether at home, at work, in the congregation,
or in the community, and to stand with
others who are treated unfairly.
This is our pledge
We believe that each person can move the world in the direction
of peace
through his or her daily nonviolent choice and action.