Integral Nonviolence : Total Embodiment of Love
Ethan
Hughes
Sarah
Hughes
Short Description:
This workshop's goal is to help Quakers rediscover their roots as radical revolutionaries. We use Gandhi's concept of a "sweet spot," where self, society, resistance and love overlap to create the greatest lever for personal and societal transformation. This workshop will be hands-on, practical and life changing.
Long Description:
a. We expect to inspire all who attend the workshop to become saints! "I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have .... I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average ability." -- Mahatma Gandhi. One objective is to deepen each participant's commitment to taking greater and greater risks for love. The second objective is to mobilize a small group to catalyze the Quaker movement to increase its impact on society and the planet.
"What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible." -- Theodor Roethke
b. We will cover an overview of Gandhi's three tier program for a nonviolent life which includes : self transformation, societal transformation (constructive program), and resisting oppression and injustice with love. We will also cover the use of generative language to create transformations within our own lives and in the world. We will touch upon the work and wisdom of Elise Boulding, Gene Sharp and A.J. Muste before embarking on an indepth study of "Integral Nonviolence."
A large part of the workshop will be an in-the-moment application and practice of living in integrity with our highest visions for ourselves and the world. Many useful tools and concrete techniques will be shared to enable participants to further embody their highest aspirations and goals.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" -- Mary Oliver
c. The workshop will follow this rough daily format :
- 30 minutes of lecture/discussion
- 30 minutes of interactive exercises
- 15 minutes of silent worship
- 30 minutes of lecture/discussion
- 30 minutes of writing activities/discussion
- 30 minutes of small group discussion
- 15 minutes of conclusion for the day and "homework"
- 15 minutes of silent worship
*These times can be adjusted very easily.
Activities will include millings, present moment exercises, emotional release techniques, generative visioning, honesty practices, identifying and moving fear, tools to connect with love and inspiration, and possibility generation, and also creating a personalized nonviolent constructive program for application in your own life.
d. Recommendations for advanced readings :
- Gandhi the Man Eknath Easwaran
- American Nonviolence : The History of an Idea Ira Chernus
- Peace Is The Way edited by Walter Wink
e. The only items required are a notebook or scrap paper, a writing utensil and an open mind.
"Gamble everything for love, if you're a true human being." -- Rumi
"The important thing is not to think much, but to love much; and so do that which best stirs you to love." -- St. Teresa of Avila
