Nonviolence in this Moment is designed to be a personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. Beginning with self-reflection and self-assessment you will evaluate your thoughts, words, actions, daily habits around nonviolence. Finding personal peace and purpose is one part of the practice of nonviolence. For those with a life purpose that includes helping the planet be more peaceful and just, there are chapters about activism, social justice, protest, pacifism and solidifying your own boundaries around self-defense. After this self-reflection, it is time to take your nonviolent practices and habits out to all the places you live and work.
From a strong sense of self, you will move to assessing your intimate relationships. When personal relationships get strained or emotions are hard to control you will discover the timeless techniques used in nonviolent communication, anger management and letting go of anger. Practicing your nonviolent communication skills in all your relationships will be transformational.
For those with children, positive nonviolent parenting is emphasized including age appropriate moral development and understanding emotions. Teaching nonviolent social skills, deep relaxation and daily meditation to kids and teens can be a challenge in the age of the internet. Managing emotions is important for families, big and small. Mindfulness, emotional intelligence and nonviolent communication skills become even more important as children move through the teenage years. Parents, teachers and caregivers can help children and teens discover deep peace and a unique, powerful, nonviolent purpose driven life.
Partners, relationships, raising children, families and our communities are all environments where we can stand against violence. For yoga students and yoga teachers, this book will help you become fully involved with the first ethical principle in yoga, nonviolence, providing a strong foundation for the more difficult practices of mindfulness and meditation. The violence that faces cities, countries and the planet is addressed and a myriad of hopeful and powerful responses are outlined. For those who are overcoming adversity there is hope you can transform your pain and trauma into compassion, and our cities and country can do the same.
