I recently took a vow of non-violence. This was not a big leap for me because I’ve been non-violent (at least physically) all my life. I’ve never in my life been in a fist fight (a few close calls, but never broke out in actual 'fistie-cuffs'. In my younger days I called myself a pacifist, but as I grew and had children, the conservative side of me grew… the protective side. I knew in my heart if anyone did something to my children, I would suffer a great deal in order to keep them safe. 

But recently, I again look to non-violence as a way of life. And even though I still feel the way I do about my children… there is a loophole. I read recently a wonderful story by Anthony deMello, author of One minute wisdom. In it he writes; “… once there was a snake in the fields that was known for harming all the workers. The Master of the fields went out and taught the snake to be harmless so that the workers could work in peace. Soon the workers realized that the snake was harmless, and began throwing rocks at it, and dragging it around by its tail. The snake upset and confused went to the Master to complain. The Master simple said, you stopped scaring the workers. “But you told me”, complained the snake, “to be good to the workers”. Yes, replied the Master… but I told you to stop HARMING… not to stop HISSING”  

Non-violence does not mean you must stop being who you are. It means you will not harm others. As a father, there are many ways I can protect my children. I do not have to break noses to do that. Obviously, Gandhi was an excellent roll model for us all in this regard.  

“Be the change you want to see in the world” (Gandhi – the Mahatma)  

Bright blessings ~ Richard