On “Being Right”

March 20, 2023 CCL

Older man with glasses leaning around corner hand over mouth, surprised — Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

This post is part of our weekly series of peacemaking practices during the Season of Nonviolence.

One challenging invitation to accept in peacemaking is to let go of being right. It’s complicated but being right is a strategy we use to feel seen and valued, which can translate into feeling safe. We use it to feel safe with experiences that oppose our beliefs about how things should be. As a safety strategy, it’s difficult to let go of.

In our culture it’s not uncommon to judge others when they act differently than they’re “supposed to.” …

What to do when you don't have a sense of control

March 15, 2020 Bryn Hazell

Wow! It was just a few weeks ago that some of us were thinking, “Could things get any crazier?” Well, the answer is obviously, “Yes!” I find it hard to take it in, and rather than overwhelmed, I feel some flavor of “shocked,” sort of like watching wide-eyed and open-mouthed without even having the ability to process it all.

I have learned to ration my news intake, finding my ability to notice a bodily feeling of dis-ease as a sign to turn off the news …

The Metta Meditation

July 1, 2018 Denise Torres

Are you familiar with the Metta or Loving Kindness Meditation? The Metta is a heartfelt wish for our own well-being and the well-being of others. It is said in ever-widening circles. We start first by saying it for ourselves. This is my version:

May I be filled with kindness for my heart.
May I be well in body and mind, and safe from inner and outer danger.
May I be happy, peaceful, and free.