How Can We Counteract Violence?

by | Aug 1, 2011 | Harmlessness

Every day we get violent messages on the news, in our movies or video games, and in interaction with others. All of these messages affect us, in much the same way as small bits of litter can add together to create a real mess.  Without going into seclusion, how can we...

Ending Violence Against Women

by | Jun 27, 2011 | Harmlessness

Is it possible that violence against women is so pervasive, as a violation of human rights, that we just assume it will always continue? What would actually make a difference?  We have seen some shifts in what is and is not condoned. The media no longer says “boys...

Becoming Actively Harmless

by | May 23, 2011 | Harmlessness

What do we need to do to be harmless? For me, it means taking responsibility for angry or demeaning thoughts about others instead of taking my feelings out on them, either verbally or in my thoughts. This doesn’t mean that I’m “bad” to have such thoughts, just that I...

The Meaning of Harmlessness

by | Apr 21, 2011 | Harmlessness

When you hear “harmless,” do you think of something dynamic and positive? Or do you imagine a kind of wimpy inoffensiveness? Most spiritual traditions have harmlessness as a positive virtue, and yet most of us view it as an absence (of harm), a lack (of having any...