about nonviolence

The word 'non violence' is understood in different ways. Many people take it to mean simply 'not violent' and interpret it as gentle, passive, harmless, non-confrontational.

 

For some, 'non-violence' is associated with 'people power', social and political movements that use the power of demonstrations, non-cooperation or direct action to change a situation. In this sense it is seen as a useful and effective tactic.

 

For others, the word has a spiritual or religious dimension and relates to the ultimate goal of nonviolent action and the spirit in which it is carried out. It's this meaning that forms the basis of Turning the Tide's work, and we write it without a space or hyphen in an attempt to convey this holistic understanding.

Nonviolence - a positive calling

'Nonviolence' sounds negative, and some aspects are described in terms of a refusal to harm. But the desire not to harm arises from a positive life-affirming spirit within us. The call to compassion and justice leads to a rejection of the cycle of violence, which diminishes and degrades in ways that can be physical, psychological, or structural within society.

Becoming nonviolent people

From this life-affirming response comes a commitment to nonviolence. And this requires us to develop the capacity to be nonviolent in our daily lives and relationships as well as in social and political action.

 

Nonviolence involves respect and care for everyone as human beings, even opponents. This doesn't mean we have to respect what they do, but it does require us to separate the person from their actions. This, together with a preparedness to take upon ourselves suffering that might arise, requires a discipline of daily grounding and practice. It's not something you can suddenly do after a training session. We have to work on developing skills of listening, affirmation, communication and assertion.