about nonviolence

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

 

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

 

For others the word describes something about the ultimate goal of nonviolent action: it brings together the nature of the action with the spirit of love from which it springs. For them nonviolence has a deeper dimension, which might be spiritual or religious. It's this understanding 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. The word is a double negative and describes a refusal to harm. But nonviolence tries to convey something positive, dynamic and vibrant that we don't seem to have a better word for. Refusal to harm arises from a positive spirit within us; something very strong and life-affirming. It leads us to reject the cycle of violence, which diminishes and degrades in so many ways, and calls us to do things differently.

Becoming nonviolent people

A commitment to nonviolence requires us to develop the habits of being 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 action. Together with a preparedness to take upon ourselves suffering that might arise, it requires a discipline of grounding and practice. It's not something you can suddenly do after a training workshop. We have to practice skills of listening, affirmation, communication and assertion.