Thank you Mary. I take the vow.

… In honor of Thanksgiving, I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and become present to the gifts that you hold and the importance of your unique contribution to our world. Ask yourself, "What would be possible if I treated myself like a million pounds of gold or a precious child? What would be possible if my heart were open and my generous nature took the lead this coming year? What would I be able to give or accomplish that I can't now?"


If you see the possibilities, take a vow of non-violence in your thoughts, in your speech, and in your actions. At this time of blessings and thanks, take a vow that you will be kind to yourself and others, that you will be gentle to yourself and others, that you will treat yourself and others with the loving compassion of a mother holding a sick child, that you will nurture yourself and others, that you will honor and respect yourself, that you will protect yourself, and that non-violence and peace will start right here today inside of your own heart. Vow to hold the love that exists in you, that precious resource, like it's the most important thing in the world. And as you treat yourself with that kind of generous, non-judgmental, and compassionate love, watch and rejoice as it alters those around you. This vow of peace begins inside of you.


So, if you are ready to take a vow of non-violence one day at a time, a vow of love and peace instead of anger, impatience and intolerance, just say it out loud now. "I take the vow." Say it like you mean it and imagine what is possible for you, for your families, and for our entire world.


And now take a deep breath, because here's where the fun begins! Now that you've taken the vow, when you hear a little negative voice inside of you, you can just say, "I'm so sorry. I can't listen because I took the vow." Or "I'm sorry I can't participate in that neglect, that abuse, or that judgment because I took the vow." Or "I can't be hard on myself or spew words of anger at others because I took the vow." Or "I can't think all those negative thoughts about this family I'm having dinner with because I took the vow."


Peace and Happy Thanksgiving,

Mary