Nonviolence

At a certain point in my life, I decided that I believe in nonviolence. This realization didn’t come as a dramatic moment of clarity—it felt more like common sense. Yet, violence is so pervasive and often goes unnoticed.

In America, people often equate security with physical power. For example, I see men exercising vigorously every day, likely to build strength as a form of protection rather than purely for health. This creates the illusion that with more muscle comes safety. The truth, however, is that we are all vulnerable.

After surviving a car crash, I experienced vulnerability in ways I hadn’t expected. It challenged my belief in nonviolence because I could no longer cling to the illusion of invincibility. I had to develop faith in something deeper—faith that I could connect with others in ways that build trust and diffuse tension.

This shift led me to discover a new kind of power, one that doesn’t rely on building walls but instead opens pathways for understanding and peace.

For reflection:

"When have you seen tensions subside in a brave but peaceful way?"