A Higher Calling: Mahatma Ghandi's Pledge of Non-Violence

The Pledge of Non-Violence

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The Pledge of Non-Violence states that making peace must start within ourselves.  By adopting it we commit ourselves as best as we can to become nonviolent and peaceable people.

To Respect Self and Others
To respect myself, to affirm others and to avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks and self-destructive behavior.

To Communicate Better
To share my feelings honestly, to look for safe ways to express my anger, and to work at solving problems peacefully.

To Listen
To listen carefully to one another, especially those who disagree with me, and to consider others' feelings and needs rather than insist on having my own way.

To Forgive
To apologize and make amends with I have hurt another, to forgive others, and to keep from holding grudges.

To Respect Nature

To treat the environment and all living things, including our pets, with respect and care.

To Play Peacefully

To select entertainment and toys that support nonviolence and to avoid entertainment that makes violence look exciting, funny or acceptable.

To Be Courageous
To challenge violence in all its forms whenever I encounter it, whether at home, at school, at work, or in the community, and to stand with others who are treated unfairly.

This is my pledge.  These are my goals.

What is "Addictive Personality"? And Who is at Risk?

Addictive Personality: Who is at Risk, and Why.

By Lisa-Dawn Sheridan, MAOM

You have heard the phrase, “addictive personality”, but what exactly is it and why are certain people labeled with this type of a personality? It is estimated that between 10-15% of the population [1] fall into this category, with an even higher incidence of up to 50%, in twins and adopted children.[2]

This discovery and what it means to this person (or personality), can be very revealing in a recovery setting. For instance, some people have no problem with drinking alcohol socially, or even taking a prescribed pain medication like morphine. Yet, a person with addictive personality is at risk of becoming an alcoholic, or morphine abuser. It is like, for instance, a water faucet that cannot shut off; once their brain feels the effects of a drug, food, or any substance that triggers a certain feeling, they want more.

According to Harvard researchers, this can be a good thing. The addictive personality may have good addictions. Exercise, spirituality, as well as other positive habits can be readily seen in addicts that do not practice a harmful addiction. It is when the addict’s brain is subjected to a substance or habit, that it initiates a reward system (and craving), for the positive or negative addiction.

The specific part of the brain that is associated with the addictive personality is centered in the hippocampus, in a region called the nucleus accumbens. This site is where the powerful dopamine effect is demonstrated. Nearly 2 million heroin and cocaine addicts, perhaps 15 million alcoholics, and tens of millions of cigarette smokers in the United States alone [3], suffer with addictive personality.

“The new brain research suggests that addiction is not just a property of certain drugs but an aspect of certain human activities and relationships.” When one has a grasp that they are genetically different with a clear pre-disposition to certain behaviors or cravings, it is much easier to tackle change and recovery.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/prescription-drug-abuse-who-gets-addicted-and-whyadd

http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/how-addiction-hijacks-the-brain.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the_addicted_brain