7 Strategies to Better Model Your Message

To create a peaceful world, we must each make our lives mirrors of the world we want. As nineteenth-century social reformer and minister William Ellery Channing stated, "May your life preach more loudly than your lips." Gandhi also responded to a reporter asking him what his message was by jotting down on a piece of paper, "My life is my message." There is much to do on the path to MOGO (most good) living, but the foundation is laid when you make your life the message you want it to be. Here are 7 strategies to help:

1. Make the phrase "My life is my message" a mantra. Repeat it often so that you have more awareness of your actions and choices, and are more likely to model the message you want.
   
2. Count to 10 before you react to anything that makes you angry or hurt. Take a deep breath. Repeat the mantra. Choose to act peacefully and wisely.
   
3. Whenever you are exposed to either/or thinking, whether in the media, with family or friends, or in yourself, commit to discovering other perspectives. Pause to explore solutions.
   
4. Always search for alternatives to violence, whether violent words, violent acts or violent attitudes. Uncover a third way. If necessary, uncover a fourth or fifth.
   
5. Practice blending. When facing a conflict or challenge, whether with others or within yourself, listen carefully and pay attention to the other point(s) of view before reacting or responding.
   
6. Reflect upon and celebrate the times you have successfully modeled your message so that you may call upon your own wisdom, integrity, and creativity the next time you are faced with a challenge or conflict.
   
7. Complete the MOGO Questionnaire to help you more closely align your values and actions and to help you follow through with your commitments and goals.

Excerpted from Zoe Weil's book, Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World & Meaningful Life. 

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