Posts by Stephanie Van Hook

Where are the nonviolent alternatives to the 9 proposed bases in Afghanistan?

by

Earlier this week, Hamid Karzai confirmed that the United States will build nine new military bases in Afghanistan, including a strategic base at the border with Iran, with White House spokesman Jay Carney assuring us that these nine new bases will not be permanent. Their role will mainly be to strengthen and train the Afghan… read more

Reimagining the Boston lockdown: from SWAT team to peace teams

by

By Michael Nagler and Stephanie Van Hook Originally posted at Waging Nonviolence on May 11, 2013 The aftermath of the bombing of the Boston marathon last month. (Flickr/Rebecca Hildreth) In all the confusion and outrage about the bombings at the Boston Marathon there has been little comment about the lockdown that followed — what does… read more

Feeding our minds nourishing media- Francis Moore Lappe

by

We have been recommending to people who want to dedicate themselves to finding nonviolent solutions to begin by boycotting the mass media. We say this because we believe what we put into our minds matters. Images that degrade the human image and suggest that fulfillment comes from corporate capitalist consumption occupy the airwaves, billboards and… read more

Moral behavior in animals–Frans de Waal

by

At the Metta Center one of our favorite scientists is, without a doubt, Prof. Frans de Waal. In the short video in this post, he offers some preliminary evidence to make the case for “morality from below,” that is, human beings have not “invented” justice, fairness, cooperation and forgiveness as ideas and concepts, rather, they… read more

The Science of Love

by

In the following article from the Aeon Magazine, Barbara Frederickson explores some of evidence maintaining that love benefits us as a species and that we can increase our capacity for love through meditation. Of interest is what she terms ‘calm and connect,’ a response sometimes also heard referred to as ‘tend and befriend’ which is… read more

Peace Paradigm Radio, May 3: Meta Peace Team

by

 A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history. –Mahatma Gandhi Listen to PPR for May 3, 2013 by clicking the link below or clicking on the grey arrow. (If you right click on the link you can download the talk to your computer… read more

George Houser & Civil Rights–Podcast

by

We were honored to interview the legendary nonviolence activist George Houser on Peace Paradigm Radio (PPR) from his home at Friend’s House, Santa Rosa, California. He describes his long career in nonviolence activism, offers tips and strategic ways of thinking about our commitment to nonviolent struggles, and gives insight into history-in-the-making. Don’t miss this interview!… read more

Lake Junaluska Peace Conference Talk

by

Watch as Michael Nagler, the President and Co-Founder of The Metta Center for Nonviolence, speaks at the Lake Junaluska Peace Conference about The Metta Center, the New Story, the roadmap, and future directions for the organization and nonviolence.… read more

Nonviolent Action as Conscious Engagement: Science and Satyagraha for Contemporary Society

by

May 5, 2013 Time: 10-12 pm  Where: Lydia’s Organics Sunflower Center, Petaluma  Contemporary scientific research increasingly points to the interconnected nature of the universe, and highlights the power of conscious thought and action to interact with this universe. The wisdom traditions have honored the sacred unity of life for millennia, exemplified by their emphasis on… read more