Richard Rohr has dedicated his life to teachings that blend mysticism, contemplative practice, and social justice. Every morning I receive a meditation from this American Franciscan priest and spiritual writer. While I don’t read them every single day, I can say that over the past ten years the cumulative effect of the days I have read them has helped keep me whole—and, on many days, sane.

These meditations always provide deep and valuable perspectives, often implicitly using polarities—and sometimes explicitly referring to the word “polarity.” His organization’s name, The Center for Action and Contemplation, itself reflects an important polarity.

So, it’s no surprise that his work resonates deeply and profoundly. Today’s message was about nonviolence, and it served as a powerful reminder. I asked ChatGPT for a 10-point summary of the key ideas as practical steps. What it generated was really helpful for me—not just to know how to be responsive in the face of my frustration, but as a general skill for life and as way of being.

Practical Steps

  1. Learn Deeply & Gather the Facts
    • Do research to understand the injustice: the historical, social, legal, and interpersonal dimensions.
    • Seek to understand the opponent’s perspective.
  2. Educate Others
    • Share what you’ve learned with your community, including those who disagree.
    • Use clear communication to reduce misunderstanding and build empathy.
  3. Commit Personally
    • Internalize nonviolence as a way of life — not just a tactic.
    • Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and emotionally (e.g. meditation, prayer, reflection).
    • Be ready to accept suffering or sacrifice as part of the process.
  4. Engage in Negotiation / Dialogue
    • Approach opponents with respect and goodwill.
    • Formulate clear demands /cite constructive solutions to injustices.
    • Aim to win understanding, not to shame or humiliate.
  5. Use Nonviolent Direct Action When Needed
    • Use peaceful resistance (e.g. demonstrations, boycotts) if negotiation fails or is ignored.
    • Ensure actions maintain dignity, avoid violence, and follow nonviolence principles.
  6. Embrace Redemptive Suffering
    • Willingly endure hardship without retaliation, for a just cause.
    • Use that suffering to illuminate injustice and awaken conscience in others.
  7. Practice Love & Reject Hatred
    • Resist not only physical violence but hatred in spirit.
    • Cultivate compassion even for those seen as opponents.
  8. Hold Faith in Justice & Long-Term Change
    • Trust that truth, justice, and love will ultimately prevail.
    • Maintain hope even when progress seems slow or setbacks occur.
  9. Aim for Reconciliation & Beloved Community
    • Throughout, keep the goal of reconciling relationships; turn opponents into friends if possible.
    • Let reconciliation, understanding, and restoration guide your end goal.
  10. Practice Consistently
    • Apply these steps not only in big protests / conflicts but in daily life: small interactions count.
    • Reflect regularly, adjust your attitude, and stay aligned with the principles in small moments.