Will You Take The Mender Pledge?

During turbulent times of change, transformation and healing such as now, I look to words, music and the natural world for clarity, direction and inspiration.

This morning I found direction and inspiration when I read The Mender Pledge in a friend’s email.  It is  from the book Creating A World That Works For All by Sharif M. Abdullah.  I feel it’s a perfect starting point for healing ourselves and our world, the one we all inhabit.

Here’s the text of the pledge:

The Mender Pledge

I believe in inclusivity. ​ I believe that our lives are inextricably linked with one another. We
cannot wage war against anyone without waging war against ourselves. Therefore, I will
practice inclusivity with myself, my family, my community, the natural world, and all others. I
will actively work toward the goal of an inclusive society, a world that works for all.

I know that we are one.​ Therefore, I will give to you what I want for me. I know that there is
enough for all.

I want everyone to win.​ Therefore, I will work to resolve all conflicts to every party’s
satisfaction.

I want acceptance.​ Therefore, I will accept myself for who and what I am, I will accept you for
who and what you are, and I will accept all others for who and what they are. Even if I resist
your behavior, I will accept you as a Child of God, a part of the Divine.

I want no harm. ​ Therefore, I will not harm myself or you or any others, by thought, word, or
deed.

I want forgiveness.​ Therefore, I will forgive myself, I will forgive you, and I will forgive all
others.

I want to be free. ​ Therefore, I will not let others dominate, control, or manipulate me. And I
will not dominate, control, or manipulate you or others.

I want peace. ​ Therefore, I will be peaceful with myself, with you, and with others.

I want love.​ Therefore, I will love myself, I will love you, and I will love all others.
I find it hard to do the right thing when people react to me out of fear or lack. At those times, I
want to separate from them, see them as wrong or evil or just different. I want to defend
myself. Then I realize that all of the discord, disharmony, and disease in the world comes from
the futile attempt to defend against that which is within us. I will create bridges across our
fears, our pain, and our illusion of lack. I may take several attempts, but I will succeed. And we
all shall win.

From “Creating a World That Works for All” by Sharif M. Abdullah

For my version, I am replacing “I want…” with “I choose…”  Choosing is declarative.  Wanting which implies lack and that something is missing. I believe each of these choices is not only possible, but already present within us and our collective humanity.

Will you join me in creating a unified world?  Will you take this pledge?

I pray you say yes.