Holding Steady: Preparing from Nonviolent Principles

These are unsettling times. Many of us feel fear, anger, and helplessness as we witness neighbors and communities targeted with violence and discrimination, and as our government enacts unjust and authoritarian policies, both at home and abroad. How do we hold steady and act with clarity, courage, and care when our hearts and minds are under pressure? From where do we draw that strength?

This four-hour workshop offers space to slow down, reflect, and practice from a deeper heart state. Drawing on the wisdom of Gandhi, James Lawson Jr., and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., nonviolence is taught as an active force of love, truth, and justice, not merely the absence of violence.

Through guided reflection, small-group conversation, and shared practice, participants will explore and embody the principles of nonviolence. There will be opportunities for role-plays and exercises designed to help participants feel their inner power and holding-steady strength in the face of fear or challenge — without intense triggering. This practice supports participants in cultivating resilience, courage, and care while staying grounded and connected.

All are welcome, no matter what feelings you bring — overwhelmed, anxious, careful, and/or hopeful.

Space is limited, so we strongly encourage advanced registration. Click here to register. A $10 donation is requested at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

This event will be held at the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 2146 E Johnson St, Madison, WI 53704. Annie Bachmann and A.B. Orlik will facilitate the training.

Annie Bachmann is a student of nonviolence and a practitioner and teacher of Japanese-based spiritual healing practices, including Buddhist chanting. As co-coordinator of Building Unity for Nonviolent Action and the U.S. Ambassador for the International Flame of Hope, she aims to help people discover their altruistic heart and live and act from that deeper source of courage and love.

A.B. Orlik (she/her) is a mostly-retired, Madison-grown communicator, catalyst, and community builder who’s had the privilege of helping groups find voice, purpose, and direction for more than 25 years. Her practice is rooted in Facilitating By Heart, Art of Hosting, Asset-Based Community Development, racial and social justice organizing, and many other forms of relational healing work. In this “third third” of life, her focus has turned toward intergenerational practices for knitting together a just, well, heart-full world.

For more information, please contact Annie Bachmann at usa@flameofhope.net or call 608-630-3633.