Core Values Occupy Wall St.

Core Values Occupy Wall St.

Something started this weekend in New York City that will prove unforgettable.  The “Occupy Wall Street” movement is just the beginning of a massive, nation-wide movement of average people saying, “I’m mad!  And I’m not going to take it anymore!!” [1]

Each individual has their own story about why they are occupying Wall St., but what I hear over and over again is the sweet sound of core values.  Like the peace movement in the sixties, love and peace are on people’s minds and in their hearts.  They are committed to non-violence as doggedly as they are committed to change.

Some of the values I have witnessed are caring, forgiveness, connection, fairness, integrity, justice, leadership and more.  You can tune into the occupation live at http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution.

One fellow on the live feed on Saturday talked about being arrested that day.  He was tackled, hand-cuffed and thrown into a paddy wagon with 16 other arrested people.  It was stifling hot with no fresh air and they were left in there for more than an hour.

While in there, uncomfortable, sweating and smelling rank, he focused on emanating love and peace to the police officers who had arrested him.  He said the solidarity of everyone in the paddy wagon joining together to emanate love was uplifting and inspiring.  He came out of there empowered and moved!  The power of standing in one’s core values is the stuff of heroes.

So far the people who Occupy Wall St. may have many viewpoints, but the over-riding message has been for non-violence, compassion and humanity.  I say yes to that.  I say yes to social justice, sustainability and a world in which people know and live by their core values.

And sometimes, saying yes starts with saying no.

Notes:

[1] this quote is from the movie, Network