Schools Embrace a Complaint-Free World
Rev. Will Bowen's Purple Bracelets Reach the Classroom
The Ten Commandments may not be taught in public schools. But the 11th is making headway. I'm not talking about the tablet Moses dropped in History of the World Part 1, but "Thou shalt not whine."
It's the catch-phrase of Kansas City preacher Will Bowen. His guiding principle is, "When you eliminate complaining from your life, you will enjoy happier relationships, better health and greater prosperity." Over the past 18 months, Bowen's organization, "A Complaint Free World" has enjoyed all three.
Devotees promise to stop complaining for 21 days and in return they are given a purple bracelet with the word "spirit" written on it (think "Livestrong" except purple). Whenever they catch themselves complaining, they move the bracelet to the other wrist and start counting again. Once they've completed the three weeks, they're eligible for a "Certificate of Happiness"!
But it's easier said than done, (I lasted about five minutes before bemoaning the fact I was on deadline and hadn't eaten), especially since Rev. Bowen defines a complaint as the expression of "pain, grief, or discontent." You get mugged, your house burns down, you child dies, don't complain, merely state what's happening positively. "Our thoughts create our lives," Bowen says. "The analogy that I sort of discovered is it's like your mouth is a customer and your brain is a manufacturer. And if the customer stops buying what the manufacturer is producing, the manufacturer retools." If everyone buys a bracelet then no one will complain.
Lately the complaint-free campaign has reached the schools. A few weeks ago Bowen's organization introduced a curriculum for schools. According to reports, about 500 have thus far "ordered a package that includes a copy of Bowen's book, "A Complaint Free World," and bracelets." This week third and fourth graders at Raymond Elementary school in Maine will try the program.
Of course no one is complaining (it's against the rules!). But should they be?
Aside from the notion of making "self-help" part of the classroom curriculum, does this program cross the line between church and state? A Complaint Free World Inc. may be a non-profit, non-religious entity, but its message is clearly Christian. Far be it from me to complain about such a positive message, but what do you think?
By Emil Steiner | April 7, 2008; 10:10 AM ET | Category: OFF/beat
Posted by: d | April 7, 2008 11:11 AM
You know the Nazi made the jews wear pieces of flare??
Posted by: | April 7, 2008 11:12 AM
Why is it when ever anyone comes up with a real great idea there are always nay-sayers and poo poo artists trying to tear it down. Rev. Bowen teachings make people happy and it isn't a cult. Stay positive and cherish life. A message we should all live by.
Posted by: Casey | April 7, 2008 11:39 AM
Our tax dollars hard at work. Why has no one filed a complaint... oh right, my bad.
Posted by: Max | April 7, 2008 12:43 PM
I didn't see a Christian message at all. In reading I had missed the fact it was started by a reverend, and had to go back and re-read to find out why in the world anyone could jump to the conclusion that this was "Christian" or "religious". It sounds superficial but harmless to me. I would think less complaining is a good thing.
Posted by: Jess | April 7, 2008 1:21 PM
i get the point but it's shear Utopian folly: Should Martin Luther King, Jr. have worn a bracelet and counted his blessings? What about the colonists under King George, or the colonized under King Leopold? How about "I sure am lucky that I don't have more arsenic in my drinking water; I'm blessed that the draft hasn't been reinstated"?
Yes, niggling complaints get tiresome quickly, but teaching children to shut up and take it isn't going to help anyone. Until this world is perfect, we'd better complain--we'll always complain.
Posted by: anthony | April 7, 2008 1:47 PM
Your comment "but its message is clearly Christian" is interesting.
You seem to be saying that if we are happy we are religious. Maybe more people, yourself included, should give it a try.
Or be miserable. Your choice.
Posted by: SoMD | April 7, 2008 2:15 PM
religion is for losers
Posted by: | April 7, 2008 2:44 PM
No seriously are you actually putting bracelets on your hand to ward of evil? Have we devoloved so far? GROW UP!
Posted by: V | April 8, 2008 12:43 AM
this sucks one... two...
Posted by: | April 8, 2008 4:28 PM
I'm so sick and tired of people complaining all the damn time! It is so annoying
Posted by: | April 8, 2008 5:44 PM
Give credit where it is due. This is a nonreligous nonprofit group that helps people do better in life. To assume that they are religous is not based on facts. Admit that they may be hard to under stand but may that is y that it is works.
Posted by: Craig C. | April 9, 2008 2:43 AM
anthony, you rock!
Posted by: BFF | April 13, 2008 4:36 PM
I actually wrote a blog last year complaining about people who complain too much. LOL. i wonder if i can join the "cult?"
Posted by: randomgrl | April 14, 2008 8:54 PM
We are doing this at my work. I see it as a way to stop us from criticizing the management.
Posted by: Jim | April 24, 2008 3:56 PM
I don't generally feel anything until noon; then it's time for my nap.
Posted by: Airline Ticket | May 4, 2008 11:49 AM
Art is either plagiarism or revolution.
Posted by: Cheap Car Insurance | May 4, 2008 11:49 AM
Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it.
Posted by: valium | May 4, 2008 11:49 AM
I don't generally feel anything until noon; then it's time for my nap.
Posted by: Airline Ticket | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM
Art is either plagiarism or revolution.
Posted by: Cheap Car Insurance | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM
Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it.
Posted by: valium | May 4, 2008 11:55 AM
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Sounds like a cult to me! All is well if you follow our system and buy our merchandise. Don't complain or you won't be happy...