Peace as the Roots of Sacred Activism
“A spirituality that is only private and self-absorbed, one devoid of an authentic political and social consciousness, does little to halt the suicidal juggernaut of history. On the other hand, an activism that is not purified by profound spiritual and psychological self-awareness and rooted in divine truth, wisdom, and compassion will only perpetuate the problem it is trying to solve, however righteous its intentions. When, however, the deepest and most grounded spiritual vision is married to a practical and pragmatic drive to transform all existing political, economic, and social institutions, a holy force – the power of wisdom and love in action – is born. This force I define as Sacred Activism.” Andrew Harvey
Understanding the force of sacred activism is essential to becoming fully human in our original design. I am a spiritual being in a physical body. I must take good care of my physical body if I hope to experience good health and vitality. The spiritual part of me needs the form to create and serve. The spiritual and physical must be united to apply wisdom and love in action. Harming our human form hurts our spiritual being as well. As we grow to love, honor and live from both our physical and spiritual selves, inner healing occurs. We experience self-love.
Self-love, acceptance and forgiveness of our past actions and forgiveness of others’ past actions allow inner peace to expand and deepen. Inner peace becomes the roots of sacred activism. The roots feed and nourish the human form and spirit to be part of creation. There is no learning how to do this. There is unlearning and letting go of all the false beliefs and cultural distortions.
A right arm feels no need to chop off the left arm. A human being has no need to harm another human being as both are part of the weaving of life. This truth has been so distorted by the implants of lack and fear it sounds impossible. There is enough in my culture. There is lack because we lost what it means to share for the common good. We have been hypnotized by more shiny objects, faster, better, bigger, more, more and more. Unfortunately, the activated “more” never satiates.
So, what is your enough?
Are you filling any holes or lack of connection to who you really are?
Are you fully loving both your physical and spiritual being?
Does your spirituality tend to be private or do you express outwardly in authentic engagement in social and political consciousness?
What value do you give to competition, power, and money?
Dialogue with your thoughts and assumptions in your peace journal.
Using a 1 – 10 rating, 1 = Never, 10 = Always, where are you know in each of these statements?
- I contribute love, wisdom, time, and money to support life in my community, social and political structures.
- I believe activities based on love and peace have the power to change systems.
These tim
es are calling for individual people to find love, wisdom, compassion and courage inside to transform the existing paradigms of fear, lack, inequality, revenge and hate.
Replacing personal and collective trauma with safety, healing, connection, and authentic communication is a path towards peace. Peace feeds sacred activism. The circle of life returns.
I welcome your questions and insights on facebook: Activating Peace Inside Out Community.
Namaste, The best in me sees and appreciates the best in you.
Sushila Mertens