Principles of Spiritual Activism
Spiritual activism is a new term used to describe individuals who are spiritually based but also believe they need to take action in the world to create positive change. Spiritual activism is Spirit and Love put into action, and prayer made visible.
"Our goal is to create a beloved community." --Martin Luther King, Jr.
If we really want to create a more compassionate and loving world, we first need to become more loving and compassionate ourselves. We need a new vision of a society governed by love and where love is the high standard. There is so much conflict between individuals, groups, and nations which is steeped in misunderstanding and mistrust. The conflict is often fueled by negative, fearful, angry thoughts and rhetoric from each side which leads to more alienation and poor communications.
How can we improve this picture? Here are some possibilities:
1. Love those with whom we are in conflict. This is a real challenge for most of us. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Love your enemies." But how do we love individuals with whom we are in conflict?
a) First, we need to love, forgive and accept ourselves before we feel good enough to love our neighbors or our enemies.
b) We can fill our consciousness with love. A mind full of love cannot hold fear and anger at the same time.
c) Perform a small, loving act toward this person. There is no such thing as an insignificant act of love.
d) Continue to love and act with compassion even if we are rejected or offended.
e) Look for things to value and appreciate about others. Try to see something which they have done as a blessing. Listen carefully to their reasoning and what they have to say. Look for truth in their logic. Be compassionate for their circumstances and needs. Most individuals believe they are doing the best they know how to do based on their information and experiences.
f) Know that our adversaries are expressing their highest and best qualities and are capable of making excellent decisions for the highest good of all concerned.
2. We are all spiritual beings. See the image of God in everyone.
3. We are all connected and part of the web of life. Chief Seattle said eloquently, "We did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves."
4. We are conscious beings and are part of a collective universal consciousness. As such, our positive thoughts and intentions can have a beneficial impact on all life forms.
5. We can pray. Prayer is powerful and effective and should precede all action. We pray for ourselves, for strength, patience, and the intelligence to do the work, and for guidance and wisdom to say and do the right thing on this path. We pray for each other, our leaders, our nation, all life, and the planet. We pray for our adversaries. Holding negative thoughts about our leaders and adversaries is counterproductive, and leads to polarization and alienation. Pray for their well-being, for guidance, and a positive resolution of any differences. We can also pray for, or hold an intention for, an expected outcome and for "win-win" solutions which provide the highest benefit for all concerned. But then we must let go with "Not my will but Thine be done."
