Reflection for April

Over the past five months, I have been reflecting on how I can respond to what is currently happening in the US. I have been asking myself “What can I do in the face of the dismantling of democratic institutions and social support systems, blatant abuses of human rights, increasing government-sanctioned violence and discrimination, rampant economic and social injustice, and so much more? And the response that keeps coming back is that I need to stand up for my values. In short, I am being called into social activism.
 
Social activism is powerful. Ever since the fifth century BCE, when ordinary Roman citizens rose up against their wealthy overlords, it has been the single most powerful force for progressive social change. It works because ordinary people are the ultimate source of power in any society. Over the long term, power-holders can only rule with the consent – explicit or implicit – of the public. And when ordinary people exercise their collective muscle, change happens, even if it can take a while.
 
For me, social activism is a profound spiritual practice that expresses my awareness that everyone and everything is interconnected and part of the sacred web of life. Rooted in compassion and fierceness, acceptance and refusal, humility and courage, it navigates a middle way between these seeming opposites and comes from my heart as well as my head.
 
In the past, ‘social activism as spiritual practice’ has helped me to clarify my most deeply held ideals and aspirations and to feel a very satisfying alignment between them and my actions in the world. It has helped me to feel connected with others and to understand that there are many who feel as I do. And it has been a potent and effective antidote against my feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.
 
‘Social activism as spiritual practice’ stands up for, defends, and advocates for what we hold most dear – values such as goodness, beauty and truth. It is inspirational and supportive, building relationships, networks, and communities whenever and wherever it can. It is creative and playful, and doesn’t always take itself so seriously. It is patient and persistent, recognizing that we may never see the results of our efforts. Perhaps most fundamentally, it understands that our actions are most powerful when they are motivated by love, not hate.
 
So, along with countless others, this month I’m taking to the streets to speak out against the policies of the Trump administration and to stand up for a world that embodies my values. I refuse to resign myself to being a helpless victim or a silent bystander, living with fear and foreboding. And I will not give in to rage and anger, banishing those I disagree with from my heart. Instead, I will hold fast to what I know to be true, living into these perilous times with the questions:

• What if restoring what is being taken away is not enough because it was already fatally flawed?
• Are we witnessing the inevitable death of modernity, so that a more sustainable, equitable, and peaceful world can be born?
• What are the emergent and creative possibilities of these times?

 
I invite you to join me. 

Here are the updates for the month:

Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 - 6:15 pm PT on Zoom
On Thursday, April 10 from 5:00 - 6:15 pm PT, the MIndfulness Meditation group will gather online for the fourth in a series of sessions on "Practices for Present Times". This month we will explore Spiritual Activism as a practice. Everyone is welcome! Please request the Zoom link using the Contact Form.

Tuesday, April 22 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm PT In Person and on Zoom
On Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day), I will be teaching in person and online at Vashon Island Insight Meditation from 7:00 - 8:30  pm. We will meditate together, I will offer a talk, and there'll be time for comments and reflections. To request the Zoom link, please follow the instructions on their website.

Tuesday, May 20 Bellingham Insight Meditation Society from 6:00 - 6:45 pm PT In Person 
On Tuesday, May 20, I will be offering an orientation to meditation in person at the Bellingham Insight Meditation Society from 6:00 - 6:45 pm PT. There will be an introduction to meditation, a guided meditation and time for questions.

Tuesday, May 20 Bellingham Insight Meditation Society from 7:00 - 8:30 pm PT In Person and on Zoom
Starting at 7:00 pm PT, the main session will include meditation, a dhamma talk and time for questions and comments. We will wrap up at 8:30 pm PT. To request the Zoom link please follow the instructions here.

Wednesday, May 28 Portland Insight Meditation Community from 7:00 - 8:30 pm PT In Person and on Zoom
I will be offering a teaching at the Portland Insight Meditation Community on May 28 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm PT. The evening will include meditation, a talk, and time for comments and questions. To access the Zoom link, go here and scroll down the page to the Wednesday Group.

Thursday, May 29 Wise Spirit Buddhist Community (Portland) from 7:00 - 8:45 pm PT In Person and on Zoom
I will be offering a teaching at the Wise Spirit Buddhist Buddhist Community in Portland, OR, on Thursday, May 29 from 7:00 - 8:45 pm PT. The evening will include meditation, a talk, and time for comments and questions. For the Zoom link, please email [email protected].