Image by Gerd Altmann
Narrated by Marie T. Russell.
“Spiritual activism is a practice that brings together the otherworldly and inward-focused work of spirituality and the outwardly-focused work of activism (which focuses on the conditions of the material or physical world).” Wikipedia
This essay is inspired by the latest message from the citizen movement AVAAZ, certainly the most remarkable movement of its kind ever to have emerged. Avaaz has over 68 million members worldwide, and it is this sheer mass that gives it the clout it has. Personally, I think anyone committed to creating a win-win world that works for all (nature included) should consider joining. Avaaz is at work all over the world and its messages (newsletters) are always very powerful.
The latest one is no exception. According to scientists, we only have 8 years left to cut carbon emissions by more than half to avoid a global environmental collapse. But there's a way to do it. A team at Harvard University has calculated that any nonviolent cause that mobilizes 3.5% of a population can reach a tipping point that guarantees social transformation. Now, the Avaaz movement alone has over 68 million members - not far from 1% of the world's population, which is simply staggering for a recently created citizen movement.
Time Is Running Out
But time is running out, and the business community seems almost immune to changing their sacred moto, "Buy, buy, buy .... anything, but buy" and governments are for the most part, as we saw at the Glasgow conference, very soft on the issue. IT'S WE, THE MOBILIZED CITIZENS, WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
So, get involved, either in powerful movements like Avaaz or Greenpeace, or in local or regional movements - and these are proliferating in many countries. And an important part of that commitment will be changing your lifestyle in many areas - food, vacation travel, financial donations, time for activism, etc. Not to mention those who believe in the power of spiritual work in the privacy of their homes.
The key is to commit - now. Because once the house is burning down, it's too late to call the fire department.
Together we can do so many remarkable, amazing things. So let us dare to believe in our collective power. It is what will allow us to make a difference.
A related blessing: For the Silent Servants of Good
Image Unsplash, Chris Gallagher
All over the world, there are millions of people who serve in silence, who do good around them, who sow seeds of love and compassion, unheralded and infinitely modest about their achievements. They are the glue that holds our society together.
We bless all those the world over who carry out their silent missions of service, compassion and mercy, without any concern for recognition or applause.
We bless them in their awareness that, through them, divine Love is smiling upon the world and the Christ energy is silently percolating through the tissue of human affairs and regenerating it.
We bless them in their silent rejoicing, that what they have done for the least of their fellow sisters and brothers, they have done for the universal Christ which is beyond all labels (including “Christian”), denominations and theologies.
We bless them in their deep sensitivity to the suffering of the world and all its beings, animal and vegetable as well as human. May they never be dragged down by it, but on the contrary be stimulated to radiate ever more love and deep caring, including to themselves as Divine Love's humble and shining reflection.
-- Blessing by Pierre Pradervand, from 365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World
©2022 by Pierre Pradervand. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted with permission from the author's blog.
Book by this Author
365 Blessings to Heal Myself and the World: Really Living One’s Spirituality in Everyday Life
by Pierre Pradervand.
Can you imagine what it would feel like to never feel any resentment for any wrong done to you, gossip or lie disseminated about you? To respond with full awareness to all situations and people rather than react from your gut? What freedom that would entail! Well, this is just one of the gifts the practice of blessing from the heart, i.e. sending out focused love energy, will do for you. This book, from the bestselling author of The Gentle Art of Blessing, will help you learn to bless all situations and people as you go through the day and add overwhelming joy and presence to your existence.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition.
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About The Author
Pierre Pradervand is the author of The Gentle Art of Blessing. He has worked, travelled and lived in over 40 countries on five continents, and has been leading workshops and teaching the art of blessing for many years, with remarkable responses and transformational results.
For over 20 years Pierre has been practising blessing and collecting testimonies of blessing as a tool for healing the heart, mind, body and soul.
Visit his website at https://gentleartofblessing.org