Contemplative Activism: Individual & Collective Liberation

“Through activism we confront toxicity in our world; through contemplation we confront it in ourselves. This is contemplative activism. “

–Phileena

^{Photo by Ali Hassan}

Contemplative activism refers to two interconnected parts–contemplation and action–that lead to individual and collective liberation. Contemplation without action may be disembodied and self-focused. Action without contemplation is often to be ungrounded, lacking in focus, and unsustainable.

Contemplation

“For me… contemplative spirituality is a fidelity to beholding the divine in all things.”

—This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley

Contemplation can be described as “the practice of being fully present—in heart, mind, and body—to what is in a way that allows you to creatively respond and work toward what could be,” according to the Center for Action and Contemplation. It involves a posture of inner stillness and silence as we slow down and make space to be present to reality.

Inner silence allows us to deeply listen to the self, others, creation, and the Holy. Stillness helps us discern how we want to engage in the world with integrity and authenticity as we ask, “What is mine to do?” Solitude helps us reconnect with the authentic self. This allows for more authentic connection with God, others, and creation.

Spiritual (contemplative) practices are habitual practices that help us to become more aware of what James Finley calls “the inherent holiness of the present moment.” They invite us to practice surrender as we deepen trust in the Loving presence that is ever available to us.

When we minimize distractions and turn inward, we are met by Love and compassion in the deepest places of our souls. The ego can loosen its grip, allowing us to deepen awareness of all that is good, true, and beautiful in ourselves, others, creation, and the divine. As we are transformed by Love, we are invited to transform our communities.

A Vision for Wholeness & Flourishing

“The next stage of human economy will parallel what we are beginning to understand about nature. It will call forth the gifts of each of us; it will emphasize cooperation over competition; it will encourage circulation over hoarding; and it will be cyclical, not linear.”

–The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As we awaken to the presence and movement of the divine in ordinary moments, we can discern our role in participating in the restorative work of the Spirit (Love) in the world. This allows us to co-create what Marin Luther King Jr. referred to as “the beloved community.” Indigenous author Randy Woodley describes a similar concept with the term “the harmony way.” The Old Testament calls it “shalom.” Whatever language we use, this concept is the vision and embodiment of a world in which all beings have what they need in order to experience wholeness and flourishing.

Action/Activism

“That is what Jesus’ life, teachings, and death were about–God’s protest against the exploitation of the weak by the strong.”

–The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone

The prophetic vision of the beloved community paints a picture of the kind of world we desire to inhabit. It highlights the gap in what is versus what could be, informing the work needed in order to make this vision a reality that is available to all beings.

Contemplation helps us discern our role in embodying the vision and making it accessible to all. Tending to our inner work is necessary to sustain our work in the world. It compels us to join with others in bringing about healing, wholeness, justice, truth, goodness, and beauty in our communities.

This is deeply spiritual work. When we engage in activism (our work in the world) without tending to our souls, we run the risk of losing sight of our vision, dipping into despair, and burning out. We carry our untended wounds with us into our communities, where they may do harm.

In spiritual direction, we make space to tend our wounds, listen deeply to our souls, and emerge with renewed energy and clarity. As we are transformed through a continual process of growth and liberation, we become better equipped to participate with others who are working towards the vision of beloved community.

Resources: Learn More About Contemplative Activism

These are some books (and a couple short videos) for more on contemplative activism. Some of them use that term explicitly, but most do not. All of these resources explore the connection between our inner and outer work.

“What is contemplative activism?” – short video by Made for Pax, with Drew Jackson
“Life on the Mobius Strip” – short video by Parker Palmer
Sabbath as Resistance by Walter Brueggemann
This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley
All About Love by bell hooks
See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur
Living Resistance by Kaitlin Curtice
Mindful Silence by Phileena Heuertz
Black Liturgies by Cole Arthur Riley
Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer

Questions? Contact Lindsay:

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