Practice This

"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

And to that, I say a hearty Amen. I am so moved these days to get busy and DO something about the lack of deep spiritual teaching in our culture, the lack of real love between neighbors and people groups, the quick judgments, the apathy, the consumerism. And I know that all of those problems I see "out there" are actually lodged deeply in my own heart as well. And only when I see it, name it, and begin to move toward a more integrated way of living, when I can truly say I'm living out what I most deeply believe in, THAT'S when change can really happen.

I came across this list of Practice Ideas in a handout I received at the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium that I went to a few weeks ago. If you have a chance to go to this life changing presentation, GO.

Or, start here:

Daily Practices for Staying Awake:

• Designate a regular daily practice such as meditation, prayer or yoga
• Investigate and watch for examples of interconnectedness everywhere
• Consider and pay attention to dreams, daydreams and visions as possible messages from other dimensions of reality
• Let the wisdom of the Earth speak through you
• Change your conversations to be of possibility and inspiration to others
• Be compassionate and forgiving with yourself
• As a radical act: want less, buy less, use less
• Consciously read, listen, watch and engage with things that inspire you to Change the Dream [the current "dream"/nightmare the world finds itself in today]
• Breathe deeply
• Read one page of something that inspires you
• Attend a religious or spiritual group that is new to you
• Play with crayons
• Stretch your body
• Write down your dreams
• Take a nap
• Listen to someone older than you
• Hug a tree
• Write down 3 things you are grateful for
• Do nothing for one minute
• Build a fort with blankets
• Remember to play
• Don't answer the phone [or check your email]
• Write an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of my life?"
• Watch or read something that inspires you everyday
• Create spaces for authentic rituals in your life such as giving thanks for a new day
• Don't read your mail [or watch the news] for one day
• Smile at yourself in the mirror
• Take care about what you put in your mind and heart
• Turn off your TV
• Dream with friends
• Smile as your walk down the street

Who's in?