I was talking to a UU minister who is training in the
methods of social change developed by Joanna Macy, internationally known
environmentalist. In our conversation we talked about how all spiritual work is
really about gratitude, facing our pain, seeing with new eyes, and going out
into the world anew. This Macy approach
to social change, designed to deal with climate issues, applies just well to
ALL our systemic human problems such as: racial and ethnic justice, environmental
sustainability, or peace international solutions or collectively meeting the
basic necessities of all of us. It is collectively and intentionally, as in a
Unitarian Universalist congregation, that we can have the safety and support to
work through these stages over and over. Those in the Beloved Conversations
groups have begun to notice this. Slowly each individual, family and generation
can appreciate more, face their deepest pain and fears, see clearly with new
eyes realities as they are and move forward according to their gifts and
talents to address the larger systems. Addressing ANY of the larger systems
will likely move us toward a better future created from our best selves. All
and everyone is inner connected.
Blessings be, Marye Gail Harrison, USH Board Chair for
Spiritual Life