For several years now I’ve been participating in a Soul Matters Circle at my local UU church. It has been an amazing experience. The national organization provides monthly packets aligned around a given topic, filled with thoughts, ideas, quotes, and exercises to explore. Group participants work their way through the contents at their own pace and once a month the group gathers to discuss individual insights and to learn from one another. Rich conversations ensue and I walk away more informed, and sometimes less certain, of what I believed when I walked in. This opportunity to explore my spiritual self feeds my inquisitive mind and my thirst for connection.
In January the topic was “Practicing Resistance.” Revelations there have lingered in my mind, and I continue to return to this topic again and again – as much for the exercises and quotes in the packet as the memory of conversations with my group.
From the introduction: “Sometimes resistance involves bravely picking up a picket sign; other times it asks us to courageously put down our masks and allow who we really are to see the light of day. Sometimes it involves defeating the enemy; other times it’s a matter of noticing that treating “them” as the enemy defeats us all. Often the path of resistance asks us to stay in it for the long haul, but just as often it’s about taking that first tiny step. Most of the time it requires us to fight to the bitter end, and yet there are many moments when we need to stop resisting and let go. Resistance certainly takes the form of speaking the truth to power, but often what the world needs even more is for us to speak the truth in love.”
For myself – this focus on resistance was eye-opening. Honestly, I never thought of myself as someone who resists; who stands in the front, arms raised in protest, shouting to be heard. It’s just not who I am so I thought there was no place for me in resistance. Then I read Deepa Iyer’s book, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection. It was here that I discovered my personal approach and contribution to resistance. I am a Weaver and Healer. There IS a place for me in acts of resistance – an important place – a useful place. It’s just not at the front of the room with a sign in my hand. I began to see moments in my life where the Weaver/Healer was hard at work – quietly behind the scenes – and occasionally being the brave, odd person out that says, “but we must find a way to do this together.”
My journey was not over (is it ever?) - down the rabbit hole I went to discover what it might mean to use my talents of Weaver and Healer for positive resistance. I discovered a Soul Boom video-cast where Rainn Wilson interviewed Valarie Kaur, activist and author. (Here is a link to their most recent conversation.) I wrote in my journal as she spoke about Love as Resistance – BIG love – Revolutionary Love. I was inspired by her distinctions between people and ideas; the need to see our opponent as the ideas, not the people that carry them. “There is room for every person. There is not room for every idea.” These words still echo in my head, reminding me to follow my heart - to continue seeing the best in people - to not allow the cynicism to over take me - to keep me from judging others too quickly.
Revolutionary Love Practices:
Lead with wonder
Be brave with your grief
Harness your rage
Listen across lines of difference
Reimagine our institutions
Fight for shared humanity
I realize now that my rejection of the loving voices around me in my twenties was an act of resistance; that my rejection of some family traditions and the Christian church were acts of resistance; and that my acceptance of those different from me, of ideas that ran counter to my upbringing, of myself as seeker of truth and giver of unconditional love are all acts of resistance. I write today to reveal these truths and to encourage you to explore your own.
What are your acts of resistance?
How do they show up in your past? Where do you want to focus your efforts today?
How can LOVE be an act of resistance in your life?
Then tell me about them!
Thank you to Bekky Bekks on Unsplash for her photo!
Good reminder, Cathy. Resistance can and should take many forms.