SACRED ACTIVISM: Combining Spirituality, Self Care x Social Justice

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

Why is Sacred Activism crucial for our future?

Andrew Harvey birthed the concept of Sacred Activism- he recognized that most activists are addicted to DOING and most mystics are addicted to BEING. 

Sacred Activism is about combining the two- aka striking a balance- VERY Libra Season. Spirituality without activism is empty bullsh*t, and activism without spirituality and self care is not sustainable and often leads to burnout. 

The economic, political, spiritual world crisis that we currently find ourselves in is a call to action. It is an opportunity for us to understand the realities around us and to rally together to do something different. This is the revolution. 

We now have before us the possibility of using this current crisis to empower ourselves, and others, to actually get the planet to work and to build a better way of being for all. 

We need to surrender and embrace this uncertain future- and we need to become the new leaders, leaders who are authentic, inspired, courageous and in integrity.

How do we do this? To live in hope, the notion that we can change both ourselves and the world requires what Mr. Harvey calls "Embodiment," the path that not only has power but also wisdom. We work toward becoming vehicles, channels for the Divine in this world. 

Mr. Harvey takes both to a new level teaching us how to be in order to be able to do. Taking guided action, based in spiritual guidance, empowers action in an entirely different way. Instead of operating from our own personal power, he avows and proves that there is a sacred power in divine activism. 

Libra Season is a great time to plug into Sacred Activism. If you’re looking for some more tips, read below or check out the book “The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism” by Andrew Harvey.

FINDING YOUR UNIQUE BRAND OF SACRED ACTIVISM

My favorite question in the book is one that will systematically guide anyone who asks and truly answers it into their own unique path of sacred activism. It is:

"What breaks your heart?"

For some, it’s a lack of access to education. For others, it's a lack of compassion and inner peace on the planet. Or for some, it's the extinction and abuse of the Earth and her animals. In Sacred Activism there is no hierarchy of heartbreaks- you don’t get to poo poo someone elses choices nor do they get to poo poo yours. What a world would it be if we each felt into our heartbreak and chose to follow it?

"Follow your heartbreak" is Mr. Harvey's truly inspired variation on that well-known quotation of Joseph Campbell's 'follow your bliss." 

The most fascinating thing about Mr. Harvey's work is that the heartbreak will take us right to bliss if we pursue our own spiritual work and take guided action to birth the new planet that is arising. I also affectionately call this tapping into your “sacred rage”. It is a fire that burns in you and keeps you lit up. 

But we don’t want that fire burning us up. Harvey says: "sacred action is best undertaken as a form of sacred play."  I love this so much. Activism can take such a toll emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. 

This resistance can lead to burnout. Follow your heartbreak and then see how you can take sacred action with sacred play. 

You may discover more at www.andrewharvey.net.

5 Self Care Tips for Activists When You Feel Yourself Burning Out

1. Unplug, logoff, mute the social media. 
2. Activist guilt is real- consider this your official permission slip to say “no” to the next thing that comes up during your self care break. 
3. Delete all news apps over the weekend. (Tricky I know but it’s hard to rest when you’re in the addictive news cycle loop!)
4. Treat yourself like a best friend going through a break-up. Be extra tender, buy yourself a carton of Van Leeuwen ice cream, order in takeout, sit on the couch watching 80s rom-coms. 
5. Get sleep, drink lots of water, sit in the sunshine. Get back to basics.