Sacred Activism arises from the recognition that neither a life devoted to contemplative practice alone nor an activism not rooted in the profound recognition of the oneness of all life are enough to effect the transformation desperately needed in our world today. For too long, contemplatives and activists have seen themselves as separate from each other. This has led at times to some contemplative practice being used in the service of escaping confrontation and engagement with the suffering in the world and some activism enacting and reinforcing the “otherizing” and demonization of those we see as different from ourselves that lies at the root of so much injustice and suffering.

What is called for today is that these two streams, contemplation and action, be brought together in a way that each supports and enhances the other.

In this one-day Zoom retreat, we will explore the inner work of Sacred Activism, exploring such topics as:

  • the “work before the work” that prepares us to engage in the pursuit of social justice in a way more likely to enhance our effectiveness,
  • how to work with our own reactivity and ground and center ourselves in the midst of charged emotions,
  • how to sustain resilience and hope in the face of setbacks, disappointment, and discouragement.

An ancient teaching reminds us, “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” We are all needed. We hope you will join us for this time of learning, exploration, and support. Here's the shape of the day:

  • A two-hour Zoom session (1 - 3 pm ET, 12 pm - 2 pm CT, 11am - 1 pm MT, 10 am - 12 pm PT). We'll learn key ideas and approaches as a full group, then break into small groups for dialogue and practice.
  • A one-hour break (3 - 4 pm ET, 2 - 3 pm CT, 1 - 2 pm MT, 12 - 1 pm PT) for a snack, a walk, and, if you wish, some journaling. A slideshow will also play in the Zoom room.
  • A two-hour Zoom session (4 - 6 pm ET, 3 - 5 pm CT, 2 - 4 pm MT, 1 - 3 pm PT). Our time will be divided between presentations in the Zoom room and practice in breakout groups.

Our retreat leader is Diane Berke, the Founder and Spiritual Director of One Spirit Learning Alliance. She has worked extensively with Andrew Harvey in his Institute for Sacred Activism and is a founding member of the Contemplative Alliance of the Global Peace Initiative of Women. She is also a co-founder of Transformation 365, an online platform to introduce people to a broad range of contemplative practice, and a certified facilitator of the Circles of Trust work of the Center for Courage and Renewal.

Register for this retreat by clicking on the "Subscribe" button below. Please do so no later than 10 pm Pacific Time on Friday, October 9, so that we can be sure to include you in our mailing about how to join the Zoom retreat. In addition to sending out an email with the login information, we will be posting it in the retreat "Practice Circle" that's accessible to people who sign up for the retreat. The Practice Circle is located here:
www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/InnerWorkofSacredActivismPC

We will make a recording of Diane's talks and make it available after the retreat. So if you need to miss part of it, you will be able to see it later. However, since the retreat is designed to give you opportunities to learn, practice, and support each other, we encourage you to make every effort to be on Zoom with the group.

Available On-Demand
(choose your own start date and frequency)

$50.00

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