#interdenominational

[angelojohnlewis]

Spirituality and Social Justice Symposium

This Spirituality and Social Justice Symposium explores the intersection of spirituality and activism. Host Angelo John Lewis engages in a dynamic discussion with guests Shariff Abdullah, Lucas Johnson, and Cat Zavis about their experiences in social activism and successful projects.

The panelists highlighted the significance of inner work and personal transformation in effective activism. They emphasized the need for individuals to engage in self-reflection, challenging systems of oppression while practicing empathy and kindness. They agreed that the collective exploration of solutions and the cultivation of curiosity and dialogue are essential for creating meaningful change.

Further into the symposium, they delved into the concept of leadership and its role in social justice movements. They express the need for leaders to prioritize love, compassion, and the well-being of the community over power and financial gain.  While they acknowledge the complexity and nuance of leadership, they advocated for a shift in consciousness and a reimagining of leadership that fosters inclusivity, empathy, and care.

Johnson shared his involvement in representing nonviolent activists at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, while Rabbi Cat Zavis discussed her experience advocating for women prisoners in Alaska and improving their living conditions. Shariff Abdullah discussed his involvement in the Sarvodia Peace Action Plan in Sri Lanka, and emphasized the role of grassroots movements in promoting peace and unity.

Abdullah is the founder of Commonway.org, who in the early 1960s he helped found the Black People’s Unity Movement (BPUM), an organization dedicated to self-help and development in the inner city of Camden. Johnson is the Executive Vice President of the On Being project and a human rights advocate and public theologian with deep, global experience in conflict resolution and community organizing. Zavis is the Executive Director of the Network of Spiritual Progressives, and a long time activist in social change work.

The event was sponsored by the Sacred Inclusion Network, and was held April 23, 2023. The panelists emphasize the importance of community and collective efforts in their work, highlighting the power of inclusivity and connection. Links:

Abdullah's Commonway.org

The Network of Spiritual Progressives

The On Being Project

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[angelojohnlewis]

The Intersection of Faith and Activism: Cat Zavis on Spirituality and Social Justice

Cat Zavis discusses her personal journey and insights on integrating spiritualism and activism. Zavis is Executive Director of the Network of Spiritual Progressives

Cat and her colleague, Rabbi Michael Lerner, have worked tirelessly to build a Religious left movement in Israel, countering the religious right movement. They recognize the trauma and PTSD experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians and understand that Israel, as the dominant power, has the responsibility to address the unjust and inhumane situation created through the occupation.

Having personally witnessed the devastating situation in the occupied territories, Cat emphasizes the need for healing, repair, acknowledgment, and transformation to move towards justice. Trauma plays a significant role in both Israeli and Palestinian reactions, reinforcing a cycle of domination and imposing trauma on others.

This episode was recorded as a precurser to the April 2023 Sacred Inclusion Network Syposium on Spiritualty and Social Justice.

Zavis shares her journey of discovering her passion for social justice. Although she always felt a spiritual connection as a secular Jew and explored various spiritual paths she didn't find answers that integrated her outrage and passion until she discovered Judaism's powerful blend of spirituality and social justice. She highlights the tension between the domination worldview, which promotes power and oppression, and the love worldview, rooted in connection and care. Social change movements often reflect these contrasting ideologies, and the work of social justice extends beyond fights for specific issues to raising consciousness.

The conversation delves into the importance of prophetic empathy as a bridge between these worldviews. While activism can sometimes conflict with spiritual beliefs, it is necessary to heal the world. Zavis draws inspiration from the story of Moses, who was sent to overthrow the consciousness of oppression. Engaging in social justice work can be profoundly spiritual, challenging, and transformative.

The episode concludes by discussing the importance of embracing people of different faith traditions while acknowledging historical trauma associated with oppressive religious practices. It is vital for activists to have a spiritual center to ground themselves and sustain their work, and younger generations are recognizing the need for spiritual support in their activism

Links:

Network of Spiritual Progressives

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[angelojohnlewis]

Lucas Johnson on the Power of Nonviolence and Spiritual Activism

Host Angelo John Lewis and guest Lucas Johnson engage in a powerful conversation about spirituality and social justice.

Lucas Johnson, an ordained minister and Executive Vice President for Social Healing for the On Being Project, shares his deep global experience in conflict resolution and community organizing.

Drawing from his global experience, Johnson shares examples of nonviolent activism from around the world. From South Africa's truth and reconciliation process to the American civil rights movement, he highlights how nonviolence can effectively bring about positive social change.

Key Takeaways:

Nonviolence as a Strategy for Social Change: Johnson emphasizes the importance of nonviolence as a powerful strategy for social change. He believes that nonviolence allows for broader participation in campaigns and protests, leaving room for opponents to grow and change their views. Nonviolence is not just a tactic, but a spiritual orientation to life that recognizes our interdependence with others.

 Inner Work and Healing: Johnson underscores the significance of inner work and collective healing in the pursuit of social justice. Nonviolence requires personal and collective healing to create conditions that make it possible for others to choose nonviolence. Viewing opponents as sick and in need of healing can shift attitudes and promote reconciliation.

Spirituality and Social Justice: Johnson's upbringing in diverse religious traditions, his connection to the black Christian tradition, and his personal experiences have shaped his understanding of the interplay between spirituality and social justice. He credits his family, particularly his grandmother, for instilling in him the values of justice, care, and community.

 Finding Joy and Gratitude: Amidst the complexities of the world, Johnson emphasizes the importance of finding joy and gratitude. He shares his spiritual practices of experiencing joy, being in the company of loved ones, and sitting with silence. These practices help him stay spiritually grounded and navigate the challenges of the world. Links

  Links:

Lucas Johnson's On Being Project

Lucas on LinkedIn

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

  Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[angelojohnlewis]

"Art as a Sacred Calling": An Interview with Tasleem Jamila Firdausee

Tasleem Jamila Firdausee, the executive director of Art as a Sacred Intiative, here talks about her Baptist upbringing, her immersion into mystical Islam, and her academic scholarship into the role of women in Sufism.

She shares of her spiritual journey and the teachers she's encountered along the way, and illustrates them with readings from her two books, Black Baptist Muslim Mystic: from the Cosmos and From Mississippi Clay to African Skies in Search of Sacred Presence.

By chance, this interview was conducted during the birthday week of the Prophet Mohammed.

"There are traditions all over the world and every country from Malaysia to Sudan, to the hills of Russia, to Senegal... to Morocco, where you have the tradition of Muslims writing poetry, singing praises to the Prophet Muhammad.  And so I, as a poet as God,  want to be a part of those who actually write poetry in the praise in English, because this is my first language," Tasleem said

Tasleem Jamila Firdausee is an internationally award-winning poet, author, multi-disciplinary artist, interdisciplinary scholar, cultural curator and organizer and holistic wellness therapist who uses heart-centered storytelling to examine the intersections of culture, spirituality, and indigenous holistic healing modalities. She's the founder of the Art As Sacred Initiate, an initiative and curatorial organization created to produce and curate experiences that strive to challenge unimaginative conceptions of spirituality, art, and the healing effects of artists' often marginalized cultural production.  Links:

Tasleem's site

Her most recent book

A video about her work

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

  Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[psychmeout]

Searching for a pastor has renewed my excitement for the journey

Our church has been searching for a more permanent minister,and is on the cusp of (fingers crossed) hiring one our community has befriended, through having guest ministers in the pulpit.

Reading the most recent profile that came in, I think about what my own answers would be. When the time comes, how will I represent myself?

There are many questions on the profile to ponder. What are my experiences with ecumenicalism, for example? And what oportunities will there be to add to my experiences?

In a previous course, I had taken a liking to Stuart Matlins "How to be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook ". It helped me understand how to be mindful and respectful in other religious environments. For example, my own denomination is quite casual in dress- this wouldn't fly in all other churches or places of worship. Some churches expect a certain level of participation- others do not, from strangers. Customs and matters of how to show respect vary.

I have visited Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim places of worship. I know that the focus of ecumenicalism is usually to unite Christian denominations under common causesand doctrines, but I do not find myself so much doctrinally focused. Instead, I am focused on peace and unity, among all religious expressions (save for those that cause active harm to folks).

I think that crossing religious barriers in a friendly manner, working together and learning to understand one another is invaluable. We do not have to worship the same way to share spiritual experiences, and we all have more in common than not. My favorite experience was sitting down with the imam of a mosque. This was at a point where Islamaphobia was rearing its ugly head in our communities, as it often does over time. The imam, unfortunately, felt it necesary to explain to me (a college student at the time) that Islam is not a religion of hate. We should be promoting understanding and embracing the commonalities between us- so that no religious minority in our community feels that pressure.

As for Christianity, my own church has shared worship services with other churches in town. My favorite worship experience in another Christian denomination was at an American Baptist church. They had based a whole lenten sermon series on a book "Into the Dark Woods" (Eric Elnes). I had not read the book- but the sermon inspired me to, and it became a quick favorite!

At the heart of it, we're all there for the same reasons, grasping at our own conception of the Almighty. I have been to Methodist, Presbytarian, American Baptist and Catholic services. Congregational church services are such a melting pot of traditions that I recognized pieces of others in ourselves. I was at awe with ways of worship that I had not considered, and found meaning in. Yes... I think that the more we can gather together for a common cause or purpose, with people across the spiritual waters, the better off we are! Interreligious and interdenominational experiences will help us be more empathetic people.

[angelojohnlewis]

Talismans and Lucid Dreaming

Dream Researcher Ryan Hurd talks about lucid dreaming and the secret history of using talismans to elicit lucid dreams.

He defines lucid dreaming and its benefits, explores liminality and dreaming, and how to use talismans to facilitate lucid dreaming.

Ryan Hurd is a dream researcher and life-long lucid dreamer. He edits the website DreamStudies.org, lectures internationally about dreams and consciousness, and is a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. Ryan has a MA in Consciousness Studies and Certificate in Dream Studies from John F. Kennedy University.

This podcast is an introduction to Ryan's 8/19/23 Sacred Inclusion Network Event, Unlock the Power of Your Dreams with Talismans.

  Links:

Ryan's Dream Studies portal

Lucid Talisman site

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

    Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[angelojohnlewis]

"What it means to be human": an interview with Bob Dunham

For leadership authority Robert "Bob" Dunham, there's a fundmantal difference between machines -- even complex computers that mimic logical thinking -- and humans.

Before we even begin to talk about effective leadership, Dunham says, we need to get clear on this difference.

The capacity of “caring,” Dunham says,  is the fundamental aspect of what it means to be human.

"What's fundamental to being human is we are creatures that care. And so it's not only for leaders, it's for all of us as human beings. Our care is fundamental to our life experience. It's fundamental to our action. It's fundamental to our judgments and choices."

So a leader, he continues, needs to be clear about what he or she cares about and seek alignment with that of his or her team or organization 

In this interview, Dunham expands on what he means by generative leadership, what he learned from his mentorship with Fernando Flores, and how he maintains enthusiasm and creativity in these challenging times

Dunham is the founder of the Institute for Genererative Leadership. Prior to founding the Institute,  he was a VP at Motorola Computer Systems, COO of Action Technologies, and VP of Consulting for Business Design Associates. He's the author or co-author of several books, including The Innovator's Way and The Power of Owning Up.

Links:

Bob Dunham's LinkedIn

Institute for Generative Leadership

Power of Owning Up

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Sacred Inclusion Network Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast

[angelojohnlewis]

Sleep Medicine: the Practice of Yoga Nidra

Restorative yoga practioner Jennifer Piercy explains the philosophy of yoga nidra, leads participants through a yoga nidra session, and answers questions about dreams, sleep and rest.

This is a recording of the 11/19/22 Sacred Inclusion Network Managing Dark Spaces exploration. 

The yoga nidra practice starts about 16:14, goes for approximately a half-hour, and is followed by questions and answers.

Piercy’s sleep meditation tracks on the Insight Time app have been played more than 21 million times. An experienced Restorative Yoga Practitioner, she’s studied with Dr. Rubin Naiman, a pioneer in integrative sleep and dream medicine, and has spent thousands of hours in her 16+ years as a yoga practitioner guiding people in the impactful and neglected art of slowing down. 

Links:

Piercy's site

Article on yoga nidra

Podcast interview with Jennifer

Recommended resource (see Chapter 15, Dreams and Multidimensional Reality)

Sacred Inclusion Network

Sacred Inclusion Network's Facebook Group

Sacred Inclusion Network's YouTube Channel -- 

Like the podcast? Support us on Patreon!

Check out the Diversity and Spirituality's newest podcast