Enhance ReadabilityThe world is changing. These are heady days, and our world — wherever we live — is not what it used to be. It is evolving quickly, often in ways we do not understand or wish for. It makes sense that we want to rush to action, to thrust ourselves into the causes we care about and to halt the social regression. And, to make the most impact while honoring one another and ourselves, conscious activism must be the answer. What the world so desperately needs is an increase in the level of human consciousness.
Read on to find out how and why slowing down to go faster helps us stay the course to run the marathon ahead.
1. Choose ‘How You March’ Wisely and In Connection to Your Values.
Each of us has an essential role to play in being a force for good, resisting what’s unjust, and creating positive change. ‘How we march’ and how we choose conscious activism to create impact is unique to each of us. Take the time to strategize and come up with your plan of action.
Each of us has an essential role to play in being a force for good, resisting what’s unjust, and creating positive change. Tweet This Quote
Give yourself permission to think through which cause(s) you feel most passionate about and why. What are the top one or two areas you want to focus on? Mid-term elections, reproductive rights, immigration, social justice, the environment, education? There are many ways we can take action. We can volunteer our time to organizations that resonate for us; we can offer financial support to these organizations; we can also begin our own local movements; and we can even run for office (check out Incite for guidance and support). But, be selective. Time is precious and your time is precious.
Stay mindful and give yourself space to explore what is important to YOU based on your values and areas where you have the most energy. Although you may care about many causes, it’s important to focus to avoid burnout.
2. Create and Lean Into a Support Network.
None of us can singlehandedly solve the vast set of global challenges we face today. Leaning into family and friends is a critical part of creating impact and taking care of ourselves at the same time. If you’re unsure where to start, begin by speaking to those close to you, and consider starting an activist support group.
What seems impossible to you at this moment can change if you make the effort. Tweet This Quote
Human beings need one another. We are better together, stronger as a group. We give each other energy, creativity and often peace. One can never underestimate the power of a hug or a smile from even a stranger. Take time to be with fellow humans. We will achieve more.
3. Take The Long View, The Historical View.
The human spirit is more resilient than we know and may have previously experienced. Trust that there is something good coming next, and that we have the power to co-create that together.
We’ve witnessed darker times before. The Great Depression, The Holocaust, nuclear proliferation, every type of systematic discrimination you can imagine, and people found ways to stand up, speak out, and hold humanity accountable for a better world. Impossible things become possible. What seems impossible to you at this moment can change if you make the effort.
Much of what we take for granted today once would have sounded like mere dreams: universal education, outlawing slavery, instant access to the world’s knowledge base.
The human spirit is more resilient than we know and may have previously experienced. Tweet This Quote
We have gone from wild dreams to commonplace reality again and again — but it does take time. We must not forget to apply a long lens to make changes. Learn from examples that have gone before, ask questions, read. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
The world needs you at your best. We need you to care, to be smart, to bring your full heart. And also to stay sane, to still laugh, to love, to enjoy the life that you so dearly wish for all people. Please take a stand, and show your support. The world needs you more than ever, vibrantly marching.
Additional contributions made by co-editors Elise Falcone Rankin, Rebecca England and Sherri Rose.
