I wrote a recent post, Creating a World We All Can Thrive In, in which I talked about the fact that I was going to the Sister Giant conference, which was held Feb. 2-4 in Washington, D.C.
Sister Giant was a conference that integrated politics, activism and spirituality, with its aim to create a “politics of love.”
It was hosted by author Marianne Williamson and Derrick Harkins, Sr., vice President of the Union Theological Seminary.
Sister Giant was dedicated to forging a deeper conversation about what is happening in America today – and what we can do to change it. The Conference brought together an illuminating mix of thinkers, who gathered to consider the state of our country on both spiritual and political levels. The gathering incubated ideas and contributed to plans by which each of us, particularly now, can help move America in a more enlightened direction.
It was a phenomenal event, one that has the potential to create a lasting movement that can change the hearts and minds of both America and the world. We are living in a special time in history, and through our passion, power and vision, we have the capability to create a more holistic, sustainable and enlightened world.
So that being said, I want to tell you about the top 10 takeaways I had from the conference.
- There is a massive groundswell of people who have awakened to what is going on in the U.S.: Over 1700 people came to this conference, from all over the U.S. and world. This was a passionate crowd, full of the desire to do something. And obviously, the crowd who came to this event is just one segment of people who feel the awakening that is taking place.
- It’s not enough to know this is not who we are: What is even more important is that we know what we want, that we envision what we want, and that ultimately, we put it into action. Politics is not passive – we have the ability to shape the conversation and policy.
- The Hindu Goddess Kali, the Goddess of death, destruction and resurrection, has come and taken America: Kali is the Dark Mother, the destroyer of worlds, oracle of holy change, the tenderhearted be-header, and it is she that won this country. In Hindu mythology, she is the destroyer of illusion and evil forces, and ultimately, the divine protector and the one who bestows moksha, or liberation. She is all this, and this is what has come to America – the force, the rage, the fierceness, and the compassion, of Kali.
- We cannot be filled with hate: Even if it’s hate against injustice. Instead we have to move forward with love, and with happiness. Conservatives are miserable, and want everyone to share in their misery. Instead, we need to shower them with happiness.
Bernie Sanders speaking at Sister Giant - Being enlightened means being in service to others, not being better or holier than anyone: Many people who pursue their own path of transformation get caught up in their own process, and think that makes them superior to those who know nothing about this realm. We are all in this together, and people desire others who want to be with them, not above them. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats.
- Being a political activist can be as simple as contacting your representatives: All it takes to be an activist is devoting one hour a week and five minutes a day to some sort of action, it’s that plain and simple.
- Separation is a human construct: We are born with the spirit of connection, with the desire to share the human experience. But then we become divided – into countries, nationalities, religions, political domains, economic classes, and more. Divisiveness is a tool used by demagogues to separate us and remove our common bonds.
- Hate and divisiveness coming out of churches is theological malpractice and heresy: The Christian gospel is to love thy neighbor and do unto others as you want done unto you. Yet many church leaders speak words of hatred and intolerance, words that divide us. The message of Jesus was that all of us, all of God’s brothers and sisters, must unite in love.
- It’s not the economy that is first and foremost on people’s minds: What people want first and foremost is to be respected and heard; and to have a sense of purpose and meaning. People feel disconnected, displaced, disrespected and disempowered; they want to know that there are people who care about them.
- There is a tremendous concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few: This is the biggest threat to democracy, and it is what needs to be addressed more than anything.
In another article, I’ll come back with another 10 takeaways I had from the Sister Giant conference.
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