spiritual principles: a work in progress
We believe there is a dynamic interconnection between our collective and individual liberation, our spiritual and social freedom. Our understanding of each of these aspects changes and strengthens the orientation and actions we choose to engage in.
We believe new forms of organizing people for the work of social change are possible and necessary, and that these arise when space is created for authentic transformation. In particular, relationships built carefully across lines of significant difference allow for deeper learning, connection, and success.
We understand that all our actions have results: some are seen immediately, others come to fruition in the near future, and some ripen in a time that we cannot know. Because a lot of the outcome of our actions is unknown, we leave space for mystery and commit to acting with as much integrity as possible in every moment.
We honor and navigate through the complex relationship between structure and spontaneity, righteousness and flexibility, form and emptiness, rigor and compassion - in all of the structures and forms and spaces we create.
We learn continuously from our actions and explorations, documenting new possibilities and innovations for our work.
spiritual practice comes alive in:
1. practices that move us from burnout to balance
Spiritual and reflective practice creates the conditions for healthy and effective ways of working and living. These include silence, mindfulness, movement, and writing, and reflective tools to explore the inner life of values, beliefs, and history.
2. relationships the move us from isolation to connection
Multi-faith and cross-spiritual experiences give people time and a structure for learning and connection. We invite people to tell stories, share strengths and challenges, and glean new insights for your work.
3. strategies that move us from despair to possibility
We share examples of how activists have incorporated spiritual practice, and the changes that arise as a result. Concrete tools allow people to analyze their work culture and create strategies for the integration of practice on numerous levels.
ripples national training participants, 2001