Twelve Keys of Spiritual Activism

Humanity Healing’s Twelve Keys of Spiritual Activism

The embrace of the path of Spiritual Activism enables individuals or groups to develop the noble qualities of compassion, wisdom, and gratitude. It is in itself a Path of Transformation - a Spiritual Blueprint for a living. We can shift our perspectives of reality through seeking service beyond self by practicing the Gifts of Service. The core dynamics behind the Spiritual Keys of Activism are creativity, adaptability, understanding and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” ~ Mother Theresa

"Where ever you are, be there totally." ~ Eckhart Tolle

The 12 Keys of Spiritual Activism

1. All Action MUST be based on Compassion

When championing a Cause, the mindset must be altruistic, and the motivating emotion must be positive. Spiritual Activism is an action for the benefit of something, not against something.

“When you have a pro-peace rally, I will be there.” ~ Mother Theresa’s response to a question about why she did not attend an anti-war rally.

2. Compassion flows from the understanding of the Connection between all living beings

We are all connected through our shared Humanity. When you learn to see that our differences are superficial and our similarities manifest, sympathy (or worse, pity) gives way to compassion. Our actions shift from one of “us helping them” to one of “for the good of All.” We become One.

"The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another." ~ Thomas Merton

3. Compassion must be applied with Wisdom

There are more Causes that exist than an individual or group can be involved with. It is important to choose your causes carefully. Learn to Act instead of React.

“That is true wisdom, to know how to alter one's mind when the occasion demands it.” ~ Terence

4. Apply synergy and teamwork to accomplish goals

Synergy is the process where two or more actions combine to produce an effect greater than the sum of its individual parts. Like ripples in a pond, spiritual actions combine and build on each other to magnify an effect beyond what each could do individually. Whenever possible, team up with others to acquire a multifaceted and more holistic approach.

"The whole is greater than the sum of the parts." ~ Unknown

5. Spiritual Activism is the pursuit of service for the good of all, not for the advancement or benefit of individuals or selected communities

The mindset behind your actions must be noble, holistic, Universal and non-partisan. Be mindful that ego and self-service have no place in Spiritual Activism.

“Common folk, not statesmen, nor generals nor great men of affairs, but just simple plain men and women, can do something to build a better, peaceful world. The future hope of peace lies with such personal service.” ~ Henry Cadbury

"Reverence for Life affords me my fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, assisting, and enhancing life and that to destroy, harm, or to hinder life is evil. Affirmation of the world -- that is an affirmation of the will to live, which appears in phenomenal forms all around me -- is only possible for me in that I give myself out for other life." ~ Albert Schweitzer

6. Pursue Integrity, Honesty and Dignity in the conduct of your Actions

Embrace Mindfulness in the application of your activities and be aware of how your actions may be perceived by others. Machiavelli’s “The ends justify the means” has no place in Spiritual Activism. If our methods are not noble, our results will not be either. Practice Spiritual Transparency, allowing negative energies to bypass your system without harming it.

“Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one is watching.” ~ Unknown

7. Do not defame your detractors or those who doubt you

A confrontational approach leads to a defensive reaction. Approach others with Openness and Compassion in your heart. Build on the commonalities between you instead of focusing on the differences. As much as possible, detach yourself from the results of your actions. Aspire to always be a Peacemaker.

“Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

8. Raising another up raises you up as well

Helping another becomes a form of self-love as well as an expression of outward love. This becomes an upwardly spiraling cycle of increasing awareness, connection, compassion, involvement, capacity, and back to increasing awareness.

“Oh, Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.” ~Saint Francis Prayer