Spirituality &amp; Practice

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Democracy Conversation Card Sonia Sotomayor

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Resources for Practicing and Healing Democracy

Roselle — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:16:30 +0000

Resources for Practicing and Healing Democracy Roselle Thu, 04/29/2021 - 11:16

Each of us has the power to shape our democracy. Working together, we can transcend the labels that polarize us and realize what unites us. We can cultivate sacred connections with our neighbors and build a shared vision for our communities and our country. We invite you to join us in the actions below, most of which are created by our inspiring partners who are working to bring people together across divides and help heal our democracy.

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Conversation cards for practicing democracy

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Guide to Exploring Spirituality and Civic Life Cover Square

One America Movement

Braver Angels

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Explore spirituality and civic life. The Guide to Exploring Spirituality and Civic Life includes key findings from our spirituality study, as well as activities, questions, actions to help you explore your own spirituality and how it relates to your civic life.

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Guide to Exploring Spirituality and Civic Life

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Reflect on democracy, freedom, and the common good. A free, downloadable deck of Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good includes quotes from a variety of voices, questions for reflection, and suggested actions.

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Conversation Cards

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Download the conversation cards

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Sample Conversation Cards on Democracy - Oren Lyons

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Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good

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Deepen your spiritual practice to strengthen democratic values and virtues. Spirituality & Practice’s Practicing Democracy Project offers resources and spiritual practices for practicing democracy, including a series of reading guides and on-demand e-courses, developed as part of the We the People Book Club.

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Practicing Democracy Project

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Visit Practicing Democracy

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We the People Book Club

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Resources & Book Club

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Reach outside your comfort zone. Braver Angels has a treasure trove of resources and events dedicated to uniting red and blue Americans in a working alliance to depolarize the US.

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Visit Braver Angels

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Braver Angels Hold America Together

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Braver Angels

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Terry Tempest Williams on democracy

Resources for Grieving

aferguson — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:17:28 +0000

Resources for Grieving aferguson Wed, 02/24/2021 - 13:17

Each person's grief is as unique as their fingerprint. But what everyone has in common is that no matter how they grieve, they share a need for their grief to be witnessed. —David Kessler

Death, loss, and grief are profound, inevitable experiences that will affect every one of us. They also hold the potential for deep spiritual awakening and learning. To honor the profound loss of life due to the pandemic we offer these resources on grieving from A Network for Grateful Living, Spirituality & Practice, On Being, and more.

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Buddhist chaplain visits a patient

Spiritual Formation

Wellness and Healthcare

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How are you? And how is your heart?

On Being Project

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Rabindranath Tagore on faith

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Wed, 04/29/2020 - 13:21

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Light a candle

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Lighting candles is a sacred ritual used for many purposes. Visit Gratefulness.org to engage in this beautiful candle lighting practice.

Wed, 04/29/2020 - 13:28

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Healthcare providers, caregivers, and others explore supporting people at the intersection of illness, spirituality, and end of life.

Tue, 02/23/2021 - 15:07

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Find resources on grief

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Spirituality & Practice has compiled a wide array of resources on grief, from books and films to e-courses and practices.

Wed, 02/24/2021 - 10:57

Listen to the conversation

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In this On Being conversation, Lennon Flowers and Rev. Jennifer Bailey, founders of The People's Supper, issue an invitation to brave space.

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Listen to the meditation

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Roshi Joan Halifax leads a ten-minute guided meditation on grief.

February Practice: Moral Questions and Democracy

Roselle — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:10:49 +0000

February Practice: Moral Questions and Democracy Roselle Mon, 02/01/2021 - 12:10

This month we turn to the wisdom of Oren Lyons, Indigenous rights advocate, for inspiration. Lyons' quote is featured in our Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good. This set of 52 cards includes quotes from a broad spectrum of national leaders, both historical and contemporary, and is designed to encourage reflection, conversation, and action. Order or download a free set of cards here.

If you do not have a moral question in your governing process, then you do not have a process that is going to survive.
—Oren Lyons

Reflect: What moral questions do you want to be central to decision-making in our democracy?

Act: What spiritual values do you want to encourage? Find an object you can carry that symbolizes the spiritual values you want to encourage in our democracy, such as a pin of a bird for freedom or peace.

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Democracy Conversation Card Oren Lyons

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Resources for Tumultuous Times

Roselle — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 16:23:08 +0000

Resources for Tumultuous Times Roselle Tue, 01/19/2021 - 11:23

As we grapple with the deep divisions in our country, and what it will take to uphold our fragile democracy, we share some of our partners’ resources to help us replenish our spirits and fortify ourselves for the work ahead. We offer these resources knowing that not everyone has the luxury of time and space to do any more than this moment is currently requiring physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

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Braver Angels

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Fri, 01/15/2021 - 13:48

Spirituality & Practice's Prayers for Our Leaders

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Find prayers for political and government leaders and the people who elect them.

Mon, 01/18/2021 - 11:53

Watch Braver Angels "Hold America Together"

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On January 12, 2021, 4,500 Americans across the political spectrum gathered to reflect on what is happening in the US and how we can hold America together.

Mon, 01/18/2021 - 12:08

Pledge to listen and access the guide

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Listen deeper for better understanding with this Millions of Conversations pledge and guide.

Mon, 01/18/2021 - 11:42

Spiritual Practices to Support Democratic Values

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Practice defusing anger, sending prayers to your neighborhood, earning a diploma in not knowing, and more.

Mon, 01/18/2021 - 11:35

Watch the Inner Peace Meditation

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Step away from the news and to dos for something beautiful and calming, like this Inner Peace Meditation by filmmaker, Louie Schwartzberg.

Spiritual Practices to Support Democratic Values and Virtues

aferguson — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 12:52:04 +0000

Spiritual Practices to Support Democratic Values and Virtues aferguson Mon, 11/02/2020 - 07:52

This chart is designed to show how spiritual practices uphold democratic values and cultivate democratic virtues. We invite you to use it—and add to it—as you go about practicing democracy at home, at work, online, and in other settings.

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spiritual practices that support democracy

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Practicing Democracy

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Chart of spiritual practices that support democratic values and virtues

Mon, 11/02/2020 - 07:57

Democratic virtues and values chart w spiritual practices.pdf

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Practicing Democracy Project

Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good

aferguson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:37:01 +0000

Conversation Cards on Democracy, Freedom, Equality, and Common Good aferguson Wed, 10/14/2020 - 13:37

These cards are designed to spark engagement with democracy and democratic values. On your own or with family, friends, classmates, or colleagues, select a card and read its quote aloud. Turn it over for suggestions for reflection, journaling, or discussion, and ways to act on the ideas in your personal and community life.

Download this PDF, which works nicely on a phone, or request a deck, limit one per person while supplies last.

Thanks to the team at the Practicing Democracy Project (PracticingDemocracy.net) for helping develop this resource!

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Conversation cards for practicing democracy

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Democracy Conversation Cards

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 08:02

FI Democracy Convo Cards OCT2020-2b.pdf

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Practicing Democracy through Advocacy and Outreach

aferguson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:17:38 +0000

Practicing Democracy through Advocacy and Outreach aferguson Wed, 10/14/2020 - 13:17

A fundamental value of American democracy is the common good: that which is beneficial for all members of the community. Upholding it entails placing the good of the country and its collective citizenry above our individual interests, a goal of advocacy and outreach work. Here are 13 practices that encourage democratic virtues like fairness, social conscience, service, and civic engagement. They can help us walk our talk in support of the common good.

Developed with Spirituality & Practice as part of the Practicing Democracy Project.

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boots on the ground practicing democracy through advocacy and outreach

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Practicing Democracy through Advocacy and Outreach

Mon, 10/19/2020 - 10:35

PDP Guide Advocacy-Outreach 101920.pdf

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Habib Todd Boerger

October Practice: Vision at the Great Turning Point

Roselle — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:30:27 +0000

October Practice: Vision at the Great Turning Point Roselle Thu, 10/01/2020 - 14:30

This month, our partner Spirituality & Practice launches a wonderful new resource: Practicing Democracy Conversation Cards. This set of 52 cards includes quotes from a broad spectrum of national leaders, both historical and contemporary. The cards are designed to encourage reflection, conversation, and action. Order or download a set of cards here.

We need a vision that recognizes that we are at one of the great turning points in human history when the survival of our planet and the restoration of our humanity require a great sea change in our ecological, economic, political, and spiritual values. —Grace Lee Boggs

Reflect: What contemporary artists, spiritual teachers, or social activists have given you a soul-stirring vision of the future that you can align yourself with? If you're inclined, share yours in the comments!

Act: Write a message to your "citizen" self. List the sea changes you have observed in the world during the past five years. Then add changes you want to see happen in the next five years.

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Practicing Democracy Conversation Cards

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June Practice: Uncertainty Abounds

Roselle — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:15:01 +0000

June Practice: Uncertainty Abounds Roselle Mon, 06/01/2020 - 09:15

Whatever states of mind, happy or unhappy, occur, never mind—we should constantly be reminding ourselves, "This is uncertain."

This is something people don't consider very much, that "this is uncertain." Just this is the vital factor that will bring about wisdom. In order to cease our coming and going and find rest, we only need to say, "this is uncertain." Sometimes we may be distraught over something to the point that tears are flowing; that is something not certain. When moods of desire or aversion come to us, we should just remind ourselves of this one thing. Whether standing, walking, sitting, or lying down, whatever appears is uncertain. Can't you do this? Keep it up no matter what happens. Give it a try. You don't need a lot—just this will work. This is something that brings wisdom.

The way I practice meditation is not very complicated—just this. This is what it all comes down to: "It's uncertain." Everything meets at this point.

You don't need to keep track of all the various instances of mental experience. When you sit in meditation, there may be various conditions of mind appearing, seeing and knowing all manner of things, experiencing different states. Don't keep track of them, and don't get wrapped up in them. You only need to remind yourself that they're uncertain. That's enough. That's simple, and it's easy to do. Then you can stop. Knowledge will come, but then don't make too much out of that or get attached to it.

This understanding of things is always timely and relevant. At all times, it is impermanence that rules. This is something you should meditate on.

This practice, by Ajahn Chah is in Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away by Ajahn Chah, Paul Breiter.

Our partner, Spirituality & Practice, shared this practice as part of their "Spiritual Practices for the Coronavirus." For additional resources, visit Spirituality & Practice's "Spiritual Resources for the COVID-19 Pandemic."

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