February Practice: Moral Questions and Democracy
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.
Resources for Tumultuous Times
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.
January Practice: Stillness, Silence, and the Divine
Stillness is the altar of Spirit. Where motion ceases, Spirit begins to manifest. —Paramahansa Yogananda
Whether transitioning from a noisy and difficult year or traversing an ordinary day, finding moments of silence provide a way to dip below the cacophony within and around us into something more enduring, divine even. As we begin 2021, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the importance and power of stepping away from our screens, our to-do lists, the news, and other attention grabbers.
Advent Spirituality: The Season of Living Underwater
Lit up by the moon, it looked celestial; seemed some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea.
The 51st chapter of Herman Melville’s classic Moby Dick is called “Spirit Spout.”
“Spirit Spout,” the chapter, describes a series of dark nights at sea where several members of the crew of a whaling ship see a burst birthed from the still waters, which they believe to be the spout of the whale they are pursuing:
What Does Spirituality Mean to Us? A Study of Spirituality in the United States
This study sought to better understand spirituality in the United States today by asking people about how they understand and experience spirituality for themselves, and how their spirituality relates to the way they engage with others and their community. This effort included people inside and outside religious institutions, those who consider themselves spiritual, and those who do not. The study comprises interviews, focus group conversations, and a statistically relevant national survey.
Spiritual Practices to Support Democratic Values and Virtues
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.
Love Can Transform Our Society and the Political Landscape
Going into this election, we have a politics of fear and division. We have politics that encourage an “us vs. them” attitude, that foster the dehumanization of those who believe differently than we do. What is the solution to these feelings of division, to the anger and fear so many are feeling?
November Practice: Spirituality and Civic Action
Spirituality compels people to engage in action and activities tied to creating a better nation and world—and helps sustain action.
—Rev. Adam Russel Taylor, Executive Director, Sojourners and “What Does Spirituality Mean to Us?” advisor
What’s Healing About Lighting Candles?
This piece is part of a series offered by the GilChrist team during the month of October about practices of healing, in honor of GilChrist’s 25th anniversary on October 15.
October Practice: Vision at the Great Turning Point
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.