Podcast Summary
Connection between activism and spirituality: Explore inner whispers, determine purpose, engage in authentic activism, acknowledge burnout, and find joy to sustain activism
Learning from this conversation between Brené Brown and Karen Walrond, as they discuss her new book "The Lightmaker's Manifesto," is the profound connection between activism and spirituality. They explore the importance of listening to inner whispers and engaging in deep self-inquiry to determine our purpose and causes worth fighting for. The conversation touches upon the significance of authentic activism and the dangers of performative activism, as well as the importance of acknowledging and addressing burnout. They also emphasize the role of joy in sustaining activism and preventing burnout. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of understanding the spiritual dimensions of activism and the necessity of approaching it with purpose, authenticity, and self-care.
Activism as a spiritual act for believers and non-believers: Activism can be a spiritual experience for people of all faiths or none, as it allows individuals to create meaning and engage in acts of worship or service.
Activism can be a spiritual act, regardless of one's faith or belief in a higher power. I was initially surprised to learn that some activists I interviewed, including faith leaders, identified as agnostic, atheist, or practitioners of various faiths. Two individuals, Aaron Billard from the Church of Canada and Sean Fitzpatrick from the Jung Center, both emphasized this idea. Aaron, who leads the irreverent Virtuous Abbey Twitter feed, views activism as a form of worship and believes that one doesn't need to believe in a god to engage in this spiritual act. Sean, a therapist raised Catholic, believes that spirituality is about creating experiences of meaning, which is a common goal for many activists. These conversations challenged my assumptions and broadened my perspective on the relationship between activism and spirituality.
Listening to the universe's whisper: A spiritual awakening in activism: Activism can provide a deeply spiritual experience, transcending personal interests and fostering a sense of interconnectedness with others. It can offer a sense of purpose and transcendence, reminiscent of religious experiences.
Activism, with its focus on creating meaningful experiences and taking responsibility to address the world's issues, can be a deeply spiritual experience. People often get involved in activism due to a persistent feeling that something isn't right, which they describe as a whisper from the universe. This sense of connection drives individuals to act, transcending personal interests and fostering a sense of interconnectedness with others. Activism doesn't require a formal faith or spiritual practice, but the sense of purpose and transcendence it offers can be reminiscent of religious experiences. Mira Jacob, a novelist and creative writer, is an example of someone who listened to that whisper and created a powerful graphic memoir, "The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing," which explores themes of identity, family, and connection.
Exploring new territories can lead to unexpected creations: Self-reflection and exploring personal experiences can lead to impactful art, encouraging readers to do the same.
Sometimes, when faced with creative blocks or personal challenges, looking inward and exploring new territories can lead to unexpected and impactful creations. Mira Jacob, a critically acclaimed author, was inspired to create her groundbreaking book "Good Talk" after feeling pressured to write a sequel to her debut novel. When she expressed her frustration to a friend, an architect, he suggested she consider unexplored areas in her life as potential sources of inspiration. Jacob, who enjoyed doodling to help with her writing, decided to create a visual narrative of her experiences as a South Asian woman married to a Jewish American man and raising a mixed-race child. The result was a powerful and humanizing book that tackles issues of discrimination, racism, and identity. "Good Talk" serves as a testament to the importance of self-reflection and the transformative power of art. It encourages readers to explore their own experiences and perspectives in order to make a difference in their own lives and in the world.
Focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment: Incorporating passions into work leads to greater purpose, meaning, and overall satisfaction, and helps prevent burnout.
Identifying and focusing on the things that bring us joy and fulfillment in our careers can lead to greater purpose, meaning, and overall satisfaction in life. This doesn't necessarily mean being the best at those things, but rather tapping into them to be of service to others and staying true to ourselves. As the speaker mentioned, they discovered their passions for public speaking, writing, and photography, and have made a point to incorporate them into their work ever since. This approach not only brings joy to the individual but also makes them less likely to burn out. Additionally, connecting seemingly unrelated things can lead to impactful activism or meaningful work. By staying true to our values and focusing on what lights us up, we can navigate the challenges and criticisms that come our way with greater resilience.
Identifying causes that resonate is key for effective activism: Find causes that truly matter to you and communicate clearly about your boundaries in activism
Finding and focusing on the causes that truly resonate with us is crucial for effective and sustainable activism. Valerie Koehr emphasizes that the journey is more important than the end goal, as many social justice issues may not be solved in our lifetimes. It's essential to identify the issues that hook us and find activism from that place. Additionally, the price of not engaging in performative outrage and activism publicly can be high, but ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide how and when to use their platform for causes they believe in. Clear communication about personal causes and boundaries is essential when dealing with criticism.
Serving others and making a difference: Focus on the cause and the people it serves, not personal recognition or validation, and remember that impactful work can be done behind the scenes
Activism is about serving others and making a difference, not about self-promotion or ego-stroking. The speaker emphasizes that activism should be done for the sake of the cause and the people it serves, not for personal recognition or validation from the world. It's important to remember that not all activism requires a public platform or a large audience. Some of the most impactful work can be done behind the scenes, anonymously. The speaker also warns against the danger of sharing becoming more important than the work itself, and encourages focusing on what serves the cause and the work at hand. The speaker shares personal experiences of neighbors and friends who do important work but prefer to keep it private, and respects their decision to do so. The line between righteousness and self-righteousness was also touched upon, with the former being about taking a stand for a cause or community that has been wronged, and the latter being about doing it for personal validation.
Avoiding Performative Activism: Focus on accountability and meaningful work in activism, rather than just performing it for others. Balance anger with sustainable solutions.
While taking a stand for justice and equity is righteous, it's essential to avoid performative activism, or actions that only serve to prove one's righteousness to others. The safety pin movement, for instance, was an example of performative activism that failed to bring about meaningful change. Sustaining activism requires accountability and a focus on actual work, rather than just performing it for others. Additionally, while anger and rage can be effective catalysts for activism, they should not be the sole fuel, as they can ultimately burn out and poison the activist. Instead, a balanced approach that harnesses the power of anger while also seeking sustainable, long-term solutions is crucial.
Harnessing the power of emotions for activism: Recognize the importance of both positive and negative emotions for fueling activism. Use negative emotions as motivation to regroup and approach situations thoughtfully, while embracing vulnerability for deep connections and growth.
Fueling your activism or passion with positive emotions like learning, self-compassion, kindness, and purposefulness is essential, but it's also important to recognize and harness the power of negative emotions like rage as a spark for change. The key is to avoid reacting in rage without thinking and instead use it as motivation to regroup, regain energy, and approach the situation thoughtfully. As Joan Halifax said, it's about finding the rhythm of breathe and push. Vulnerability, which can be challenging and uncomfortable, is also crucial as it allows us to connect deeply with ourselves and others and can lead to powerful growth. Remember, vulnerability is both a pain in the ass and the secret sauce. So, be brave, acknowledge your fear, and use tools like self-compassion breaks to help you navigate through difficult times. Lastly, don't be afraid to show your sensitive side, even if it means crying easily, as it's a part of who you are.
Media's impact on fostering understanding and connection: Media and art provide comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging, challenging monolithic perceptions and showcasing diversity.
Media, whether it be television shows, movies, or music, has the power to provide representation, foster understanding, and bring people together. For the speaker, shows like "Only Murders in the Building" and movies like "Black Panther" have left a lasting impact by challenging monolithic perceptions and showcasing the richness and diversity of different cultures and experiences. These works have provided comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging, especially for those who have felt excluded or misunderstood. The speaker's connection to Steve Martin and his admiration for the actor's work is a testament to the enduring power of art to touch and inspire people. Additionally, shared experiences through music, like the speaker's connection to BB King and their children's guitar lessons, can create a sense of community and strengthen relationships. Overall, media and art have the power to provide comfort, foster understanding, and bring people together.
Cherishing Meaningful Relationships and Expressing Gratitude: Appreciate the simple joys of life with family, cherish long-standing friendships, and express gratitude for emotional support and love received.
Friendship and gratitude are essential sources of joy and strength in life. Karen shared a moment of true joy with her family around a fire during fall, expressing her deep appreciation for the simple things. She also expressed her deep gratitude for their long-standing friendship, recalling a time when Renee provided emotional support during a difficult period. The mixtape Karen shared reflects her pride in her Trinidadian heritage and her belief in the power of individuals to make a positive impact on the world. The conversation between Karen and Renee underscores the importance of cherishing meaningful relationships and expressing gratitude for the support and love we receive from others.
Technology kept the podcast going during the pandemic: Brene Brown used technology to record podcasts from different locations during the pandemic, expressing her gratitude for in-person interactions and hoping for their return.
Technology played a crucial role in keeping the podcast going during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the host to record from various locations using a portable kit. However, the host also expressed her gratitude for the ability to be in person with people and hopes for its return. To find more information about Karen and her book, visit renebrown.com. The podcast, "Unlocking Us," is produced by Brene Brown Education and Research Group, and new episodes can be found on your favorite podcast app. The music is by Carrie Rodriguez and Gina Chavez, and it is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
