"So often activism is based on what we are against, what we don't like, what we don't want. And yet we manifest what we focus on. And so we are manifesting yet ever more of what we don't want, what we don't like, what we want to change. So for me, activism is about a spiritual practice as a way of life. And I realized I didn't climb the tree because I was angry at the corporations and the government; I climbed the tree because when I fell in love with the redwoods, I fell in love with the world. So it is my feeling of 'connection' that drives me, instead of my anger and feelings of being disconnected."
-- Julia Butterfly Hill
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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We were discussing very much the same thing in meditation class tonight
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more...there's a wonderful quote I have up at home, along the same lines, by Henry van Dyke. It's a bit long but I'm going to put it!: Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up to the stars; to be satisfied with your possesions; to despise nothing but falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice; to be governed by your admirations rather than by your disgusts; to covet nothing that is your neighbour's except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners; to think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends...and to spend as much time as you can, with body and spirit. These are little guideposts on the footpath to peace.
ReplyDeletex Philippa
This also brings to mind a favorite and very famous quote from Mother Teresa: "I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there."
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. It really does humans no good to be anti anything...even if that anything is hurful. It is pointless to fight against darkness. What we need to do is add to the light.
Wow, I loved your post, but I'm also blown away by your commenters' comments! I'm so glad I visited today. Thanks for the inspiration.
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