An Activist Is Something You Are

I guess because I’m an old hippie, part of the 60’s generation which cut our teeth on the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. We tried to raise the red flag on the environment and other causes. Perhaps, too, it’s because I’m a Libra:  the sign of justice and peace.

There is strength in numbers. Speak out, stand up for your rights and the rights of our fellow human beings!

One of the search terms that appears on my site here is the word “activism” and “how to be an activist.”

Activism is not so much something to “be” but more of a sense of what one is. Complacency about social issues does not make for good activism. Self-centered or wearing blinders isn’t conducive either.

Passion and love are also about activism. Compassion, too, is a large part of activism and so is anger! What moves you for the good of all? What enrages your soul about conditions, be they societal,  environmental, political or other?

Activism is many words: love, hate, compassion, sympathy, anger, hope, dreams, vision and direction.

It feels.

It is the fighter, the  Muhammad Ali in us but also the compassion of Mother Teresa. It is the determination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the peace of  Gandhi. It is the rage of every protest and a desire for accomplishment.

It is not for one but for all.

Whether you take on Wal-Mart, the NRA, civil rights, human rights, the environment,  our food system, animal rights, protection of children, the elderly, the greed of corporate America or politics – the list is endless – as are the emotions.

Activism is not a flat-line of spirit.  It is up and down, a heartbeat and alive. It is consciousness and moving forward.  Its direction is always for the good of all; never for the greed of one.

Activism is getting out there, connecting with those of like minds no matter what the cause.

It is writing, reading, researching and getting facts straight for your cause. Information is key to any battle, something that every four star general will tell you.  Know your “enemy,” your subject because for every fact that is hurled from you there will one hundred that are flung back in your face.

Like molasses, activism can be slow going.  One step at a time.  Like a sculptor, pieces fall but they also come together in the final piece.  This is why the minds of many are helpful. Activism is patience and also give and take. It is focus and determination.

So, activism is not something that you can BE – it is something that you are from your soul because it encompasses so much of you.

Are you ready?

For We Will Be Judged For Our Compassion….

In the following story, which I did not write, there is a wonderful example of compassion.

From author Abraham H. Foxman, a child of Nazi Germany, who was sheltered by his nanny; it is a beautiful story.  It is not only his tale but that of many others who gave so completely in such a time of horror, prejudice and death.

From his article in today’s Huffington Post:

“It is fitting that the United Nations, as part of the international commemoration of the Holocaust on January 27, is paying tribute this year not only to the millions of innocents who died in the Nazi gas chambers, but also to those who made extraordinary sacrifices to hide and protect tens of thousands of Jews and others from certain death at the hands of Hitler’s genocidal pogrom.

I‘m speaking, of course, of the rescuers — those individuals who made a calculated decision to shelter Jews and others wanted by the Nazis for no crime other than being the members of a deeply hated minority.” read more….

It is in a breath that I take  a pause from this current crusade against violence.

At our hearts we are compassionate.  There are few among us who do not weep over injustice.  Our question here is:  could we be so brave to act like the quiet heroes in Mr. Foxman’s story? I believe that most of us could.

We all have great acts of courage.  Moments that our soul shines through to embrace our fellow humans and all around us.  The trouble is that we need to let more of it show to the world.  Our works and deeds reveal our heart.

When we stand up, when we speak out, we are coming forth with love for those who cannot express themselves.  This is true bravery. It is also a facet of activism.

Do not go through a day without letting your heart shine.  Act on that impulse to smile, offer friendly words, lend a hand, brighten a day with laughter.  Share your humanity.  Receive the humanity from others, also.

If we can learn from this story that our lives are not only enriched by others but we, too, enrich all by our actions.  Our light shines never so brightly as when we offer ourselves to protect and love, especially in times of great fear.

It is a gift that each one of us has to share.

Share it with a stranger today.