Grassroots Spirituality
3 From Me
Grassroots Spirituality
By: Lesley Michaels
What is grassroots spirituality? I’m sure it is many things and from my perspective, Grassroots Spirituality is the movement from the old structure of living one’s live in a space of separation—any expression of separation—to living wholly, boldly and interactively with all with whom we share this great planet.
One component of my live has long been lived among, and in interaction with, those who typically refer to themselves as the spiritual community. During these years I have witnessed the clear and specific ways through which these individuals have worked diligently to develop a sub-culture, separate from the greater whole of our society. So often I have looked on, bewildered, while viewing the manners in which these dear ones held themselves as part of an elite group, wiser, more enlightened, more progressive and more likely to achieve some generous height, after this lifetime.
Simultaneous to this, over the past dozen years I have also observed many of that ‘other’ community coming into a profound expression of their own Divine spirit. We have all seen books and speakers, who in an earlier decade’s would have drawn a significantly smaller audience, now reaching into the lives and minds of millions, with their national booklist best sellers.
Concurrent with this, we are seeing a great movement of expanded volunteerism, philanthropy, expressed through broadened participation on every level of the social and political spectrum. It is this, that I refer to as Grassroots Spirituality. I see it as an active and intentional choice to become more physically, mentally, and emotionally present with all the many brothers and sisters of our world, and to do so on a daily basis, without any sense of exclusivity.
Looking around our world it is hard to not realize we are in quite a fix. We have computers that allow us complete connection to every other person with whom we share this world, and yet never have we been so isolated from each other. We have instantaneous news from around the globe, still we lack even a basic understanding of what one on the other side of the planet, one of a different political, societal, religious doctrine thinks, believes and feels. Millions each day die of starvation, but who will we trust with our contributions to the remedy, in assurance it will actually reach those intended? In this country alone, the wealthiest country on the planet, distribution of our wealth has tricked to such a small and specifically focused stream that we have children approaching puberty who have never seen a dentist. Our educational system, in this almighty wealthy country, is in shambles. Our planet is in dire shape, and we are arguing about how dire, is it really dire, and the biggest question of all, at whom shall we point our fingers in accusatory hostility. I could go on and on with the bad news of which we are each already aware, and by which we are all generally confounded. Instead I would like to invite a redirection of focus and application of energy.
A common focus of the term Grassroots is in reference to political movements. In these instances, it generally refers to a person who is actively choosing to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present with the people they want to represent. This is to say that any Grassroots movement is rooted in sitting with groups and individuals to learn what is needed and desired, then acting, rather than proceeding from assumption, which is all too often followed by throwing money, laws, or edicts as a means of solution, and just hoping they hit the mark, or any mark at all. Grassroots action, means getting out in the fields and tending the crops, fertilizing the plants, watering what is being grown and harvesting the fruit. In the case of Grassroots Spirituality, what would those crops, plants fruit be? Us, all of us. Whether we be wealthy, impoverished, or somewhere between, we are the fruit of this world. Which is to say, we must be the ones to tend, fertilize, water and harvest, all the while being that which is being tended, fertilized, watered, and harvested.
For too long, we have looked to our governments and political leaders to provide our solutions. It did not work. It could not work. There are too few of them, being held responsible for too many of us, each with our individual and specific set of personal agendas. A most profound example of this was an opportunity to attend a John Trudell event last year. He was speaking of his non-profit organization, Women and Children First. In short it promotes the philosophy that we must institute a national policy which guarantees all women and children free health care. When the room was invited to participate, I sat in amazement as none speaking up were willing to agree, until their own special interest was voiced and assurance was given that it would be equally guaranteed. Repeatedly, John invited the room to understand that until we can agree where the foundation must be laid, the house cannot be built upon it. Still the arguing, crying and assailing continued. In conclusion, the majority of the audience left in a huff, because their special interest was not being addressed, in the way they demanded. Certainly we do now have health care for children, however, and in keeping with my bigger point, I will add that I have heard democrats who supported our new president vigorously during the election period, now loudly bemoaning this health care decision, due to concern for their personal special interests.
As to the level of understanding we gain from our computers and minute to minute delivery of news; this summer I began wondering about all the rhetoric regarding Islam, Muslims, the Quran and what exactly a jihad really is. This brought me to the startlingly unsettled realization of the degree to which I had let other’s shape my opinions through news broadcasts, op-eds, and random conversation. I committed myself to research more substantively, to access an expanded variety of resources, and to include those holding ideologies which do not necessarily concur. Thereby I placed myself in the position I might have been best served to hold all along; that of forming my own, more broadly educated, perspectives.
I have since had several conversations with a dear friend who holds a PhD in world religion, another friend who was once married to a Muslim. I read The Nine Parts of Desire by award winning journalist Geraldine Brooks who spent many years in the middle east. During this time she invested significant energy in intentionally coming to know women from many varying Muslim countries, each with different approaches to Islam, and what this means to their women. I have read on-line essays written by peace seeking Muslim spokespersons, those who believe in the justness of hating all from the west, and some who waver between the two perspectives. Was it pleasant or easy to read of women burned alive for nothing more than letting another man see her ankle? No, of course it wasn’t. Yet had I not pursued these broad studies, I might have also missed learning that the Quran in its original presentation, absent of what have been called, “misinterpretations rooted in tribal superstition,” offers a vision far more aligned with a democratic standard than most world religions, including Christianity. In limiting ourselves to only that which is pleasant, that which does not offend, that which caters to our desire to ignore the coarser realities, can we become sufficiently informed as to implement effective change? Currently, I am reading Reconciliation by the late Benazir Bhutto, and feel sure I will continue in this pursuit of expanded understanding. Therein, I may possibly develop something to offer, even if it be nothing more than the heart and energy of one more person on the planet pursuing clarity in a highly complicated situation.
What have I learned this far in the journey? That what I believed true, ranged from being slanted to outright false. Further, that what I thought I did know, was too minimal to be fairly called knowledge at all. Only now am I remembering what I have been taught since my youth; understanding is the first essential element in achieving a universally humane solution, to any matter. I have surely learned I have no answers, and that the immensity of this issue and the struggles it renders are far too broad for me to do service by offering an opinion in this brief essay or in any 30 second or even 5 minute news brief. Most assuredly, I have learned, again, that we must all care, about ourselves, each other, and our world enough to take personal responsibility for looking beyond that which is most easy, most expeditious. There must be a full commitment to learn as much as possible around every perspective of what is fought in our name. Whatever the issue, we must forge beyond the most accessible, in pursuit of what is most broadly true. If we plead not enough time, what are we not allowing time for, research of another religion, ideology, abstract concept? Or is it ourselves, our brothers and sisters of this world, the dear planet herself for which we have pre-decided to not have enough time?
Schools. Dentists. Food. Homes. What benefit exists found in devoting our, precious little, time to reading books, becoming aware of political and religious agendas, ideologies, and platforms do for these issues? How much money has been waged on wars, political campaigns, inaugural balls and religious movements? Without a fully informed awareness of where and how and why our money—and it is our money—is being spent, and more importantly what the truth is behind the dogma and opinion, how can we register an articulate response, offer intelligent debate, or expect any lasting change in direction?
As to public debates, and influential voices to whom we look for change, we base our decisions and opinions on 5 minute news briefs and elaborately created marketing campaigns, much like those designed to sell paper towels. However these marketing strategies are far more serious, they determine who we select as leaders. For too long we have treated these political leaders as parents, of a sort. We expect them to take care of us, then complain when they disappoint, which they must do, since it is a guaranteed and absolute impossibility to make all of us equally happy. We currently have a president who is clearly and daily stating he cannot do this alone. It would be wise to listen. The only alternative is to offer him the carte blanche power over, and responsibility for us as was bestowed his predecessors, which will lead, again, to ultimate disappointment.
As I consider this while looking to myself and my life, I see a spoiled, capitalistic, American. I say this not as a condemnation, rather a perspective of extreme candor. Subsequently, I realize the necessity of rolling up my sleeves and digging into the heart of the muck, in a hands-on, up front and personal way. Only from this wholly engaged sight-line can I know the true face of the issues we must, collectively, address in this time. If these challenges remain impersonal, seen only on television, an internet site, or NGO mailing, can we philanthropically toss money, productively? Without a name and individually recognized concern how can we understand where our money and hearts are most needed? Can that money hold a mother who has just lost a child to hunger, a drive by shooting, or any of the multitude of dangers our global children call daily life? Is it possible for our dollars to smile at a homeless person while dipping their soup, that they can feel the presence of someone caring specifically for them, even if just for that moment? How can our dollars keep an elderly, and isolated person company in their last passing days?
This past year has offered me the privilege of traveling broadly and continuously. I have spoken with people from around the planet, on how our world is and isn’t working, and why there are so many isn’ts. Repeatedly what leapt forward was the expanding awareness we can only do this, make the much needed changes, leap the hurdles, tame the fires, by all doing so together. In my past year, Grassroots Spirituality has come to mean everyone reading, asking questions we fear not liking the answers to, sitting with each other, reaching out, touching every hand on the planet, with our dollars—yes—there are many needed in growing directions. Most importantly, we must come out from behind our doors, our walls and be physically, mentally, and emotionally present in our world. I have committed myself to donate a minimum of three hours, twice a month to volunteerism. I invite you to make an equal commitment—to yourself. For, it is we who do reach out, who will be most benefitted by the action of serving. In whatever directions I find myself called, discover I can be of the greatest benefit, the others of this world can count on 3 from me, from this point forward.
Never, have we had so many people simultaneously living on the planet. Additionally we now face failing financial structures, rampant disease, epidemic hunger, while the numbers of homeless increase every single day, while promising to continue their escalation.
Within the United States, where I am from, we have elderly dying of loneliness, having not seen another person, other than their doctor or mailman in weeks or even months. Our children are failing in inadequate schools, then return home to families unequipped to parent or mentor either one. If that is not enough, the health of our planet is also deeply compromised.
We worry, complain, point fingers, and in the greater context, do far too little, personally, to either implement or participate in potential and actual remedies. Oh, it is true we might offer money to this foundation or that organization. This is both valid and necessary in each of these situations. However, what our world is calling for, in great and desperate need of—is us. Our world situation has long surpassed the place of being remedied by charitable contributions and sideline observers. It is time to act, all of us, boldly, compassionately, and in person. And, if we do all roll up our sleeves, dive in up to our elbows, I am convinced we can save our current world civilization from its the rapid downfall.
There is a new weave on this planet, through which we are seeing the multiple ways in which some have begun exercising their ability to respond to these situations. This movement is crossing all political, spiritual, ideological, and socioeconomic lines. Looking at those showing up personally, to nurse, love, feed, inspire, and mentor those in need, we find the uber-wealthy, the famous, the middle income, and those with less than most of us could stand to imagine, all pitching in personally, physically, emotionally, and whole-heartedly.
Letting our hearts fill, as we physically witness a glimmer of light awakening in another is the most potent exchange of life available to any of us. Join me, and the many others already in action.
Commit yourself to…………………………..3 from Me
This is an intentional movement of people reaching out to volunteer, choosing to be present with others in a myriad of ways, for a minimum of 3 hours a month. A couple computer games. Two hours, otherwise spent debating who is at fault, and what they are going to do about it. Three television shows. Is it really that much to give? And, it is time for each of us, every single one of us, to look directly into the faces of those forgotten, dis-enfranchised, in need of role models and special attention, those who are unable to care for themselves in any way, so they may know they are seen, that they matter, that someone cared enough to show up, for 3 short hours.
This is not a directive to assist in this specific way or that particular area, is it simply an invitation to participate.
You decide how.
You decide where.
You decide the area of your compassion.
Then—show up. For as little as 3 hours a month.
In return, that 3 hours will allow you to see how much you bless another, by simply being present.
3 from Me
If you are at a total loss of where to begin, search your internet.
What organizations exist in your town?
What is your personal area of interest?
What expertise would you enjoy sharing?
What moves you to tears, when watching the news or looking into your daily paper?
You will know. Your heart will speak to you of where it feels most strongly lead.
Then act, before your mind is able to convince you there is not enough time, or of the futility of giving a mere 3 hours.
3 from Me
I’ll look for you out there. We may even be able to combine our gifts on some occasion.
© Michaels 2009