Gatherings That Have Helped Develop the Field This emerging field of transformational practice is decentralized but it is not disconnected. Over the past few years various groups and organizations have been instrumental in realizing a number of gatherings that have begun to forge a stronger network and more vast possibilities for its work. Their success lies in how they have: (1) Opened up and framed conversations, around spiritual activism and many related threads of dialogue; (2) Explored numerous frameworks and ideas, consistently expanding a collective understanding of the nature and importance of the work; and (3) Developed important and lasting relationships among leaders and participants in the field. We feel strongly that the first Seasons Gathering needed to be designed for leaders of “frontline” social change organizations that are working consciously to incorporate reflective and transformational practices into their work. Here are some of the previous gatherings that inform this one: • In December of 2002, six individuals organized, “Spirit and Social Change,” a gathering for leaders engaged in bringing spiritual and transformative practice to progressive social change movements. This gathering, convened in Santa Cruz, CA, provided a unique opportunity for heart-centered relationship building, laid the groundwork for ongoing support, and sparked a series of working groups. • Two months later, the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society hosted “Inviting the World to Transform” in Essex, MA. This gathering focused on people bringing contemplative practice into social justice work and provided a forum for some presentations on specifics. • In May of 2003 stone circles convened a gathering on spiritual activism for twenty young people at the Rigmor Retreat Center in North Carolina. Participants wrestled with questions, dynamic tensions, and core principles of the work; were introduced to network theory; and began charting possible directions for the emerging field. • In September 2003, the Vallecitos Mountain Refuge hosted a contemplative retreat, “Spiritual and Contemplative Awareness and Social Change.” The retreat offered a contemplative environment and a facilitated dialogue each morning to explore particular questions. • In April 2004, six organizations created “Standing Together: A gathering for people bringing transformational and spiritual practice to social change,” held at the Omega Institute. Highlights from “Spiritual Activism: Claiming the Poetry and Ideology of a Liberation Spirituality,” Garrison Institute, June 2005 LESSONS FOR OUR COMMON WORK: 1. Find language that works 2. Engage dynamics of oppression up front 3. Uncover common principles (see below) 4. Acknowledge dynamic tensions Healthy process and vibrant outcome Building a movement or a container for movement 5. Name strategies that work (see below) COMMON PRINCIPLES: The anchors and truths that structure the work we are doing in the world Interconnectivity, interdependence Practice Anti-oppression Movement-building Embodiment Present moment Love Unity and difference Healing and self care Accountability STRATEGIES THAT WORK: Integrating spiritual principles into organizing work Training Circles and healing work Tradition-based and practice-based teaching/organizing Prophetic voice and visioning Organization and network building NEXT STEPS: Develop collective theory of change Share map of strategies for practical, daily application Organizer funders and funding Harvest historical lessons Design with more nonverbal and contemplative space Aim towards synthesis |