[Women] women's march and activism

[Cindy Taylor]

Thanks for caring and marching and being active. My youngest sister who
lives in Maine sent me some photos from her group of creative friends who
who participated in Portland  Maine.  I thought you'd enjoy them. She
didn't have pink yarn so knit the "pussy hat" in orange.. and just sent the
link suggestions for knitting one. SeePussyhat Project: https://www.
pussyhatproject.com/  I loved Adeline's crocheted one! Hurrah.  I've
attached three photos she sent. and also  the following letter which one of
her friends shared with her. It written by Sarah M Vekasi, MDiv.

Eco-Chaplaincy Initiative
Black Mountain, NC

I found it helpful and loved the images she sent. Hope they give you a
laugh or renewed spirit in some way,

Cindy Taylor



*Subject: **Love letter to new activists, an Eco-Chaplaincy Update*

      Okay new activists, I love you and I see you. Welcome! We need you,
and you do not need to have everything figured out. One step and then
another. Please find that seed of outrage and grief and nourish it - this
is your need for justice, your love of community, democracy, science, it is
your heart yearning for equality and liberation for all, etc., and these
seeds are so precious. It is important to let them get nourished with water
and sunlight (compassion for self, measured reaction time, breaks, and most
of all - willingness to grow).
      As someone who has been engaging in community organizing and direct
action for over twenty years, I want to let y'all in on a few secrets of
how we keep it up. These are fiercely held secrets shared across movements,
so listen closely: we have potlucks, music nights, shared story circles,
art projects, long walks, sharing circles, and cultural work in all its
glory. ❤
      We also figure out what our passions are and focus more there. Some
of us love spreadsheets and logistics, others love being on the front lines
stopping destruction with our bodies, others love writing, others love
speaking to the press, while others thrive cooking for large groups and
chopping firewood. Some of us enjoy legislative action, others direct
action, others building alternative structures and schools, others helping
our hearts and minds shift...and we need it all. There is no superior way
to engage in change. We waste precious time fighting over which strategy is
the most important, or engaging in something we think we should be doing
instead of the thing our heart yearns for. The key is to stay connected and
work together.
      New organizers - make sure there is time for music and getting to
know one another at the postcard parties and phone banks. Creating
friendship and building trust is what keeps us going. Soon doing resistance
work and spending time with your favorite people will be the same thing!
Imagine that!
     Being a part of active resistance means so many things, including
being more vigilant than ever about making time for art, exercise, healthy
eating, taking on only so much, finding more friends to share the load, and
taking care of your body - this in itself is a revolutionary act.
      Re-remember or learn to meditate, to pray, to make time EVERY DAY for
spiritual practice. This can mean anything appropriate for you, but I mean
engaging in some form of practice centered on that which is greater than
yourself and transcends the mundane, (or sacralizes the mundane). This is
another secret to renew yourself everyday. Find your passion, explore your
intention, engage in action, and acknowledge that the results might outlive
all of us. Spiritual practice can help you find that bigness and help you
find the courage that is needed for the long haul.
      There is room for everyone in this time of great unraveling. Together
we can turn the tide into a truly diverse, intersectional great turning.
Thank you. I look forward to working with you, and watching this resistance
grow and thrive.

Love,

Sarah

Sarah M Vekasi, MDiv.
Eco-Chaplaincy Initiative
Black Mountain, NC
828-333-1884 <(828)%20333-1884>
www.ecochaplaincy.net
Eco-Chaplaincy is pastoral care for the Great Turning. Call or email to set
up a counseling session, workshop, or more.
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