My definition of Beloved Community involves both individual and social transformation. It is an inclusive, interrelated consciousness based on love, justice, responsibility, shared power, and a deep respect for all people, places and things that radically transforms individuals and restructures institutions. After doing social justice work for a number of years, I realized the importance of engaging in inner as well as outer work. Both are essential for meaningful social change. Often, we focus more on one than the other, however today’s challenges require both. Below is a list that I have found helpful. I hope it will provide touchstones for anyone seeking to build Beloved Community.
1. A “mountaintop experience” that motivates. An encounter, a confrontation, witnessing an act of courage, hearing a prophetic word, a tragic event.
Examples: Freedom Riders, Peace Corps Volunteers, “Freedom Summer” Volunteers, Black Lives Matter protests
Personal Examples: Watching the March on Washington “I Have a Dream” speech at 17.
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2. A spiritual practice that sustains. A practice that lifts you above the distractions of daily life, orders your life, and provides deep connection to the Universe. This often involves ritual and is done with regularity.
Examples: prayer, yoga, meditation, exercise, spending time in nature, Twelve-step programs, playing a musical instrument.
Personal Examples: my son, a devout Muslim, praying five times a day; playing gospel music on the piano; writing my spiritual memoir.
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3. A spiritual community that supports. A relationship with like-minded people who provide support and comfort through the various stages and changes of life.
Examples: Burning Man, AA groups, churches, mosques, synagogues, martial arts dojos, Buddhist sanghas, choirs, civic organizations that serve a larger purpose.
Personal Example: My church, Oakland Center for Spiritual Living
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4. A commitment to others beyond our tribes or inner circles that reinforces and strengthens. Relationships grounded in mutual concern for the well-being of self and others, maintaining a spirit of generosity.
Examples: caring for the vulnerable, sharing our abundance with others.
Personal example: mentoring students, many of whom suffer from “impostor syndrome.”
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5. A theology/philosophy/belief that guides. One that is inclusive and encourages deep connections across spiritual traditions.
Examples: a religious or philosophical tradition, Catholic Worker, Sojourners, Poor People’s Campaign, a commitment to nonviolent direct action
Personal examples: my Black Church experience, womanist/feminist theology
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6. A connection to elders/ancestors. Remembering that we stand on the shoulders of the many, famous and ordinary, who have come before and sacrificed on our behalf.
Examples: Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Dolores Huerta, Fannie Lou Hamer
Personal Example: Grace Lee Boggs, a social activist who was still going strong in her nineties.
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7. An art form that nourishes. An artistic practice that enhances our creativity and renews our spirit.
Examples: AIDS Quilt, community murals, poetry writing, spoken word, playing musical instruments, dancing
Personal Example: Collage making focused on my collective history and story that supports my journey toward wholeness.
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8. A gratitude / thankfulness that renews. Appreciating what we have been freely given.
Example: for the Earth, clean water, access to good healthcare, storytellers
Personal Example: The college education my mother insisted I get in spite of my lack of awareness of what it would mean for my life
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9. A sustainability that replenishes. Supporting organizations that nourish, inspire, and encourage us.
Example: Supporting spiritual communities, charities, and nonprofits working for social justice
Personal Example: supporting Thrive East Bay, recycling
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10. A vision that inspires. One that supports connection to your Higher Self.
Examples: participating in social movements, i.e., union organizing, protesting police and gun violence, Water Protectors protesting pipelines, working to mitigate climate change
Personal Example: My commitment to building Beloved Community in my work and in everything I do
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