What's Actually Activating Through Your Activism?

This content was developed in partnership with Conscious City Guide.

To answer this question, another arises — what’s activating your activism? 

The last months and the impact of lockdown have meant that many have had a break from the ‘norm’ that qualified many of our lives. This norm is anchored in the verb ‘doing’. What happens when we slow down? Perhaps we start to notice what’s important to us. It could be taking time for that long walk, the rhythms of nature and of the day, connecting with family. It could also mean noticing the injustices of this world, with so many facing disproportionate challenges based on the color of their skin, gender, social status, physical abilities, or all others forms of discrimination.

And suddenly, with time, and a space to deeply reflect in the pause, we see what has always been and, even more so, we feel it. Now you’re activated. Then what? 

What does one do with the indignation and anger at the status quo, and a system that perpetuates the marginalization of so many with the dominance of one group over another? The power of our collective voice has never been more obvious. Perhaps even more so now, given just how far it can travel.

“The power of our collective voice has never been more obvious”

What’s my voice, you ask? It’s your truth. It’s trusting this, and the fact that these are the ingredients of change.

Then fear comes in. What if I say the wrong thing? What if my truth offends another, or, even worse, achieves the opposite of its intent? What if nothing changes — and it's all for nothing? It doesn't take action to keep injustices going, it takes inaction.

“It doesn't take action to keep injustices going, it takes inaction”

Our inaction in spite of our activation is founded on a lot of fears we feel — and even more so, allowing this fear to lead others, which is rarely ever a good idea.
One thing I know for sure: there is no learning without the pitfalls of failing a few times, or falling short of the intended result. Our fears can bring to light some of those pitfalls, but only we can surmount them. 

Can we see and welcome fear, but agree that fear will never make the last call — or decide which path we take to get there? With these boundaries, we can face our fears, giving it that which it wants: our attention, but never the last word. All emotions, from fear to anger to rage, can be powerful guides in these times of activation. Let them work for us, not hold us captive. 

“All emotions, from fear to anger to rage, can be powerful guides in these times of activation. Let them work for us, not hold us captive”

So: we are activated, and we trust our voice. We are speaking up. We are moving through and allowing fear, anger, and all emotions to serve us. Now what? 

Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead reminds us of the path to justice when she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

What does this mean for your activation? As the African saying goes, “If you want to go fast; go alone, if you want to go far; go together.” Connect to other powerful agents of change and with this, harness the power of our interconnectedness. Our powers as humans amplify in togetherness and in community. Do not fight the system alone: activate others, connect to activated warriors, and in turn, be activated yourself. 

So: you are activated, you are fearless and speaking up, and amplified by your squad. There are many injustices — which are you fighting against? And what medium would be best put to use when you tap into the wisdom of your truth and share it so the world might hear the messages you carry?

This is a key exercise and journey for us all to take. What is the power of my voice? What is my medium? What is my message? What issues tug the most, and which voice feels the most true? Take time to sit with these questions, and seek the support of your in-person or online community in which you might learn from others.

“What is my message? What issues tug the most, and which voice feels the most true?”

For me, now I am finding my power for gathering people together to have conscious and empowering conversations with themselves and each other. I am seeing and activating my gift to unlock self-inquiry — and the power of the guidance that comes from this.

How about you? “What's activating through your activism?" You hear the whispers of an answer. Now, it's time to test, fail, and test again. It is the tried path to learning and growth. 

So you have your answer, you are fearless, and you are speaking truth to power on the daily. Great. Now it's time to make sure you take time to be quiet and to rest, tuning into the wisdom of self-love and compassion for your wellbeing is the very fuel for your activism. Take care of yourself on your path to honoring the change that is calling in this time: when ‘doing’ is replaced by ‘being’. 

Photo courtesy of Adrian.