Internal resources for the future

On the spiritual power sources of civil society activists and the benefits of the crisis

Abstract

Whilst some see the world in its growth mania nearing the end of times, others describe the present time of crisis as a period of transition. They seem to have access to a kind of creativity which goes deeper than the lust for profit, growth, status and materialistic happiness, and which draws from being connected to an inner source of strength that turns pain for the world into love to the world. This calls for every individual to heighten their sensitivity – to feel more, perceive more, love more – in order to play a creative part in creation. In the process, a world view becomes evident that no longer separates inner growth and political action and effortlessly combines rational knowledge and  religious roots. Many activists feed their spiritual source by facing the pain for the endangered world, gaining new power of action and strength for a ‘politics of the heart’ by mindfully approaching that which was repressed. This kind of profound compassion changes something in our identity. Our self-image expands, and we begin to care for the world as we care for ourselves. The key point is thus to integrate political analysis, emotional affection and spiritual rootedness. Each crisis is transformative in nature. It is true now more than ever before that we have the possibility to use the current crisis as an opportunity. The ability to claim the future for oneself is a cultural resource that should be made available to everybody. The future will then become an act of partaking and participation because everybody will help building it.