Mindful Activism with Karen Ziegler and Robin Sansing

Organization: Mindful UNC

Contact Person: Robin Sansing, MSW, LCSW at robin_sansing@unc.edu

Participation Link: Click here to join!  Passcode: Mindful (If needed, meeting id:946 2872 1369)

Description:  We are living through a time of tremendous change, a shift that is both individual and collective. We know that to avoid escalating climate catastrophe, human beings must take collective action very soon, and this will require a global shift in consciousness as well as behavior. In this country, the dream of democracy is threatened as never before, and the rise of a domestic terrorist insurgency is a danger to us all. Activism simply means taking action to help tip the balance toward the world we wish for. Even small actions can make a great difference.

Mindfulness is a practice, a particular way of relating to the present moment. Over time this practice can be transformative, lessening our suffering and waking us up. It can motivate us to act in order to decrease the suffering of others. It can help us develop an activism that is kind to ourselves as well as others. Through this practice, we can resist white supremacy and other forms of injustice without becoming bitter or exhausted, and learn to hold our broken hearts with compassion. Through stories, discussion, and practice, we will explore how we are led to the practices of activism and mindfulness, and what we learn from both