Today across the globe, millions of people are suffering from wars of aggression and genocide, oppression of freedom and human rights by autocratic regimes, migration of peoples whose lives are at risk in their home countries, and mass extinctions of plant and wildlife populations due to climate change. These tragic events overwhelm us with shock, sorrow, and outrage, and call us to take action for change. How we engage existing power structures to achieve change — our attitudes, methods, goals, and even our thoughts and emotions — makes all the difference for the impact and effectiveness of our activism.
Reacting to unjust and intolerable conditions with anger, divisiveness, and animosity toward those in power, often adds fuel to the fire and contributes little to lasting, positive change.
Studying spiritual principles — such as unity of all beings, interconnectedness, acting from wholeness, and disarming hatred with love — and then integrating them into our social activism enable us to be aware of the inner and outer dynamics of lasting change and to engage them consciously, compassionately, and courageously.
This Sunday, May 18, the Pagosa Unitarian Universalist (UU) Fellowship welcomes Revs. Janess and David Sheets, sharing music along with spiritual principles to show how they apply this approach to social activism. Their program is titled, “Mystics on the Front Lines: Integrating Spiritual Perspectives and Resources into Social Activism.”
The Sheets are ordained ministers of the Sufi Universal Worship, spiritual retreat guides, and senior teachers in the Inayatiyya, a Sufi Path of Spiritual Liberty. They studied with renowned Sufi master Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan for over 30 years and continue to serve in many local, national, and international roles in the Inayatiyya.
Now retired from careers in Texas child protective services, they live in Pagosa Springs where they guide meditation retreats and enjoy being in the mountains, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
All are invited to explore with us as we offer diverse topics with curious minds and open hearts. You can find us at Unit B-15 of the Greenbriar Plaza, 301 N. Pagosa Blvd. on the north side facing the Pagosa Peak. We also offer Zoom services the first and third Sundays of the month. Find our current newsletter at PagosaUU.org for the link to join, and to find our current programs.
A shortened meditation practice is held this Sunday at 9:00am prior to the service beginning at 10:30am. Meditation and Dharma talk is offered the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 9-10:15am. All are welcome to share in this weekly practice.