Ep. 45: Spiritual Practice is Resistance Work

I know I’m doing something right because I’m nervous to upload this episode.So often, spiritual practices are considered “apolitical.” And perhaps they are — I’m not attached to a political system or a political party. I am attached to our collective freedom from suffering. So if your system or party is not on the “freedom from suffering” train — I’m against it.This episode is one of my core spiritual beliefs. When I have taught and shared about it elsewhere, I’ve gotten some pushback. I think it often makes us uncomfortable. When I start talking about ‘social justice,’ so many people are conditioned to shut off, weary and wary of social justice warriors.But there is no way around this: our spiritual practices bring us back to our interconnectedness. And when we have embodied that, and practiced that — when we listen to The Golden Rule, or embrace ubuntu — there’s no escaping this reality: The natural destination of spiritual practice is social justice work.Whether you call it “collective liberation” or “movement work” or “the resistance” or “love warriors,” doesn’t matter. Once we realize we’re all on this boat together, we want the sailing to stop hurting us.If you are feeling overwhelmed already — don’t worry. There is no hitting you over the head or guilt coming in this episode.In fact, if you are feeling groundless, lost, hopeless or helpless, that’s the invitation to your spiritual practice. If you’re already scared or overwhelmed, I do not want you to help other people out of the boat. I want you to stop, sit still, and tend to your curious heart.And then come back. Spiritual practices leads us naturally to liberatory work. And it is also our preparation and training. When we are exhausted by the weight of the world, our practices are ready and waiting to restore and refill us.When you are tired, I will step forward so you can rest. When I am weary, I need you to step forward. We are all connected; there is only one of us.I hope this episode feels equal parts challenging, soothing, and empowering. And may you, and all being, feel that inner sense of ease that’s always here.लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तुLokaḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu[00:00:00] – Welcome & The Stakes[00:02:00] – Building the Inner Foundation[00:08:33] – There’s Only One of Us[00:23:21] – Spiritual Practice Leads to Justice Work[00:30:05] – Start With One Small Thing#CuriousHearts #SocialJustice #SpiritualPractice #Justice #Podcast #SpiritualLeadership This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe