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Spirit & Stardust As citizen-activists the world over merge,
they can become an irresistible force to create peace and protect the
planet. From here will come a new movement to abolish nuclear weapons
and all weapons of mass destruction. From here will come the demand
for sustainable communities, for new systems of energy, transportation
and commerce. From here comes the future rushing in on us. How does
one acquire the capacity for active citizenship? The opportunities exist
every day. In Cleveland, citizens have developed the ability to intercede
when schools are scheduled to be closed, and have kept the schools open;
to rally to keep hospitals open; to save industries which provide jobs;
to protect neighborhood libraries from curtailment of service, to improve
community policing; to meet racial, ethnic and religious intolerance
openly and directly. Active citizenship begins with an envisioning
of the desired outcome and a conscious application of spiritual principles.
I know. I have worked with the people in my own community. I have seen
the dynamic of faith in self, faith in one's ability to change things,
faith in one's ability to prevail against the odds through an appeal
to the spirit of the world for help, through an appeal to the spirit
of community for participation, through an appeal to the spirit of cooperation,
which multiplies energy. I have seen citizens challenge conditions
without condemning anyone, while invoking principles of non-opposition
and inclusion of those who disagree. I have seen groups of people overcome
incredible odds as they become aware they are participating in a cause
beyond self and sense the movement of the inexorable which comes from
unity. When you feel this principle at work, when you see spiritual
principles form the basis of active citizenship, you are reminded once
again of the merging of stardust and spirit. There is creativity. There
is magic. There is alchemy. |
“Active citizenship begins with an envisioning of the desired outcome and a conscious application of spiritual principles.” |
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