The Revolution is Continual
On sufficiency, sustainable connection and the multi-faceted practice of change
On the topic of reminders: I’ve been sitting with acceptance and the notion of sufficiency. Like, I am enough and what I’m doing or what we will do is enough. We really all have differing roles to play and they truly are all needed.
I remember:
“NO ONE WAY WORKS, it will take all of us
shoving at the thing from all sides
to bring it down.”
-DIANE DI PRIMA, FROM REVOLUTIONARY LETTER #8)
…and to build it back up!
Four members and I (including the youth!) of one of the mutual aid groups I’ve been a part of, setting up for our Valentine’s Day share in downtown- nacho day with goodie bags a few of us worked on the week prior <3
In these times especially, I’ve had this line in my head that has continued to reinforce parts of my actions and desires: something along the lines of “if I can’t dance, I don’t want to be a part of your revolution”, because true! Exactly! I think of mutual aid networks and the general personal/collective needs and how they’re meant to be played out in the name of sustainability. That’s why they also say ~it can’t be all work and no play. I also think of epigenetics and beyond- what I briefly mentioned in my previous post, of the importance in what else is passed on. Whether through DNA or not, we need experiences that encompass it all. Proof of joy, care, play, and transmuting that which aims to keep us down and defeated. Others need to know and feel they aren’t alone, that different is possible and that we deserve living beyond survival.
An angled shot from above of a new friend who attended the community picnic potluck earlier this month, drawing a beautiful tree surrounded by waves of different shades of green and has “passion powerhouse” written on the side <3
As I revisit this note, I check the time and 10:10 baby! Yet another feeling of confirmation, a personal charm; me and the world, us and the world, the world within us.
But back to what I was saying: an integral part of sustaining our collective works depends on the connections we form and how they’re maintained. Like I’ve said before, we don’t all need to be best friends, but we do need to be able to build a level of intimacy to care and be there for each other. In Dean Spade’s Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next), there is a part within the How Mutual Aid Groups Can Prevent and Address Overwork and Burnout section that highlights this:
Build a culture of connection. How can the group’s meeting culture foster well-being, goodwill, connection between members? Eating together, having check-ins with interesting questions about people’s favorite foods, plants, movies, or politicizing moments may feel silly at first but makes a big difference. Bringing attention to wellness into the group’s culture means helping members be there as multi-dimensional people, rather than just as work or activist machines. People need to build deep enough relationships to actually be able to talk about difficult dynamics that come up, or those dynamics will fester.
Because how can we truly build sustainable community without acknowledging, honoring, and nourishing our multi-dimensional selves and experiences? Isolation is a real tool these systems rely on, and though we may not be accustomed to moving in these ways, it is up to us to learn and unlearn what is necessary in order to continue to move in the ways we imagine and desire. I include myself in this of course, as I continue to be confronted with spots that need even more attention, care and practice. It can be quite frustrating at times because I’ll want to just do better automatically, but it’s naive and unrealistic to think that we can undo years of learned behaviors and transform massively overnight. There is still plenty that can feel so incredibly uncomfortable, but I’m grateful for my willingness to remain open to it all. And to not only offer myself these reminders as regularly as needed, but to have people and surroundings that will also extend the nudge.
A three card spread from the Moonology deck earlier this month, from left to right: “Your hard work is paying off, New Moon in Capricorn, Show the world the real you, Full Moon in Aquarius, and The answers you need are coming, Full Moon in Gemini”.
This morning, I teared up listening to a friends voice message just because it started and ended sweetly, and reminded me of how much the openness has allowed me to have such experiences. I don’t think younger me could have ever imagined having and valuing all types of love and relationships in this manner, to these depths. I truly treasure you all and know that it will only expand as much as I continue to.
Whether practical or whimsy, near or dear, prioritize connection and practice within the personal so that we can have a chance on the larger front. The revolution isn’t a singular moment, but an ongoing collection of our efforts- a way of life.
My hand in nature, holding a post card I made recently that reads: can’t be so blue, when I’m building better worlds with you!
Sending big love, hugs, and relief through these trying times- pass it on <3