Spirituality & Social Action

A spiritual life is about commitment to a way of thinking and being that honors principles of inter-connectedness and requires balance between personal mystical experiences and working towards social change.   We grow to higher magnitudes of compassion, love, faith, grace & wisdom as we strive for justice, peace, equality, sustainability and unity in the world.  

How can we better honor and restore our relationship with diverse nations including the First Nations people of Canada? The past and ongoing processes that have resulted in cultural and spiritual desolation has scarred generations of indigenous communities.  What does the path ahead look like?  What role does spirituality play in a transformation towards greater equality and justice?  How can we all work together towards betterment of society as a whole?

Painting by Sasha Rogers

What does a path towards peace and unity look like to you?

What role do you think spirituality plays in a transformation towards greater equality and justice?

In what ways can we all work together towards betterment of society as a whole?

How can we honor the principles of inter-connectedness in human existence?

How can we find a way to open a discussion about the feelings and consequences of the past?

How can we share personal histories without reviving the pain or intruding into personal feelings?

How does the residential school system continue to impact on new generations?

To what extent might the process of reconciliation depend on change of hearts and renewed spiritual values?

What do you hope will be achieved by a public apology?

What wider, longer-term benefits do you envision might flow from reconciliation?

What role does individual initiative play if reconciliation is a government initiated process?

What structures might be usefully put in place to enable the process of reconciliation to advance?

What impact might reconciliation have in your own personal, family and community life?

Is there anyone who need not be involved in the process of reconciliation?

To what extent might the process of reconciliation in Canada be different to other countries, for example Australia?

What example might the process of reconciliation offer to the rest of the world?

In what way might the process of reconciliation benefit the nation?

How would you respond to someone who suggests the process of reconciliation is pointless or irrelevant?

What indicators might demonstrate the process of reconciliation is advancing?

What challenges to you foresee in advancing reconciliation.

Do you imagine that the process of reconciliation can advance without a knowledge and understanding of first nations culture and language?

What positive actions can we take to bring about reconciliation?

What will you do to fill your heart with love and concern for first nations?

What does cultural competency mean to you?

What does cultural safety mean to you?

What does cultural humility mean to you?

What does cultural sensitivity mean to you?

What does cultural awareness mean to you?

In what way is reconciliation a spiritual process?

Is it possible to build communities that are havens of unity amid the cacophony of fixed opinions and opposing interests?  If so, how?