A conversation with Robin Renée and LauraLynn Jansen
A sense of how activism is morphing in my (LauraLynn’s) life arose several years ago. This consideration of this transformation, to something associated with a deep sacredness lead me to call on a dear friend, Robin Renée. The limited verbal description of my sense immediately resonated with her, and a thoughtful and sweet interchange ensued. We reconnected over this type of sacred act as the presence of folks in the Dakota Access Pipeline standoff made themselves more known months ago.
This deep and compelling demonstration led us to dig deeper into what we coined sacred activism.
How would you define sacred activism?
RR: For as long as I’ve had a general sense of what sacred activism is, I have never fully fleshed out a definition of what it means for me. This is certainly a work-in-progress, but here it goes: Sacred activism is the merging of what is vital to the spirit with essential action in the world. It is recognizing when changes must be made in the political or social arena in the interest of health, wellbeing, or equality and then taking action while staying rooted in love and compassion for all. Sacred activism is not dogmatic activism. It is inclusive and does not squabble over the ways one might express and understand the sacred. It is progressive in that it embraces diversity and seeks to create positive change for the many rather than the few. Sacred activism holds an awareness of when to be silent and when to be loud. Sacred activism allows for an activist’s strength and focus to emerge from within and to guide that activist’s work.
LL: I completely align with Robin’s working definition of “the merging of what is vital to the spirit with essential action in the world.” I am also in complete agreement that sacred activism comes with a capacity to know when to speak into the space and when to hold space. It is the knowing of Self so deeply in the moment there is no doubt about right action to be taken.
RR: I wish I could be certain of the right action! For me, that where activism challenges me most. I tend to feel surer of highest ideals – equal opportunity, respect, consent, etc. Exactly what to do to reach the highest outcome in a particular situation isn’t always the easiest for me. I think though, that is why it is important to have activists from all walks of life. Some will hold the big picture, while others are tactical planners, and each could have a sense of sacred activism at the core.
When and how have you applied this as an act in your life?
LL: Many years ago I was given the opportunity to be in an HBO documentary (anonymously). The movie outlined a policy that kept many military folks in hiding and lying about who they really were. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to speak out about the restrictions faced by my partner and myself, without jeopardizing her career. It allowed me to hold the sacredness of our commitment to each other and hers to her job, while also speaking out regarding the inequality we faced as a couple.
RR: When I was in college, I was much more of what most people think of when they think “activist.” I was out in the street with very visible protest – about war, racism, economic disparity, a cure for AIDS – if awareness needed to be raised, I was all about the business of raising it. I eventually wound up primarily as a very visible LGBT community organizer which felt the most natural activist niche for me. After a while, I felt I was doing less and less “out in the world,” until I considered myself a semi-retired activist or when I was feeling less good about it, a “bad” or “lapsed” activist. I eventually came to a very different understanding of this transition.
As I found myself being less of a typical activist, I remained very active in what I came to call “creating spaces.” Still drawn most powerfully toward issues of sexuality and gender identity, I hosted discussion groups and meetups, and organized events for bi and queer people. I became more active in the polyamory community and created spaces there as well. For a while, I still felt bad, as if the kind of work I was doing wasn’t enough. I eventually realized that I was following my calling. Rather than shouting in the street, my strength was to open my home up to alternative people who need a place to gather and to connect with people similar to themselves. I wanted to create spaces where people can learn, challenge and be challenged, make connections, and find a sense of belonging. I remain an out and visible member of the bi/poly/sex-positive communities, which I hope helps others realize the ability to be honest about their lives. I make it a point to think and write about these ideas as intersectionally as possible – What is my experience of being black and poly, female and queer, bi and spiritual? I have come to understand this kind of holding space for and celebrating those outside the mainstream as sacred activism; it helps make a place for all of us, in our deep and honest realities.
Over those same years, my personal spiritual practice was developing and increasing. I shared my kirtan chanting in many contexts, often yoga-specific. Taking it out of its typical context felt like a kind of spiritual activism. I’ve brought spirit-focused workshops and meditative space to the Poly Living conference in Philadelphia, and I’ve chanted at the “Zen Tent” at the New Jersey Pride festival. I like to be the one to bring a contemplative aspect into the midst of an otherwise more typical activist or alternative social space. I believe the more peaceful and grounded we are through whichever spiritual practices call to us, our personal connections and direct activism will be that much more fine-tuned.
Why is NOW an appropriate time to have conversations about sacred activism?
LL: NOW is always a good time to do anything you feel raises passion in you, I believe. The highly sacred act taken by folks at the Dakota Access Pipeline feels very palpable at the moment, a perfect gateway to start such conversations in our communities. Not only did the water keepers and other protectors look after sacred lands and the sacredness of the land, they invoked sacredness and called forth others to do the same through rituals of respect for aina (Hawaiian word for all the physical and spiritual attributes of the earth beneath our feet). The opportunity to have such a public display and the outpouring of support and respect demonstrates how NOW is the time to consider being sacredly active. Every time we engage in any form of Yoga, an opportunity of sacredness awaits us. To recognize these moments, to act on such moments, and acknowledge these moments as a personal opening to express faith in the presence of goodness, is truly a form of activism in our current world.
RR: Yes, the protests at Standing Rock have been amazing. What a powerful example of strength, courage, and unity. It is also an example of how inner work like prayer and ceremony can combine with direct action to bring forth great resolve and positive effect.
I believe we have a very serious situation in light of the US Presidential election. So much racism, xenophobia, sexism, and disregard for truth has been stirred up, that there is a real need to act NOW, to stay active, and to stay aware. I don’t believe matching hatred and disdain with equal and opposite hatred and disdain can help us. This is where discussions of sacred activism can open us to avenues of real change. What are the ways we can create our political movements – and stem the tide of the damage being done – while staying grounded in love and an awareness of the inherent humanity of all? Also, my sense of sacred activism tells me that now is not a time for simply creating spaces, the meditation cushion, or the yoga mat alone. My sense of the sacred tells me I MUST act out in the world, be it in writing to government officials, organizing for the next election cycles, visible protest, or whatever action may be needed. Conversations about sacred activism and enacting it in whatever ways we can might be the ingredient many of us need in the essential work of safeguarding democracy and personal safety.
…and the conversation between Robin Renée (singer/songwriter) and LauraLynn Jansen (theYoke’s executive director).
You can see more about Robin at: http://www.robinrenee.com
And more about LauraLynn at: http://www.lljansen.com