Living Resistance

1. Resistance is a daily practice of seeking wholeness and connection

"Living resistance is about letting ourselves hurt and heal, without knowing what comes next in a society that tells us we should shut off our emotions and always have a plan."

Redefining resistance. Resistance is not just about grand gestures or political movements, but a daily practice of seeking wholeness and connection in a world that often promotes division and disconnection. It involves:

• Acknowledging our emotions and vulnerabilities
• Questioning societal norms and expectations
• Seeking authentic connections with ourselves, others, and the natural world
• Embracing uncertainty and the unknown

This approach to resistance requires courage and persistence, as it challenges us to remain open and engaged even when faced with difficulty or pain. By committing to this practice, we cultivate resilience and create spaces for healing and transformation.

2. Embodiment and presence are essential to living resistance

"Presence is resistance, in almost every way we can imagine—presence to ourselves, presence to each other, presence to whatever we should be paying attention to in that moment."

Cultivating awareness. Embodiment and presence are foundational to living resistance, as they ground us in our physical and emotional experiences and connect us to the present moment. This involves:

• Developing mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness
• Listening to our bodies and honoring their wisdom
• Engaging fully in our interactions with others and our environment
• Resisting the pull of distractions and constant busyness

By cultivating presence, we resist the tendency to numb ourselves or disconnect from difficult realities. Instead, we develop the capacity to face challenges with clarity and compassion, allowing us to respond more effectively to injustice and create meaningful change.

3. Radical self-love and generosity are powerful forms of resistance

"Self-love is an integral part of your everyday life, not a luxury you treat yourself to every once in a while. Put real work into giving yourself what you need."

Transforming self and society. Radical self-love and generosity are potent forms of resistance that challenge societal norms of self-criticism and scarcity. This approach involves:

• Recognizing and challenging internalized oppression and self-hatred
• Practicing self-compassion and self-care as political acts
• Extending generosity to others as a way of building community and solidarity
• Resisting the commodification of self-care and wellness

By embracing radical self-love and generosity, we reject systems that profit from our insecurities and divisions. Instead, we create a foundation for collective healing and empowerment, recognizing that our personal well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others and the planet.

4. Solidarity and kinship with all beings are foundational to resistance

"Kinship is rooted in storytelling. It is grounded in the act of listening, of taking in one another's stories, which is something we have failed at miserably in many ways."

Expanding our circles of care. Solidarity and kinship with all beings, human and non-human, are essential to creating lasting change. This perspective:

• Challenges individualistic and anthropocentric worldviews
• Promotes deep listening and intercultural understanding
• Fosters a sense of interdependence and shared responsibility
• Encourages us to extend our care beyond our immediate circles

By cultivating solidarity and kinship, we resist the forces that seek to divide us and exploit our differences. Instead, we build a foundation for collective action and mutual support, recognizing that our liberation is bound up with the liberation of all beings.

5. Protecting the land and honoring ancestors are acts of resistance

"Protecting the land as an act of resistance begins with the realization and acceptance that we belong to her, and Indigenous folks across the globe are leading the way in this work."

Reclaiming sacred connections. Protecting the land and honoring ancestors are powerful acts of resistance that challenge dominant narratives of progress and individualism. This approach involves:

• Recognizing our interconnectedness with the natural world
• Learning from and amplifying Indigenous wisdom and practices
• Acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonialism and environmental destruction
• Taking action to protect and restore ecosystems

By engaging in these practices, we resist the commodification of nature and the erasure of Indigenous knowledge. Instead, we cultivate a deeper sense of place and belonging, reconnecting with the wisdom of our ancestors and the rhythms of the natural world.

6. Decolonization and intergenerational healing are ongoing processes

"Decolonization doesn't mean we go back to the beginning, but it means we fix what is broken now, for future generations."

Healing across time. Decolonization and intergenerational healing are ongoing processes that require sustained commitment and collective effort. This work involves:

• Acknowledging and addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism
• Challenging dominant narratives and systems of oppression
• Reclaiming and revitalizing Indigenous languages, cultures, and practices
• Addressing intergenerational trauma and fostering resilience

By engaging in decolonization and intergenerational healing, we resist the continuation of harmful systems and beliefs. Instead, we create opportunities for collective healing and transformation, working to build a more just and equitable world for future generations.

7. Spiritual practices and dreaming can be transformative acts of resistance

"Prayer is and must be so much more than that."

Expanding our spiritual horizons. Spiritual practices and dreaming can be powerful tools for resistance, offering ways to connect with deeper sources of wisdom and inspiration. This approach involves:

• Reclaiming and reimagining spiritual practices beyond rigid religious frameworks
• Cultivating a sense of awe and wonder in everyday life
• Using dreams and visioning as tools for social and personal transformation
• Integrating spiritual insights into our activism and daily lives

By embracing diverse spiritual practices and the power of dreaming, we resist narrow definitions of spirituality and rationality. Instead, we tap into sources of creativity, resilience, and hope that can sustain us in our work for justice and healing.

8. Resistance is lifelong and requires integration of all aspects of self

"Living resistance doesn't always mean that I have both feet on the ground, but it does mean that I am grounded nonetheless."

Embracing complexity. Resistance is a lifelong journey that requires integrating all aspects of ourselves and our experiences. This perspective:

• Acknowledges the ongoing nature of personal and social transformation
• Embraces complexity and contradiction in our lives and work
• Encourages flexibility and adaptability in our approaches to change
• Promotes self-reflection and continuous learning

By recognizing resistance as a lifelong practice, we resist the temptation to seek quick fixes or become discouraged by setbacks. Instead, we cultivate patience, persistence, and compassion for ourselves and others as we navigate the challenges of creating a more just and compassionate world.

Last updated: December 9, 2024