Key Takeaways
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.
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FAQ
1. What is "Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day" by Kaitlin B. Curtice about?
- Indigenous Vision of Resistance: The book explores resistance as a living, daily practice rooted in Indigenous wisdom, focusing on seeking wholeness for individuals, communities, and the earth.
- Four Realms Framework: Curtice introduces a framework of four interconnected realms—Personal, Communal, Ancestral, and Integral—each representing different aspects and seasons of resistance.
- Integration of Story and Practice: Through storytelling, personal reflection, and practical commitments, the book guides readers to embody resistance in everyday life.
- Decolonization and Healing: It emphasizes decolonization, intergenerational healing, and the importance of reconnecting with land, ancestors, and community as acts of resistance.
2. Why should I read "Living Resistance" by Kaitlin B. Curtice?
- Holistic Approach to Activism: The book offers a unique, holistic approach to resistance that goes beyond protest, focusing on healing, self-love, and community care.
- Grounded in Indigenous Wisdom: Readers gain insight into Indigenous perspectives on wholeness, kinship, and the sacredness of all beings, which are often missing from mainstream activism.
- Practical and Reflective: Each chapter includes "Resistance Commitments"—practical exercises and questions to help readers apply the concepts to their own lives.
- Timely and Relevant: In an era of social upheaval and environmental crisis, Curtice’s vision provides a roadmap for sustainable, lifelong resistance and transformation.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Living Resistance" by Kaitlin B. Curtice?
- Resistance is Ongoing and Cyclical: True resistance is not a one-time act but a lifelong, cyclical process that involves continual learning, unlearning, and integration.
- Personal and Collective Healing: Healing oneself is inseparable from healing communities and the earth; self-care, boundaries, and radical self-love are foundational to effective resistance.
- Decolonization is Essential: Decolonizing our minds, practices, and institutions is central to seeking wholeness and justice, and must be led by Indigenous and marginalized voices.
- Storytelling as Power: Sharing and listening to stories—personal, ancestral, and communal—is a powerful tool for transformation and solidarity.
4. How does Kaitlin B. Curtice define "resistance" in "Living Resistance"?
- Everyday Acts Against the Status Quo: Resistance is using our daily lives to exert energy against oppressive systems and the dangerous status quo.
- Not Just Opposition: It’s not only about what we are against, but also about what we are choosing—love, justice, inclusion, and wholeness.
- Rooted in Curiosity and Questions: Resistance begins with curiosity, asking hard questions, and being willing to deconstruct and evolve.
- Embodied and Relational: True resistance is embodied in our actions, relationships, and the way we care for ourselves, others, and the earth.
5. What is the "Four Realms of Resistance" framework in "Living Resistance" and how does it work?
- Personal Realm (Red/Winter): Focuses on self-examination, rest, presence, embodiment, and radical self-love as foundational acts of resistance.
- Communal Realm (Brown/Spring): Emphasizes community care, ethical practices, solidarity, protecting the land, and kinship as resistance.
- Ancestral Realm (Blue/Summer): Involves decolonization, generosity, intergenerational healing, embracing liminality, and facing history.
- Integral Realm (Yellow/Autumn): The center where all realms overlap, focusing on integration, interspiritual relationships, prayer, dreaming, and lifelong resistance.
- Nonlinear and Overlapping: The realms are cyclical and interconnected; individuals move between them throughout their lives.
6. How does "Living Resistance" by Kaitlin B. Curtice connect Indigenous wisdom to everyday activism?
- Kinship and Belonging: The book draws on Indigenous teachings about kinship, belonging, and the sacredness of all beings, emphasizing interconnectedness.
- Land and Ancestors: It centers the relationship to land (Segmekwe/Mother Earth) and ancestors as essential to resistance and healing.
- Decolonizing Practices: Curtice encourages readers to decolonize their minds, rituals, and communities, honoring Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
- Cyclical Worldview: The framework and practices reflect Indigenous understandings of time, cycles, and seasons, rather than linear progress.
7. What practical advice and methods does Kaitlin B. Curtice offer for practicing resistance in daily life?
- Resistance Commitments: Each chapter ends with a practical exercise or reflection, such as creating rituals, writing letters to your body, or journaling to Mother Earth.
- Art and Storytelling: Engaging in art, poetry, and storytelling as forms of resistance and healing.
- Setting Boundaries: Practicing radical self-love and setting boundaries, especially around technology and social media.
- Community Engagement: Supporting marginalized voices, ethical practices (e.g., in yoga and wellness), and participating in solidarity work.
8. How does "Living Resistance" address decolonization and indigenization?
- Decolonization as Embodiment: Decolonization is presented as an ongoing, embodied process, not a checklist or trend.
- Truth-Telling and Unlearning: The book urges readers to tell the truth about history, unlearn colonial narratives, and support Indigenous-led movements.
- Indigenization: Beyond decolonization, indigenization centers Indigenous voices and leadership in creating new, just systems.
- Everyday Actions: Curtice provides concrete ways to decolonize holidays (like Thanksgiving), support Indigenous businesses, and learn about the land you inhabit.
9. What role do art, presence, and embodiment play in resistance according to "Living Resistance"?
- Art as Healing and Protest: Art is a nonviolent form of protest, a way to process grief, express complexity, and connect with others.
- Presence as Mindful Resistance: Practicing presence—being mindful and attentive to oneself, others, and the land—is a form of resistance against distraction and disconnection.
- Embodiment as Reclamation: Embodiment involves reclaiming the body from trauma, colonization, and shame, and honoring all bodies as sacred.
- Ritual and Rest: Rituals, rest, and honoring cycles are emphasized as necessary for sustainable resistance.
10. How does "Living Resistance" by Kaitlin B. Curtice approach intergenerational healing and facing history?
- Acknowledging Intergenerational Trauma: The book discusses how trauma is passed down and the importance of naming and healing it.
- Intergenerational Resilience: Focuses on building resilience by reconnecting with land, language, and ancestral practices.
- Facing History Honestly: Encourages truth-telling about personal, communal, and national histories, and unlearning harmful narratives.
- Becoming Good Ancestors: Readers are invited to consider the legacy they will leave and to act with future generations in mind.
11. What are some of the best quotes from "Living Resistance" and what do they mean?
- "You are a human being. You are always arriving." – Reminds readers that growth and transformation are ongoing, and it’s okay to be in process.
- "Resistance is not a fad; it is a lifelong embodiment." – Emphasizes that resistance is a sustained, daily practice, not a trend or temporary action.
- "Our inner work is connected to our outer work, so resistance requires great care for ourselves to feel connected and whole." – Highlights the inseparability of self-care and activism.
- "Decolonization doesn’t mean we go back to the beginning, but it means we fix what is broken now, for future generations." – Stresses the importance of present action for future healing.
12. What is the ultimate vision and message of "Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day"?
- Wholeness Through Resistance: The book’s vision is for individuals and communities to seek wholeness by embodying resistance in all aspects of life.
- Liberation as Birthright and Duty: Liberation is both a sacred birthright and a responsibility, requiring ongoing effort and solidarity.
- Integration and Lifelong Journey: True resistance is about integrating personal, communal, and ancestral healing, and committing to a lifelong journey of transformation.
- Hope and Collective Action: Curtice calls readers to hope, dream, and act together for a more just, compassionate, and liberated world.
Review Summary
Living Resistance by Kaitlin B. Curtice receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, praised for its Indigenous vision of seeking wholeness and resisting oppression. Readers appreciate Curtice's gentle yet powerful approach to addressing internalized biases and promoting healing. The book is commended for its practical guidance, inclusive tone, and emphasis on connecting with oneself, others, and nature. While some find it less groundbreaking, many consider it a transformative read that encourages readers to embrace resistance as a basic human calling and provides a framework for creating a more equitable world.
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