The Four Pivots

1. Pivot from lens to mirror: Self-reflection is crucial for social change

"Social transformation is also an inside job, and there is a relationship between our individual healing and social transformation, and the two cannot be separated."

Self-reflection is essential. To create lasting social change, we must first look inward and examine our own biases, assumptions, and behaviors. This "mirror work" involves:

• Practicing hindsight: Learning from past experiences
• Developing foresight: Imagining possible futures
• Cultivating insight: Gaining deep understanding of the present

By engaging in regular self-reflection, we can:

• Identify our "obstruction spots" - blind spots that limit our perspective
• Uncover how our personal experiences shape our worldview
• Recognize how our actions impact others and society at large

This inner work is not separate from social justice efforts but integral to them. As we heal and transform ourselves, we become better equipped to create positive change in the world around us.

2. Truth-telling and vulnerability are essential for transformative relationships

"Vulnerability is emotional risk taking, putting it on the table, and trusting that you won't be hurt when you do."

Embrace vulnerability. To build truly transformative relationships - in our personal lives, workplaces, and social movements - we must be willing to share our authentic selves. This involves:

• Being honest about our experiences, fears, and struggles
• Listening deeply to others without judgment
• Creating safe spaces for open dialogue and emotional risk-taking

Benefits of vulnerability in relationships and social change work:

• Builds trust and empathy
• Breaks down barriers between individuals and groups
• Allows for deeper understanding and connection
• Fosters creativity and innovation in problem-solving

However, vulnerability requires discernment. We must consider who has earned the right to hear our stories and create conditions of mutual respect and care.

3. Move from problem-fixing to possibility-creating for lasting change

"We know what we are fighting against, but what are we creating, imagining, and fighting for?"

Envision possibilities. Many social justice efforts focus solely on identifying and combating problems. While this work is important, it's insufficient for creating deep, lasting change. We must shift our mindset to:

• Imagine the world we want to create, not just the one we want to eliminate
• Use language that affirms our vision rather than just opposing what we don't want
• Cultivate the capacity to dream and innovate, even in challenging circumstances

Practical steps for possibility-creating:

• Practice "word play" - replace negative phrases with positive, future-oriented language
• Use design thinking and "how might we" questions to generate creative solutions
• Create space for visioning and dreaming in our organizations and movements

By focusing on possibilities, we energize our work and attract others to our cause. We move beyond mere resistance to actively shaping the future we desire.

4. Cultivate belonging and care to heal societal divisions

"Belonging provides us with an identity, a sense of meaning, connection, and purpose."

Foster connection. In a world marked by increasing polarization, cultivating a sense of belonging and care is crucial for healing societal divisions. This involves:

• Recognizing our shared humanity, even with those we disagree with
• Creating spaces for authentic connection and dialogue across differences
• Practicing empathy and compassion, especially when it's challenging

Strategies for cultivating belonging:

• Share personal stories to build understanding and connection
• Practice active listening without judgment
• Look for common ground and shared values, even amid disagreement
• Create opportunities for collaborative problem-solving across divides

By fostering belonging, we build the foundation for a more just and equitable society. We move from "us vs. them" thinking to recognizing our fundamental interconnectedness.

5. Gain perspective by observing without judgment

"Perspective means that we become the observer, the watcher of our own and others' potential interpretations."

Practice observation. To gain a fuller understanding of complex social issues, we must learn to step back and observe without immediately judging or reacting. This involves:

• Recognizing our own biases and assumptions
• Considering multiple perspectives on an issue
• Seeking to understand before seeking to be understood

Benefits of this approach:

• Reduces knee-jerk reactions and polarization
• Allows for more nuanced understanding of complex issues
• Opens up new possibilities for problem-solving and collaboration

Practical steps:

• Practice "third position" thinking - observing a situation as if you were a neutral third party
• Ask open-ended questions to gain deeper understanding
• Actively seek out perspectives different from your own

By cultivating this skill, we become more effective leaders and change-makers, able to navigate complex social landscapes with wisdom and grace.

6. Shift from hustle culture to flow for sustainable activism

"Flow is the state of consistent, focused, and nearly effortless activity that consistently produces desired results."

Embrace flow. The constant hustle and grind often celebrated in activist circles can lead to burnout and unsustainable movements. Instead, we should strive for a state of flow, where our work feels purposeful, energizing, and aligned with our values. This involves:

• Identifying activities that bring us into a state of flow
• Creating conditions that allow for deep focus and engagement
• Balancing periods of intense work with rest and reflection

Benefits of flow in social change work:

• Increased creativity and problem-solving ability
• Greater resilience and sustainability in long-term efforts
• More joy and fulfillment in the work itself

Practical steps to cultivate flow:

• Regularly assess which activities energize vs. drain you
• Create dedicated time for deep, uninterrupted work
• Practice mindfulness to increase present-moment awareness
• Align your work with your core values and strengths

By shifting from hustle to flow, we create more sustainable and effective social movements.

7. Embrace rest as an act of resistance and restoration

"Rest is an act of freedom, a middle finger to oppression that tells us to obey its command to work tirelessly for the pleasure of capitalism."

Prioritize rest. In a culture that often equates rest with weakness, choosing to rest becomes a radical act of self-care and resistance. This is especially true for marginalized communities who have historically been denied the right to rest. Embracing rest involves:

• Recognizing the value of rest for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Challenging internalized messages about productivity and worth
• Creating spaces and practices that prioritize rest and restoration

Benefits of prioritizing rest:

• Increased creativity and problem-solving ability
• Greater resilience and sustainability in social justice work
• Improved overall health and well-being

Practical steps:

• Set boundaries around work hours and technology use
• Create restful rituals and practices (meditation, nature walks, etc.)
• Advocate for rest and work-life balance in your organizations and movements

By embracing rest, we not only care for ourselves but also model a more humane and sustainable approach to social change.

Last updated: October 8, 2024