The personal is political is spiritual

I realized recently that my politics are based on my spirituality, and vice versa.

I had never put it in that way before, although my religious ideas have always been a deep inspiration for my social justice convictions. But now, after separating myself from Christian doctrine and connecting more with nature-based spirituality, I recognize that my spirituality and my politics are one and the same.

If I believe in the sacredness of the earth, I must then work for climate justice. If agroecology and food sovereignty are guiding political frameworks for me, the root of them is environmental stewardship. The heart of it is the Sacred Principle. The manifestation is how we live our lives.

The work of Ricardo Levins Morales is a visual reminder of this beautiful interconnection.

My work is political. I would not have it any other way, it is intentional and fulfilling for me. But I also realize that my work can be spiritual. It can be meaningful and satisfying on a soul and heart level. This brings a whole different level and light to my work. The energy I put into the world will be motivated by a spiritual conviction. It will be colored by my heart.

It reminds me, too, that in modern/Western/US culture, we so often separate "church and state", we so often compartmentalize. But for me, it is all connected and needs to be integrated. My life is the inside segment of a Venn diagram.

So these spiritual tenets, the Sacred Principle, is my guiding star in my work and my politics. Any opinion or decision, I can base it on this as my compass. And I can work backwards, saying that the political positions I believe in must coincide with the Sacred Principle, as well.

The personal is political is spiritual.

Let us all live out our deepest convictions. May we all manifest our most heartfelt beliefs. Would that the world be built of sacred prayers.

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