“Our deepest calling is to grow into our own authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human being seeks–we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.”
— Parker J. Palmer
I love Quaker activist Parker Palmer’s deep wisdom and faith and he is still showing up as a spiritual rebel in many ways even in his later years.
I love exploring rebellion not as an action that is against something but an action that is for something. I have had a lifetime of not fitting in, of being too unconventional, too outspoken, too spiritual for some and not the right kind of spiritual for others. I am continually blessed and grateful to find fellow freaks and the acceptance and embracing of living wholeheartedly in relationships that allow us all to be sustainable in how we live in this balance of vulnerability, creativity and fierce grace. I love the people that show up in my life that are real. That don’t require masks for different aspects of life. Who seek living in truth. Thank you for being in my life. You know who you are! I love you and your love and support are like breath, water and food (delicious snacks!) and warm, colorful shelter. I can only hope in some small ways I am reflecting that back to all of you.
What I am discovering:
It is an act of rebellion to show up wholeheartedly and strive to live sustainably from that space.
It is an act of rebellion to call people up rather than out.
It is an act of rebellion to live simply.
It is an act of rebellion to ecstatically love God and express that wholeheartedly
It is an act of rebellion to listen deeply.
It is an act of rebellion to seek to understand differences.
It is an act of rebellion to create space for authentic truth telling.
It is an act of rebellion to sit long enough in discomfort to learn wisdom.
It is an act of rebellion to recognize where privilege shows up for me.
It is an act of rebellion from this privilege to dismantle systems of oppression that perpetuate privilege for the few and deny resources to the many.
It is an act of rebellion to skip and sing down the street.
It is an act of rebellion to recognize that none of us are free until all of us are free.
It is an act of rebellion to speak your own truth.
It is an act of rebellion to remove the word “should ” and the burden of obligation from life.
It is an act of rebellion to be so in love with life that you are constantly brought to your knees in awe of Creation and Creator.
It is an act of rebellion to be willing to be wrong.
It is an act of rebellion to show up as a work in progress.
This is for all my fellow rebels in several blessed communities I am privileged to find family, those that show up in yoga classes and workshops where we build community and connection, in our home which hosts many nomads, artists and fellow freak flag flyers! This is for you. Thanks for making these acts sustainable and for the fierce love, grace, accountability and authenticity that holds this beautiful planet together.
