Activists hold a special position in the world: Ahead of their time, they display courage, perseverance and a heightened level of integrity, yet they must engage in face-to-face battles with the most ruthless, and uncaring, forces known. And it is often an eerily, lonely battle, even while one is surrounded by others.
Such is the process of stretching one's reach into what is possible, attempting to set aright human mistakes. There is a sense of urgency, which comes from one's own personal history, as well as an understanding of how human deeds threaten all life on our beloved Planet. One strives to be intentional in the face of others' carelessness; one works hard to be educated in face of others' ignorance; one strains to be relentless in face of others' resistance; one struggles to be moral while engaging with evil or becoming involved in traumatic events. Such is the strain outward, picking one's self up—again and again—after sometimes disorienting and demoralizing defeats. During such times, one needs to be able to discuss one's aims and efforts—as well as to be reminded of one's importance. For beyond the excruciating pain of one's thwarted efforts, and beyond the tediousness of small, relentless, invisible actions, there needs to be a place to regroup, to discuss one's victories and one's defeats, to heal one's wounds, and to be revitalized.
The Sun's Image
"Whatever you do, take one more step outside of your comfort zone...somebody's got to keep them awake." Anonymous nun's advice to Occupy Seattle protester
I hold activists very dear to my heart, for I personally know some of the trials and tribulations of the battle you are waging. I also am an activist, who devotes the greater part of my "free" time to the greatest issues of our day: fostering world peace; establishing social justice; and healing our environment. (In the publication section of this website, you can gain access to my decade long, academic research, a three-volume qualitative research study on the criminalization of mentally ill men of color.) I understand how the processes of exclusion and commercialization threaten all that is sacred and beautiful, and as such, I understand both the weight and the urgency of this work. As such, I would be honored to work with you to fortify your aims, your stamina, and your well-being.