“The times are urgent. We must slow down. The times are urgent! We must slow down. The times are urgent. We must slow down.”
“Slowing down is a function of deepening awareness, noticing the others in the room… Slowing down is not a function of privilege. It’s a function of intimacy with a world that is agentially alive; it’s crossroads dynamic.” -Bayo Akomolafe
As we face continual environmental catastrophes in addition to an alarming political climate, I felt called today to return to these words I shared in the past from Bayo Akomolafe. When one frantically rushes through life at the pace of this capitalist system, not only does it eventually lead to burnout, there is much that is missed, including the deepening of the presence, love, and care that humanity is really in need of. Not one of us will save us. All of us will save us, as it is a collective effort – one that will take much rest, joy, and the kind of intimacy that Bayo refers to, to sustain movements for the long-term.
A slower pace is more aligned with how nature moves. Undoubtedly, the changes we wish to see in the world will require efforts beyond our lifetimes. Like the metaphor of planting seeds for trees whose shade we will never sit beneath, we are invited to do the work of building a sturdier foundation to gift to the future generations.
A week ago, I truly enjoyed the first in our series of conversations regarding the book Let This Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care, written by Mariame Kaba and Kelly Hayes. Kaba describes the book as “an invitation to act in the best way that you know and to survive together.” I am hopeful that the challenges we are facing will expand us and emphasize just how essential cultivating interdependence is. Whether you have read the book or are interested in starting, please consider RSVPing and joining us for our next conversation two weeks from today:
Social Justice Book Study: Let This Radicalize You, January 29th, 2024, 6:30-8pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/4041990
May the stories we share inspire us as much as they deepen our grief. Let us take wider perspectives often and learn from the wisdom of both those who came before us and that of the Earth.
…We also have these other upcoming opportunities for connection this month, including Values Vision Board crafting for all ages tonight!
Family Fun: Values Vision Board, Wednesday, January 15th, 6:30-8pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/e25342
Youth Group, Games and Pizza, January 22nd, 6:30-8pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/9be815
Intergenerational Art Journaling, Sunday, January 26th, 11:30am-1pm
https://uufm.breezechms.com/form/6482e99493845732867638