Posted on by Tenneson Woolf

Longevity In Social Justice

Meet Dr. Rita Fierro. I did, seven years or so ago.

Rita was participant in a Rites of Passage program, Fire & Water. I was co-leading with Quanita Roberson.

Rita’s work has been very centered in social justice through her life. She’s got big heart. She’s got clear principles. I got to reflect and write a forward for her book, Digging Up The Seeds of White Supremacy.

Recently Rita shared these seven principles and practices — “things she’s learned over 30 years of social justice work.”

I’m glad for the inspirations. Applied to social justice, yes, but also to conscious living and learning in many fields of human being.

Rita’s words…

  1. Outrage is an unsustainable center for action. Outrage consumes the body, the mind, and the soul.
  2. Reacting to every injustice in the news cycle isn’t activism. If speaking up takes energy away from the difference that matters to you most, it’s not activism. It’s self-sabotage. 
  3. Plan the pauses. As you think about your upcoming year now, set a rhythm of breaks: weekly, monthly, and yearly. Of course, not all of them may come true, but planning for 65 breaks may make at least 30 a reality. 
  4. What I need to restore, is up to me. Whatever I need to stay in the game is a priority.
  5. Releasing grief is a priority. It will leave space for more of the good stuff.
  6. Prioritize joy. Joy regenerates. It will keep you in the game longer.        
  7. Have a social justice strategy. It’s easier to be on the journey for the long-haul when there are small successes along the way in the areas we care most about.

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