I've been involved in a few Activist activities during the past few months. There are issues I feel strongly about and I'd rather 'stand up and be counted' than just chunter away on social media.
I was more than happy to take part in an Extinction Rebellion demonstration in Malvern, during our Bodhi gathering there in December, which seemed very powerful. Pleased that Caroline and Satya invited me to join them. I've marched and waved flags, held banners. And yet...
If I say that I realise these activities are very important - but not my style, well, that sounds a bit precious. It's not that I don't want to make the effort. Not that I don't want to 'be seen'. I have experience: anti-apartheid, Free Nelson Mandela, boycotting SA fruit, continuing, of course, to boycott Nestle.
In 2003, before the outbreak of the second Gulf War, I had taken part in the huge march though London. Prior to that I had followed Dharmavidya as we walked in silent meditation opposite Downing Street, in front of a large crowd. This was the first very public outing of my robe. Following my teacher because - well, one follows one's teacher, even if one's face is rather pink. As in so many circumstances, reminding myself, "It's the robe that does it'.
And later I joined demonstrations beside Newcastle's Grey's Monument. In all of these cases there was something inside of me that shrank from angry and aggressive shouts. We watched as passers by turned their faces away, rushing past, not wanting to hear the messages shouted so loudly. I wasn't the only one to feel unease - in Newcastle we found that people from other Buddhist groups and of other faiths would come to join Colin (a long-term member of the Amida Newcastle sangha) and myself - identifying us by my red robe, his red clothes.
On other occasions, Colin and I would sit in silent meditation at the foot of the monument, holding 'Buddhists For Peace' posters. Even groups of lads, out on the town and trying to engage us in banter (initially quite challenging), would wait until we finished and then ask questions. We got used to ignoring and then quieting our own inner embarrassed voices, remembering what we were there for, grieved at the thought of the lives that would be lost and the devastation caused.
So, now.... I cannot join in every campaign. I have decided to prioritise environmental concerns. I would join in with Extinction Rebellion Buddhists UK, like Kaspa and Satya, if there was a group near here. And I'd set up a group here, except there are family issues holding me in limbo just now. I want any activism to encompass my vows. (Some protest groups are very shouty and some have factions who shout unpleasantness. Yes, there are things to be perturbed, even angry about but, though some people may feel encouraged and inspired, as I've said above, many of the 'currently unconvinced' can be turned right off). Also there's my own diminished and variable energy - M.E., still affected, too, post TGA. So, at the turn of the year, I grappled with the question of what I could do - knowing that I couldn't do nothing.
Thus it was with great delight that I discovered the Craftivist Collective! I read:
Founded by award-winning campaigner Sarah Corbett, the Craftivist Collective is more than an alternative use for craft. Our gentle protest approach to craftivism aims to change the world with deliberate, thoughtful actions that provoke reflection and respectful conversation instead of aggression and division.
Craftivism is for everyone from skilled crafters to burnt out activists, and those people who want to challenge injustice in the world but don’t know what to do, where to start or how to prioritise their energies and time.
Here was a place where I could feel inspired to bring activism, knitting/weaving/embroidery together with Buddhist principles together. And where lack of energy wasn't a barrier. And quiet, thought provoking, even gently provocative messages, beautifully and quietly produced (not necessarily perfect though!) can make more of an impact than the loud. This also encompasses my word for the year - Listen. Before everything, be still - watch and listen.
So now I have books and kits, threads, needles and fabric and I can sit quietly in the evening, with my dog on my knee, planning and embroidering
:: this is where my learning and projects are to be found
Update: I'm also going to bear in mind, as I contemplate what my banners etc might say, the Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers:
Not-Knowing
Bearing Witness and
Taking Action. These and Craftivism seem to have much in common.
:: Three Tenets of the Zen Peacemakers
Update: 31/01/2020
