Sacred activism: living non-violence

Led by: OneSpirit Minister Sarah MacDonald

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Embrace the power of peace and embark on a transformative journey to living non-violently. Join our 5-week online course, where you’ll discover the essence of Sacred Activism and the impact of non-violence in both your life and our world. Immerse yourself in this incredible opportunity to practice non-violence and create lasting change. Throughout this enriching experience, with our dedicated Tutor, Sarah, you will examine the different structures of violence that exist; unfold the concept of non-violence as a sacred activism; and learn how to put your spiritual aspirations into practice effectively for peace and justice.

In a safe environment, you’ll dive into thought-provoking weekly themes, such as:

  • What is violence?
  • How am I violent towards myself and others?
  • How am I violent towards the Earth?
  • What’s the medicine for violence in myself and the world?
  • Making commitments.

Sarah has been praised for her exceptional, personable guidance and meditative approach. Her refreshing balance of gravitas and light-heartedness garnered praises – as Mel exclaimed, “I loved it, loved her! She has such a gentle manner, with a wonderful twinkle in her eye, so you know she’s serious, but also doesn’t take herself too seriously!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • This course is open to OneSpirit Ministers and the wider public. We aim to foster a safe space, free from judgments, to increase understanding and challenge conditioned patterns of thinking and acting.
  • Please note, that this is potentially challenging work requiring self-awareness and emotional resilience.

Participants discovered new aspects they hadn’t expected, such as the emphasis on climate activism. Explore unexpected themes, including the poignant relevance of climate activism, and appreciate how non-violence can be integrated creatively into diverse life aspects. Our past participants appreciated this fresh outlook on how non-violence principles can find application in diverse areas of life.

KEY INFORMATION

WORKSHOP DATE & TIME:

Join us on this insightful journey, conducted via Zoom:

  • May 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2024 [10:00 am – 12:00 pm]
  • June 1st, 2024 [10:00 am – 12:00 pm]
FEES
  • ROSIM members, or OneSpirit students: £32
  • Non-ROSIM members: £40

While past feedback has been instrumental in refining the experience, the unanimous sentiment among participants echoes the profound impact of this course. Intrigued by the philosophy of non-violence and its applications? Eager to delve into Sacred Activism? Your transformative journey begins here! Discover essential information and hear directly from Sarah below…

YOUR FACILITATOR

SARAH MACDONALD 

Sarah was ordained as a OneSpirit Minister in 2014 and has been working for OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation as a Group Tutor since 2019. The threads she weaves together in her work include a lifelong embodied practice grounded in T’ai Chi and Qigong; a love of the outdoors and wilderness; a commitment to health and healing, and a deep connection with family and community. Sarah took her interest in supporting health, healing and wholeness into an MA in Health Education, and then into a career helping marginalised people and people with life-threatening illnesses to build resilience.

She has created and led courses and retreats focussing on well-being and spiritual health for many years, as well as training other professionals in this. Her interest in health expanded over the years to include the health of the Earth and of Life leading to Sacred Activism expressed in a variety of ways including Pilgrimage, Vigil, and Non-Violent Civil Disobedience. Sarah is an experienced rebel and a committed member of Christian Climate Action. Sarah is also the founder of OneSpirit’s Anti-Racism Reading Group.