As grassroots service and individual action bloom in the world, we believe it is important that each changemaker cultivates a lush and verdant inner garden, too. This is why we advance the ideas of #heartivism, which is the intersection of heart and activism.
Activism can sometimes begin as a reaction to negative events, or a desire to save the world. Coming from this place, as well-intentioned as it may be, may not enrich our lives in the long-term. In fact, it can sow seeds of anger and division.
What good does it do to project our vision of what is right into the world, when those same things we dislike also reside within each of us? If I want to remove hate from the world, we have to remove hate from ourselves. If we want to add more kindness to the world, we have to be kinder. No one can give that which they do not have.
Instead of “saving the world,” let us serve the world. This seemingly simple shift is actually quite profound. If we serve rather than save, ego and judgment are no longer the center of the equation.
We can come from a place of equanimity, meaning we remain calm in the face of adversity. We can discern rather than react.
And most importantly, good deeds alone are no longer the primary channel through which we can bring about more compassion and kindness. Our very presence and walk in the world can be an abundant harvest of peace and goodness, freely nourishing anyone we meet.
This is the third in a series of blogs highlighting The Pollination Project’s Theory of Change. Click here to read the introduction, here to read the first post on uplifting individual action, and here to read the post about building capacity & collaboration.
