Who Are These Activist Contemplative Leaders?

Are there examples of activist contemplative leaders in history, or in our own time?  How would that kind of leader work, and how would their leadership be received by other members of their communities?

Activists tend to draw their purpose from responding to the needs they perceive in the world around them.  They are connected to networks of people and communities from which they gain strength and urgency.

Contemplatives tend to find their meaning from within themselves.  They draw strength from their core values, and build relationships with others who share them.

Activist contemplatives are able to draw strength from both sides.  They tend to be clear about their own values and purpose, and to build networks of support with others who share them.  They act to make a significant difference, and have carefully considered what difference they are motivated to make.

There are leaders who have encompassed both activist and contemplative aspects of their selves.  Mohandas Gandhi, an Indian lawyer, discerned and harnessed “soul force”   to inspire a long-term campaign to gain Indian independence from British rule.  Gandhi, an exemplary strategist and publicist for his cause, was also dedicated to a campaign that reflected his core principles.  When violence broke out during one part of the effort, he began a fast which he vowed not to break until the violence had stopped completely.

Gandhi’s example inspired Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to organize the strength of faith communities to work for an end to racial segregation in the United States.  Dr. King also used the power of his own values and principles to bring attention to the injustices that were inherent in the system of racial segregation.  His efforts translated a strong base of spiritual principles into actions designed to bring about practical change.

Dorothy Day, a Catholic laywoman and Benedictine oblate, responded to the needs of people in poverty and homelessness by establishing the first Catholic Worker house, and the movement which continues to support these places of hospitality.  Her efforts took tangible steps to put faith-based principles into action.

These activist contemplative leaders are examples who inspire us.

How do you work to reflect your core values in actions that respond to needs in the world?

[Image by qthomasbower]