I have been given much, so much will be required

Last weekend I was reminded at every moment of the sheer privilege I was experiencing, spending two days on my self, my body, my feelings, my spirit, not concerned about meeting basic needs like food and shelter and safety. 

At the end of the workshop, we dedicated a portion of the asana to a prayer, a 40-day commitment to giving something back to the world, since we are given so much.  Seane Corn enacts this philosophy in part through her offthematintotheworld project.

So what will I do?  

According to SAIV, the Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence, working to end intimate violence works to end war and terrorism as well.

From their site:

Why SAIV?
Intimate violence is a major global problem. We all know of the suffering that results from domestic violence, rape, child abuse, female infanticide, and other brutal practices. What is less known is the link between violence in the home and violence in the world.


Victims of Intimate Violence are More Prone to Violent Behavior
The aftermath of violent homes is a higher risk for depression, substance abuse, and violent behaviors – even if the violence is directed at another family member. The effects are not only emotional, but physical. Research from Harvard University and McLean Hospital shows that the brain neurochemistry of adults who grow up in violence and neglect is often optimized for the fight-or-flight response.


The Link Between Intimate Violence and International Violence
In her germinal book The Chalice & The Blade and her award-winning The Power of Partnership, Riane Eisler shows that throughout history, and crossculturally, the most violently despotic and warlike cultures have been those where violence in homes is culturally condoned. We see this connection in Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union. We see it in the Taliban, and other cultures that feed terrorism and war today. Logic alone tells us that early training to accept violence as a means of imposing one’s will on others is useful to violent and repressive regimes.


Engaging Religious Leaders

It is estimated that over 80% of the world’s population belongs to a major religion. These people often look to their spiritual leaders for guidance. Yet religious leaders have been mostly silent on the issue of intimate violence.

I'll keep you posted.