Is Activism a Useful Activity?

"Is activism a useful activity?" .. That's a question I've been asking myself for many months, based on awareness of many things that are happening on the planet today. While I believed that I knew what the answer was, I was intrigued to see the article below, this week's channel from John Cali and Chief Joseph, about that very topic.

Is Activism a Useful Activity?

John Cali

One of our readers recently asked, "I am wondering if Chief Joseph would comment on whether he thinks activism is a useful activity."

Here's the rest of her letter:

"Regarding the channeled message (she's referring to this article, Fighting for Peace, 2006), I am wondering if Chief Joseph would comment on whether he thinks activism is useful activity. Activism for the environment, for progressive social change, for political change, in favor of the people rather than the handful of elites, etc.

"I sign a lot of petitions for what I consider to be worthy causes and like to think that it is doing some good. While it is, in a sense, fighting against the old paradigm that is so destructive to life on this planet, it is also working towards creating a better way, a better future -- even though change is very slow in coming!

"It would be helpful if Chief Joseph would delineate between 'fighting for' and 'fighting against.' And is perhaps a different effect created when we are acting out of love and concern, rather than anger and recrimination?

"Thanks for the wisdom you are imparting along to us. I believe I have had contact with Chief Joseph before, and his words were very helpful to me."

Here's Chief Joseph.


Chief Joseph

"Yes," is our one-word answer to that question. But there's more.

We outlined our position in that earlier newsletter our reader referred to. But we want to add a bit in response to several of her comments.

In her words, "Activism for the environment, for progressive social change, for political change, in favor of the people rather than the handful of elites, etc." is a good thing in our view. You're standing for something rather than fighting against something.

While that may seem to be splitting hairs, it is not. There is a huge difference between being for something and being against something. It's a matter of vibration.

Standing against something creates a negative vibration because you're focused on what you do not want. Standing for something creates a positive vibration because you're focused on what you do want.

Do you see the difference? You always get more of what you give your attention to, be it something you want or do not want.

Your so-called "war on drugs" is a perfect example of that. Is that "war" helping to stem the flow of drugs and the violence that goes with it? Just look at your daily news media. That war is a complete failure.

Our reader asked if we'd "delineate between 'fighting for' and 'fighting against.'"

We'd say take the word "fighting" out of the equation. Whether you're fighting for or against, you're still fighting. You're resisting what is, what you see as reality.

Instead focus not on the reality that exists today, but on the reality you want to create tomorrow. Then all your wars will come to a peaceful end.

As we said in that earlier newsletter:

"Get your own life in order first -- before you start protesting or marching against anything. When you are fully centered in that quiet place within, you are fully aligned with your higher self. And you will radiate an energy far more powerful than any other energy in your entire Universe.

"When you get to that place, you will be inspired to take action. But it will not be the action of 'fighting against' someone or something. It will be action deeply inspired by the certain knowing you are all one. In that place of knowing your oneness, your actions will always be inspired, and they will always be loving.

"Then you, standing alone, will wield far greater power than all the hordes of armies and governments who've ever marched through the pages of your human history."

That's the "bottom line" here today.

Copyright © 2010 by John Cali. All rights reserved worldwide.

I think it's important to note Chief Joseph's comment

When you get to that place, you will be inspired to take action. But it will not be the action of "fighting against" someone or something. It will be action deeply inspired by the certain knowing you are all one. In that place of knowing your oneness, your actions will always be inspired, and they will always be loving.

It's the inspired action that is so important. Each of us is on our own unique journey, and each of us has an important and necessary piece of the overall puzzle. It's our inspiration that leads us to providing that very special piece whenever needed and wherever we are. It could be as simple as a smile, as common as offering a comment, or as long term as a total commitment to some project - and all of those put together.

When you are listening to the guidance from within, acting with love and appreciation for all - whether others oppose you or disagree with you - that's when you know that you are on track with Self. That's when you feel the most invigorated, excited, and fulfilled, no matter what the eventual outcome.

Even if, later on, you can't see what your contribution was from some inspired action, know that there was a contribution, and an important one. Even if, later on, for whatever reasons you wish you hadn't done something you were inspired to do, know that you followed your heart, your guidance, and that the true results may never be clear to you. All that questioning is just judgement and habitual ways of thinking that come from lifetimes of being human. Live in the knowing that following your inspiration is following your true Self, and as one of the New Humans, that's the most satisfying life available.