centering the field | transform. | april 2010
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Read this online: http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html Download printable PDF version: http://transformativechange.org/transform/print/201004.pdf
welcome Welcome to a very special issue of transform. Despite Mercury being in retrograde for the latter part of April (communication issues, anyone?) we celebrated Earth Day while bringing together this transition issue of transform. In 2004, transform. began as the newsletter of our community. Now, CXC gives even more of this much-loved publication over to the larger field to allow it to grow and expand as a resource for all. Starting with the next issue, you'll see more contributors, more news, more events and information about and from the field. Of course you'll still hear what we're up to in via the "in the CENTER" section and our regularly monthly Events mailing. To mark the transition, we thought we'd share in one place the many resources that CXC itself has created as a roadmap for access to us and the larger field of transformative social change. In this "keeper" issue, you'll find previews and links to CXC's brand new site, new Facebook page, online training site and more. Best of all, visit the two exciting new resources for connecting, promoting and advancing the movement towards a truly transformative social change:
what's new What & Who Is CXC? Happy Spring! What's old is new again... We've been busy upgrading, refreshing and retooling all of the ways in which you can engage transformative social change. Whether through websites, blogs or social networks, there are now more ways to "inform, incite and empower" deep change. Yah, we know that's a whole lot of newness! No time like the present to come by and visit!
in TIME ONGOING PRACTICE: Morning Practice | fearlessYoga Daily | Tues - Fri | 6am-7am Yoga and Meditation designed for social change agents to build presence: "the moment-to-moment practice of being in
-transform. in it's new round-the-clock online version [see below] featuring news, blogs, information and resources galore. A vertitable HuffPo for deep change, contributors, commentors and community welcome. This monthly email version will still be delivered as a "best of" journal compilation of the blog.
relationship to one's life as it unfolds". Morning Practice | fearlessMeditation Daily | Tues - Fri | 7am-8am Meditation is an ongoing practice designed to build
-xSoChange, the Transformative Social Change Network, is ready to take it's place as a community-building and networking site where we can gather, share and grow together. Form groups, share photos, video, stories, events and get down with meaningful discussion. Last but not least, props are always due, so get to know a little more about residential core of CXC, the folks that make it happen. Enjoy!
http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html
presence: "the moment-to-moment practice of being in relationship to one's life as it unfolds". Drop-in Sitting and Public Garden Daily | Tues - Fri | 12:30pm-2:30pm One of the least known resources, a hidden sanctuary in the midst of city life, is midday drop-in sitting at CXC's Practice Hall and our Public Garden hours.
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fearlessYOGA: Yoga Built for Justice Weekly | Sundays | 9:30am - 10:30am FREE for activists, allies and agents of social change... Come experience the fearlessYoga in our Sunday morning drop-in class. Get in-depth instruction on the fearless approach and postures that are part of our Warrior Series sequences. Jo Kata Practice Weekly | Tuesday evenings | 6pm [NEW DAY & TIME!] Weekly | Friday mornings | 7am 31 Moves to Your Center. Aikido-based centering practice done with a wooden staff, "Jo" practice offers the opportunity to find your center and
centering the field:
remain there even as you extend your energy into relationship with others and on behalf of what matters to
if we build it, we will thrive
you in the world. Individually, in partnership and in group,
INcite with angel Kyodo williams
again.
in 31 moves brings you back to your own Center again and
Rather than wax poetic about some aspect of
Community Thursdays
Transformative Social Change, I'd like to use this space to invite all whose eyes fall upon it
Weekly | Thursdays | 6:30pm
to join in.
practice of sharing and listening from the heart. Based in
Chant, Sitting Meditation and Council Practice. Council is a Native American tradition, Council is an opportunity to
Join in what, you ask? Join in this movement.
both bear witness and be witnessed. Once per month, join
To "get up, stand up" for a movement whose time has come. I like to say Transformative
in for dinner and powerful Public Talks expressing the link
Social Change is nonviolence with its teeth put
the world.
from our innermost selves to the change we want to see in
back in. Grounded in an explicit committment to the empowerment of those who work on its behalf as much as to those it works on behalf
Universal Form and Jo Kata Practice in the Park
of, it's the movement toward the deep change Gandhi always said we
Meditation in Action
should be if we wish to see it, and what King had a dream for for all of us.
Monthly | 2nd Saturdays | 12noon - 2pm Universal Form is a 3-minute moving meditation that incorporates body, breath and energy with elements of Tai
For some years now, the question for many of us working at the intersection of spirit, justice and social change was often, "Is this a
Chi, Yoga, and Qigong to find greater alignment and
field?" In the last few years--by the grace of the Goddesses and our
based centering practice done with a wooden staff.
slow waking from the slumber of unbalanced and unchecked use of resources, natural and human--we have seen forming a great wave of acknowledgment of what has too often been left aside in our wellintentioned pursuit of justice: healing from our traumas, authentic connection, healthy collaboration and vehicles for expression. Fostering and supporting a balance of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and maturity has become a clear, equally necessary, concurrent path of work that many intrepid spirits have taken on as their contribution to our collective liberation.
Join us at MLK Civic Center Park and take your practice out
balance inside and out. Jo Kata is a 31 movement Aikido-
in the world. Morning Practice: Yoga and Meditation Drop-In Sitting and Public Garden Community Thursdays Universal Form: Meditation in Action Jo Kata: 31 Moves to Center Deepen Your Practice in Community CXC Practice Schedule
This is a field. That much is clear and necessary. But we are and must find our expressions as a Movement, as well. Not a passing fad, a buzz word or the hot topic of the moment. Not a new tool in the old organizational development basket. Fields, as they were,
http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html
in the CENTER
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centering the field | transform. | april 2010
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tool in the old organizational development basket. Fields, as they were, are the stuff of institutional systems. To be a movement, this vision for deep, abiding, transformative change must live--and be practiced--in our hearts. It isn't new. It's a movement that began as soon as we picked our knuckles up off the ground and started the journey from operating solely out of our dinosaur brains (you're food...or i am) toward a new intelligence that includes the capacity to reflect and respond rather than just react. To engage choice as an act not just to survive, but thrive. To recognize our kinship with the only real race we all belong to: the human one. Out of the recognition of that interconnectedness, compassion arises and the safety, security and self-determination-justice--that we wish for ourselves is organically desired and striven for on behalf of others. But it is now. What is distinct in this moment is that with the understanding that the means and the goal are, indeed, one, that as we seek justice for all, we can now CHOOSE to do so in a way that embodies Justice in every aspect of our approach to seeking it: Inside and out. Personally and organizationally. From the smallest structures and systems to the greatest.
Center for Transformative Change Website the transform. blog isn't the only one to get a fresh new look and it's very own home. CXC's website has finally caught up to the good looks of the newsletter and journal we've been putting out for over well over a year. With an ever-expanding universe of possibilities for engaging practice at it's intersection with social justice, you'll find something of value on CXC's resourceful site wherever you are. http://transformativechange.org
inner PRACTICE
And if at the very center of this movement lies "we, the field"--as people that have already committed our time, talent and treasure to justice--then we are well-positioned to leverage our formidable resources for the greatest returns. Who better to choose to be as rigorous in our embodied practice towards justice as we are "uncompromising on results?" So step in, stand up, be counted. Let us know you're out there. Take the plunge. Find your practice. Shed light on the shadows. Pitch in your brick to build this great monument to Humanity, to Liberation, to Justice for All. If we build this, we will all thrive. That's what I'm in it for for. How 'bout you? —blessings and being, aKw Dedicated to all my colleagues and compadres over these last years who have inspired and illuminated my heart-mind as one.
Don't Just Do Something: SIT for Change America's next great movement is inner change for social change. Take a Stand: SIT for Change | CXC's 3rd Annual Sit-a-Thon is on September 18, 2010, the National Day of Transformative Change. You can participate from wherever you are, whether you are local to the bay area, national, international, or virtual! Sign up, become a change partner, pledge, volunteer and get more information at the SIT for Change website. http://sitforchange.org
angel Kyodo williams is founder of urbanPEACE and its Center for Transformative Change. A social visionary and leading voice for transformative social change, she is the author of Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living With Fearlessness and Grace.
outer ACTION
Blog: new Dharma: live, love & lead from the heart Facebook: Like angel here Twitter: Follow angel for tweets of wisdom on Change Web: about.angelkyodowilliams.com angel Kyodo williams' next public talk: Thursday, June 10 @ CXC
Facebook | Like Us Today We've launched our new, new Facebook page (not to be confused with our old, old one or even our old, new one.)
activists, allies & agents of change http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html
We needed to start a new one so you can find us more easily. This one is brand spanking' new, launched just last Page 3 of 6
centering the field | transform. | april 2010
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easily. This one is brand spanking' new, launched just last
Who Changes the Way Change is Done | CXC Residential Core For this special issue, we feature the fabulously dedicated folks of CXC. Known as the "Core" because they hold down the very center of the Center, the current residentially-based staff are: Premadasi Amada, Chuck Courts, Tbird Luv, and Karen Muktayani Villanueva. Read their interviews where they share their insights and reflections on what compels them to "live, work, and practice" at the Center for Transformative Change.
week. Keep track of us and what's the haps at CXC by "liking" us on facebook. We'll send you updates, resources, let you know what & who to watch on our blog, website, live in the Center and out in the world. PLUS if you've been following us on our old page, get on board with this new one! Every person that switches over from the old site to the new will be entered into a raffle to receive your choice of a signed book or free workshop. Like us on Facebook today.
Living, working and practicing at CXC is like living with the toughest, most experienced coach, who has herself won many gold medals, while you are training, for something way beyond a game, or even the Olympics. Instead you are training for your life, literally. You are training, working, for your freedom in service everyone's freedom. Premadasi Amada | The Practice of No Escape I want folks to know that The Center for Transformative Change is really is about changing the way change is done...I realize that there must be freedom and justice for everyone in order for freedom and justice to exist at all. The work that I do here at the Center directly supports the work done by the Center. Chuck Courts | Directly Supporting How Change is
http://bit.ly/cxc-facebook
social CHANGE
xSoChange: Social Networking for Transformation
Done Being a part of CXC is like being in a spiritual boot camp made for those who truly do what ever is necessary to release from habitual patterns of delusional justification of scattered and dysfunctional choices that lead to irresponsible leakage of personal energy. Tbird Luv | Meeting the Better Half of Myself
Welcome to the "Facebook of Transformative Social Change". That's how we're referring to this new Ning social networking site. Do everything you do on Facebook: chat, post comments, email, video and photos. The difference is that xSoChange is solely dedicated to transformative social change and the people that want to learn about it, contribute to it and live it. All of which is an awesome way to build our movement of inner awareness and social
I've often said that choosing to live, work, and practice at CXC is advanced citizenship; meaning: it is best suited for those that are willing to know themselves and love themselves (warts and all) and be willing to make the choices and sacrifices that are called for in order to do this well.
change. http://xsochange.ning.com/
in the MIND
Karen Muktayani Villanueva | Vehicle of Freedom And not to be forgotten are the "Tribe" Stewards. CXC's Tribe is the extended community of people that make the Center what it is: home to a growing family and network of people committed to transformation. CXC's Stewards act in service of transformative social change by taking the lead in particular areas of interest and expertise. Our current stewards are all past residents: chandrashekara thuy tran has been with CXC and the newDharma Community almost from its very beginning. She is a former residential core member and has been a stalwart and steady presence since 2004. In April 2010, she became certified as the first, full-fledged fearlessYOGA Teacher and is the current lead instructor for both CXC's core offerings of fearlessMeditation and fearlessYoga. She is also a gifted artist and seamstress who has passion and talent for creativity and creation of beautiful things. chandra thuy tran | fearlessMeditation & Yoga: Teaching for Justice Simhanandi Evan Stubblefield is a long-time member of CXC and the newDharma Community since 2003. She is a former residential core member and is the
CXC Training: Practice Locally, Virtually, Near & Far We figured out that not everyone lives in Berkeley, CA. So what's an activist to do when you want to take part in seasonal practice, take a workshop or expand your learning horizons but they don't yet have a community that can support that intention? Get your training online is one option. Whether it's plugging in to our 27-day Practice Periods, learning about systems, or doing follow up work from a yoga, meditation or other social justice-based certification course, CXC Training is the virtual Practice Hall you can sign into from wherever you are. Got an onlinebased course you want to offer? Come to CXC and we'll hook you up with a space: a virtual one that is.
http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html
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centering the field | transform. | april 2010
former editor of transform. She still contributes to CXC's monthly journal by writing the the 'newDharma Talk' section, in addition to graciously lending her monthly editorial support for each issue. Simha also stewards the newDharma Archive Project from afar, as she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. She is a talented writer who is wholeheartedly dedicated to encouraging and inspiring folks to find their voice, hence themselves, through the written word. Simha Evan Stubblefield | new Dharma Archive: Capturing History Zochi Alonzo Young joined CXC and the newDharma Community in 2007. He is a former residential core member, where he stewarded all things Media. He is the current CXC instructor for Jo Kata Practice. Zochi holds a 2nd degree black belt in Aikido and is pursuing his Instructor certification at Aikido of Berkeley. When he is not throwing people around, he enjoys photography, travel, and studies in self-
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hook you up with a space: a virtual one that is. http://train.transformativechange.org
in the BODY
fearlessYOGA Website fearlessYOGA is yoga built for justice. It's the first
awareness. Zochi Alonzo Young | Jo & Form: Alignment, Balance, Centering
approach to yoga designed from the ground up for people
Oya Llansa Sherrills recently joined CXC in March 2010. In addition to being core support with an emphasis on development, she is also one of the inaugural fearlessYoga instructors that graduated in April 2010. She is studying Ethnic Studies and Literature and will graduate from Humboldt State University in 2011. She comes from a family of activists, is mother to adorable 3 year-old Santiago, and is committed to her spiritual development and liberation. Oya-LLansa Sherrills | Core Support
context. It's also the only Registered Yoga School (RYS with
resources for transformative change‌
april wallpaper
that want to change the world, taught from a social justice Yoga Alliance www.yogaalliance.org) developed by a woman of color. Now coming with it's own website to get updates on fearlessYoga class schedules, future fearlessYoga Teacher Trainings, fearlessYoga merchandise, as well as continuing education for registered yoga teachers at the fearlessYoga website. http://fearlessyoga.org
Here's a list of CXC sponsored and celebrated resources for joining the field and the movement for Transformative Social Change. transform. news, vision and practice for transformative social change xSoChange Network [new!] CXC Website adrienne maree brown: the luscious satyagraha Gibran Rivera on the IISC blog Deep Change: Transforming the Practice of Social Justice
the path
Love That Does Justice: Spiritual Activism in Dialogue with Social Science, edited by Michael Edwards and Stephen G. Post [FREE
For centuries, the promise that one could self-liberate, as
DOWNLOAD] Seasons Fund for Social Transformation
rather than images of a person. The same was true of Jesus
the historic Buddha did, was represented only by symbols before what became Christianity. Iconographic pointers focus on the action and practice of becoming awake to your
quote of the month
life, not just the theory of it being possible. Especially
Fire cannot extinguish fire, war cannot solve disputes. Enmity cannot overcome enmity; it can be overcome only with love. Disputes can be settled through dialogue and negotiation, not by war.
teachers that had illuminated the path. This one was
—Siddhartha Gautama Buddha
photo copyright 2000. angel Kyodo williams
support deep change
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Center for Transformative Change (CXC) is the first national center entirely dedicated to bridging the inner and outer lives of social change agents, activists and allies to support a more effective, more sustainable social justice movement.
popular were images of walking in the footsteps of those etched in stone at Kiyomizudera , or Clear Water Temple in Japan.
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connect | subscribe | share We name, frame and advance Transformative Social Change by both developing practices and programs for agents of social change and working in collaboration with leading organizations to help shape this http://transformativechange.org/transform/journal/201004.html
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centering the field | transform. | april 2010
working in collaboration with leading organizations to help shape this emerging movement. Most importantly, CXC reflects the field and the movement back to itself, strengthening our collective identity, community, and shared vision. This long-term vision for shifting the paradigm of work for justice, changing the WAY change is done, will fundamentally alter broadbased social change at its very core--from inner to outer--resulting in a more just, equitable society for all.
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Subscribe get your own monthly issues of transform. Forward send this issue via email to a friend now Feedback editor@transformativechange.org
Great vision takes great action and our work is not possible without the generous support and partnership of individuals like you. No amount is
Share your transformative story
too small, so make your contribution to deep change today. Donate to CXC Visit the Center's website
Registration and other questions
What is Transformative Change? Find out HERE
YouTube
how are you changing the WAY change is done?
888.XSOCHANGE (toll free) register@transformativechange.org Center for Transformative Change 2584 MLK Jr. Way Berkeley, CA 94704 路 USA +1.510.549.3733 Google the Center
Center for Transformative Change is a project of urbanPEACE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization whose mission to inform, incite and empower a broad-based, presence-centered, transformative social change movement.
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