What's Happening at
SpiritualityandPractice.com

August 2, 2019
Editors' Picks
Directed by Pat McGee

This documentary, now streaming for free on YouTube, examines immigration policy through the stories of four people who have orders of deportation hanging over their heads. Watching these recipients of harsh, inhumane, and unreasonable treatment, you will find yourself feeling the shock and the pain of what they are going through. You may find yourself looking for ways to pray and protest about what's happening; this blog on Helping Migrant Children gives you some ways to do so.

By René Colato Laínez

This Salvadoran author writes -- through the perspective of wear and tear on new shoes -- of his experience fleeing civil war with his father to come to the United States. We strongly recommend that parents, teachers, and other caregivers read this book to children who are trying to understand what is happening today.
Practices
By Frederic Brussat

This Indian British peace activist -- editor of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine -- has given fresh meaning to the word "pilgrimage," taking an 8,000-mile journey to promote world peace by visiting nuclear capitals of the world. Quotes and personal explorations help you celebrate the values by which he lives.

More Practices : Birthday of James Baldwin, Birthday of Maggie Kuhn, Birthday of Raoul Wallenberg, Birthday of Wendell Berry, Isaac Luria Day, Birthday of Louis Armstrong, Anniversary of Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Feast Day of St. Clare of Assisi, Anniversary of Signing of the Social Security Act
E-Courses
By Drew Leder

When it comes to healing, it's as if there were a chessboard of possible positions, ways to view and treat your challenging body. You can always move your chess piece to a new square, a new healing strategy.

Read more and sign up:
By J. Brent Bill

Quaker silence encourages us to relax into the love of God until we hear the Spirit's voice whispering softly in our soul's ear. It invites us to participate in a sacramental experience, a way that God's presence becomes real to us.

Read more and sign up:
Practice Group
August 11, 2019 - July 26, 2020

Whether you're a returning or new group member, please join us! This inspiring community shares photos to explore weekly themes like Gallantry of Heart, Important Arrivals, Revelations in Discarded Things, and Pivotal Moments.

Read more and sign up:
Films
Directed by Ljubomir Stefanov and Tamara Kotevska

This astonishing documentary -- the most awarded film at this year's Sundance Festival -- tells the story of Hatidze Muratova, a Macedonian woman who collects wild bees to live in hives that she has set up in stone walls.
Directed by James Longley

Angels Are Made of Light paints a picture of civilian life in Kabul today, with deep respect for the vulnerability and resiliency of those living in war zones. It's filmed at the Daqiqi Balkhi School, focusing on students ranging in age from 8 through 13.

More Films : A Girl from Mogadishu, American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel, Astronaut, Cajun Navy, The Chambermaid, Echo in the Canyon, For Sama, Iyengar, Jirga, Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love, The Operative, Rosie, Sea of Shadows, Wild Rose

Coming Soon : After the Wedding, Cold Case Hammarskjold, The Farewell, Light of My Life, Ode to Joy, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood   
DVDs
Directed by Nia DaCosta

DaCosta’s debut feature explores the tenuous relationship between two sisters in a downtrodden town plagued by rampant opioid use. The film rides the line between truly affecting domestic tale and harrowing thriller.

More DVDs : In the Last Days of the City, 3 Faces
Books
By Edward Espe Brown; Danny S. Parker, editor

In this edifying collection of 60 essays based on dharma talks, Brown ponders the manifold ideas, experiences, and practices that unfold from one of the most famous sayings of his teacher, renowned Zen monk Shunryu Suzuki: "The most important point is to find out what is the most important point."

More Books : Falter, Life Is God's Best Gift, Mama's Last Hug, The Reckless Way of Love, The World Comes to You
Blogs
Process Musings Blog
By Patricia Adams Farmer
 
A depleted soul needs fallow time to regenerate the nutrient balance. When we play, we discover pieces of the soul that can only be found by sauntering down the path of doing-nothing-in-particular.
  
More Blogs : God Is Love (KidSpirit), Perpetual Wonder (Process Musings)
Practicing Democracy Project
By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

We all have plenty to ponder after two rounds of U.S. Democratic presidential debates this week. Watching a debate gives you an opportunity to consider what you value and why -- and to engage in spiritual practice no matter what your party affiliation. We invite you to take a moment to read these spiritual practices that will help you prepare for the next rounds or review the most recent ones.

Join Our Community

We send this newsletter twice a month. If you'd like a daily touch of S&P, you can sign up for Spiritual Practice of the Day. You can also get news from the Practicing Democracy Project, which brings you Practice Alerts, Invitations to Conversations, and Content Updates to support a flourishing democracy. You'll find these options and a sign-up for our e-course announcements on this page .

Please also "Like" and "Follow" us on Social Media to engage with new content and projects:  





From Our Wisdom Archive

As the anniversaries of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki approach, our thoughts turn to how we can play a part in keeping peace in all parts of our lives: within ourselves and our families, in our communities, as a nation, and internationally. This gallery and collection of peace quotes can serve as a basis for meditation and prayer.
A Thought to Carry with You
"A single bracelet doesn't jingle," says the Fulfulde proverb. You can find variations in every culture: Basa tribe members observe that "one hand can't tie a bundle," and in ancient Rome the saying was, "one hand washes the other." The importance of people helping one another is recognized worldwide.

Social psychologists are still searching for answers as to what kinds of people are helpful and why. They acknowledge that religious faith inclines people towards this trait and that it is bolstered by other spiritual qualities like empathy, cheerfulness, and humility. That is, helpfulness shows up in people like you who devote time to honing your character and building a repertoire of spiritual practices.

With much happening around us that can use a soothing touch and thoughtful actions, this is a good week to remember that spirituality belongs not only at the altar but in every interaction. After all, altruism is catching. The model you provide raises the bar for those around you to help others, too. Please know that we are profoundly grateful for the part you play in this cycle, one that makes of this world a sanctuary.

Blessings, 
Your Spirituality & Practice Team 
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat 
Patricia Campbell Carlson 
Margaret Wakeley