A Journey of Resilience and Reflection: My Thoughts on Sustaining Spirit: Self-Care for Social Justice by Naomi Ortiz
In a time when the weight of the world often feels too heavy to bear, Naomi Ortiz’s Sustaining Spirit: Self-Care for Social Justice stood out to me as a beacon of hope. As an avid reader who often gets lost in the chaos of social issues, I was drawn to this book, anticipating a guide not just on self-care, but on how to cultivate resilience while advocating for change. Ortiz’s personal journey, intertwined with insights gathered from over 30 social justice activists, provided a much-needed source of nourishment—like a warm embrace amidst life’s storms.
Ortiz opens the door to a soulful dialogue on self-care that transcends the superficial notions often associated with the term. Her writing resonates with authenticity, exploring the cyclical nature of burnout that many of us, especially activists, can attest to. She lays bare her own struggles and invites us to look inward—"Self-care is a practice of returning. Of remembering." These words hit me profoundly, serving as a reminder that taking time to reconnect with ourselves isn’t indulgence; it’s vital.
The structure of Sustaining Spirit is as inviting as its themes. Each chapter features not only Ortiz’s reflections but also engaging prompts that encourage readers to dive deeper into their own experiences. This interactive element transforms the reading journey into a personal exploration. I found myself pausing frequently to ponder the questions she posed, allowing for a richer engagement with the material. The pace varied nicely, enabling both reflection and action, making it easy to return to sections that resonated deeply.
One of the highlights for me was Ortiz’s lush language, which feels almost poetic at times: "Do not get blown away in this raging storm. We need you." This encapsulation of vulnerability and strength is empowering—the message that our gifts are essential in the struggle for justice is uplifting and reassuring. It echoes sentiments from other activists featured in the book, such as adrienne maree brown, whose wisdom shines through with profound clarity.
Moreover, Ortiz emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves in our roots, metaphorically and literally. She mentions rituals, ancestral connections, and nature—elements that feel intrinsic to cultivating a sustainable practice of self-care. The idea that our identity and background inform our paths to wellness truly enriched my perspective.
How do we navigate personal well-being in a world that often feels intent on draining us? Ortiz’s answers—a blend of practical strategies and poetic wisdom—are profoundly transformative. This book calls not just to activists, but to anyone feeling overwhelmed by current societal pressures. It offers a toolkit for resilience, making it especially significant for those who have ever felt the waves of burnout threatening to pull them under.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Sustaining Spirit: Self-Care for Social Justice to anyone on the frontlines of social change or merely navigating the complexities of modern life. It’s a gentle nudge to embrace self-care as radical resistance—a loving reminder that in caring for ourselves, we fortify our capacity to care for our communities. Naomi Ortiz offers readers a space to breathe, reflect, and grow, and I left the pages of this book feeling rejuvenated and empowered to carry my own preciousness into the world.
You can find Sustaining Spirit: Self-Care for Social Justice here >>