A Better World

"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yesterday, I suggested to the students in my yoga class that they dedicate their practice to something meaningful, such as the people and creatures of Haiti or some other intention close to their hearts. Such a dedication turns acts into prayers in motion; it ritualizes them in a profound way, and I am convinced that the energy of such an intention is a powerful force. God hears prayers, yes, and ritualizing them helps us to focus and direct our own hearts, minds, and abilities.

As I think about this belief that I hold, I also think about my literature students this semester, whom I've asked to dedicate time to a social justice cause that they feel passionately about; this project, in turn, ties in with what we will be reading and discussing in class. Some students are volunteering at the Humane Society while others have chosen offer their time to the campus Women's Center. Still others want to be an advocate for children in the foster care system. Already I am impressed by the level of concern and motivation that many of them have shown, and I feel better about the classroom experience as a whole. For if we are not there to consider how we live and think outside the classroom, then what good, really, is the literature classroom at all?

Since I have asked this of others, I also ask it of myself, so I'm pondering to what I dedicate my time, efforts, and abilities. Overall, I am dedicated to my own spiritual growth and to fostering peace, love, and light in the world (mainly through teaching in various realms). But how does that look, really? Right now, when so much of my time is dedicated to my young and ever-growing daughter, I can feel pressed for time to volunteer. I know that dedicating my time to her is making the world better as I help her learn and grow in positive ways, but I've been wondering what she and I might do together beyond ourselves, how we might together work to better others' lives, to better the world. Maybe by visiting nursing homes... Maybe by walking on the beach and picking up the trash we see... Maybe by something else I have yet to imagine. As Martin Luther King said, changing the world takes dedication and creativity, so I'm looking for creative options right now that can involve V. in simple efforts to make the world better.

If you have suggestions, I'm certainly open to them. And I'm curious to know how you're making a difference as well, in big or small ways. Are you dedicated to sustainable living and bring your reusable bags to the grocery store? Are you homeschooling your children or simply raising them in a way that allows you to contribute thoughtful/thought-filled people to the world? Do you start each day with prayer and/or intention? Are you a volunteer somewhere? Inspire us with your stories. Share your creativity and dedication. Let us know how you're hoping to make the world better, how you're ritualizing your prayers.