As an American Spiritual Humanist and daughter of a school shooter, I have been deeply mournful over the last few days watching the imbedded scripted reaction to the Virginia Beach shootings. I believe we’ve followed a script since the Columbine massacre, but this particular time it felt as if the whole country finally slumped in […]

Delivered by Shantha Ready Alonso at the 2019 American Climate Leadership Summit. The Visualization was inspired by this year’s Earth Day Resource theme “Next Generation Rises.” THE BOX Let’s begin by centering ourselves. If you are comfortable closing your eyes, you can shut them at this time. Or, as an alternative, relax your gaze and […]

If I know two tasks that are essential in life, these are the two I name at the moment:  To recognize cruelty when we you see it, and to develop a deep appreciation for generosity as a primary response in the world.  I remember trying to eke a living in Germany while writing my doctorate […]

When I consider the vast, devastating implications that accompany a changing climate, I find my heart aching. Climate research has shown us that human-induced climate change is a real phenomenon. Climate scientists have warned that, without immediate, global action, the consequences of climate change will face us with challenges that may perhaps exceed the potential […]

In my work as a university faculty member, I am often approached by students, requesting advice in “coming out” as an “none” to the religious families who raised them. (I faced the same terrifying issue before I outed myself on a TedTalk stage in 2016). As I listen to their stories, more and more I […]

How does one describe herself to the world at large from a spiritual perspective?  Who am I and what is my purpose in this world? It seems when I stop to really consider what I have to say that it is simple to me. Yet, to many people, possibly unbelievable. Everything I am going to […]

On March 15th, 2019 a shooter used the Facebook social media platform to broadcast the massacre of 50 Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand. How do I write about hate without honoring it? Turn hearts and minds to the community, the families, and friends that are left behind. Honor the fallen. Leave the shooter unnamed. […]

While many of us are all too familiar with the image of the Islamic terrorist, a few know that the Islamic tradition contains many spiritual treasures, the foremost of which being the call to hospitality. I have experienced this beautiful hospitality many times when visiting Dearborn (Michigan), home of the largest Arab American community in […]