The Creation
Spirituality Lineage Calling All Social and Environmental Activists, Mystic Explorers, Justice Makers, Cosmic Thinkers, Earth Keepers Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox
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By Gianluigi Gugliermetto 9/19/2025
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Radicalization is not always geared toward violence and is not always bad. However, being radically nonviolent is a way of existing in the world that might leave you alone, or rather in search of your tribe. Because it is not just about taking sides, it is much deeper. |
My mind runs to the poet Rilke who wrote these incredible two lines: My God is dark and like a clump / of a hundred roots drinking silently. We all know what it means to take sides and argue passionately. At times, we might restrain ourselves, and at other times we
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Mangrove roots above water, Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia. Photo by Ken Krauss for U.S. Geological Survey. Public Domain. |
go in with
full force. But that is not what I am talking about. Radical nonviolence is something that grabs you inside and does not allow you to choose your battles at ease, or to choose them at all. You are rather chosen. You need only to accept that certain events holding a particular historic or social significance are sealing your soul and making it a “property” of
the dark God whose hundred roots keep drinking silently. And feeding you too, just not your ego. Those who are chosen by radical nonviolence might or might not bring about change, but success is not their primary concern. Those who are radically nonviolent engage, of course, in the battles of the day, but are not sucked into the spiral of mental misery that
is so prevalent in evil times, and that always plays the game of the oppressors. |
Internet of the plant tribe: SciShow explains the fungal-mycelial network providing communication, nourishment, and protection below the soil of forest ecosystems. | Those who are so chosen must look for their tribe as if their lives depended on it — in fact, they do. Nobody can remain strong alone. Those who are so chosen have roots which are not cultural or ethnic — even though these aspects are part of
one’s |
makeup — but sense a universal communion that begins with humankind and extends to all creatures. Those who are chosen by nonviolence — and allow such a choice — set their priorities straight and allow themselves to revisit them from time to time. They try not to waste time with anger or with
futile debates. They engage people even more than their ideas. All of this includes social activism and might include belonging to a religious community, but goes well beyond both. The rise of nonviolent radicalism is a fruit of these very dark times that is ripening. |
I see it. Do you? You may want to call it the silver lining of today, but it’s a waste of time to debate such a point. Some say that what we are witnessing is simply the last gasp of the dragon dying. In fact, human rights and human values are trampled upon
and |
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refashioned in the image of an idol. And it is in this context that nonviolent radicalism is the expression of the depths of the soul of humanity, yes, the expression of our collective soul nourished by the dark divine roots that are rising and shining.
Banner Image: Two trees standing next to each other with their roots tangled in Felsenmeer in Lautertal, Odenwald, Germany; part of “Felsberg bei Reichenbach” nature reserve. Photo by Denis Zastanceanu on Wikimedia Commons. |
Queries for Contemplation Do you think of yourself as radical? What emotions arise in you when you try to answer such a
question? |
Responses are welcomed. To add your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialogue, please click HERE to go to our website and scroll down to the Comments field. |
UPCOMING EVENTS See Matthew Fox's full calendar HERE
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Join Matthew Fox and 40 other wisdom teachers in the 2025 Contemplative Summit as they explore The Spacious Heart: Holding Suffering with Love, the theme of Spiritual Wanderlust: The 2025 Contemplative Summit. Thursday - Sunday, September 25-28. Register for free HERE.
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Join Matthew Fox as he discusses his book, Meditations with Meister Eckhart in an online Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Thursday, October 16, 4:00pm-5:30pm PT. Register HERE.
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Join spiritual pioneers Dr. Matthew Fox and Rev. Cameron Trimble for “In Search of a New Story: Reimagining What Comes Next,” a timely and transformative 4-part series featuring conversations with some of the most compelling wisdom voices of our time: Carolyn Myss, Diana Butler Bass, Luther Smith, and Ilia Delio. Thursdays, October 23, 30, and November 13, 20, 4:00pm-5:30pm PT Register HERE.
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Join Matthew Fox in a new 6-month program of mystical wisdom for a new world. In this 6-month immersion program with Matthew, you’ll explore what it means to be a modern mystic and prophet, integrating this sacred knowledge into your life through the authentic teachings of Jesus and other wisdom keepers. This journey births what Matthew calls Christianity 2.0 — based not on dogma, but on a spirituality that recovers the sacred sense of original goodness. By Application only - apply HERERegister for a free information session HERE |
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MONTHLY: Join Matthew Fox and Skylar Wilson of the Order of the Sacred Earth in a free virtual meeting for connection and networking with other mystic warriors. Last Tuesday of every month, 4:00-5:00pm PT. Join Zoom Meeting HERE, Meeting ID: 886 6530 2478 Learn more at www.orderofthesacredearth.org |
Creation Spirituality Conversations |
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$149 $99 |
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