Your Guide to Preventing Burnout and Standing for Justice

The root of violence — like the many social justice crises we’re facing today — is found in the illusion of separation. When we see ourselves as separate from God and creation (thinking God is “out there” rather than God is “in here”), we often resort to fear, anger, and hatred. A regular practice of contemplation helps to gradually dissolve the illusion by inviting us out of tribalism and into the truth of our connection.
Healing must come from the True Self, a place of deeper knowing, beyond dualistic judgments of right or wrong. In a supportive space like this, even faith deconstruction can be a way to face our hurting world with love. There is hope in the chaos — and hope makes room for love.
These free contemplation resources offer support for preventing burnout and for those working on social, ecological, and spiritual justice issues:
The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit sharing Christian contemplative wisdom and practices that support transformation and inspire loving action.
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Discover Contemplative Resources for Protecting the Planet
Do you feel fear or overwhelm when you see our planet devastated by climate change, pollution, and other ecological crises? Contemplation can help us develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural world and become better stewards of God’s creation.
- Listen: Learning How to See Nature with Brian McLaren, Learning How to See podcast
- Read: Living in Gratitude for Mother Earth, We Conspire series
- Watch: Lingering in Nature and Encountering Christ in Nature, Daily Meditations on YouTube
- Practice: Blessing the Animals, Daily Meditations on YouTube
Explore Contemplative Teachings for Committing to Social Justice
Many people experience racism or sexism in reading the Bible and in church, yet we believe a true Christ-follower avoids being bigoted toward any group or individual. This is especially true for those Jesus commanded us to love — the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable. To end the cycle of violence, our actions must flow from our authentic identity in Love.
- Listen: The Mystics and Justice with James Finley and Kirsten Oates, Turning to the Mystics podcast
- Read: A Movement with the Excluded, Daily Meditations
- Watch: Love and Justice are Not Separate with Rev. angel Kyodo williams, We Conspire series
- Practice: Contemplating Anger Practice, Daily Meditations
Practice Contemplative Wisdom for Preventing Burnout
Do you ever feel worn down from trying to help others? Richard Rohr founded the CAC in 1987 to give activists a spiritual grounding to continue working for social change. When we see and feel so much suffering again and again, we can get lost in despair and hopelessness. Even just 10 minutes of contemplative practice a day can reinvigorate the soul even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
- Listen: Travel Lightly, Downsize the Burdens You Carry with Valarie Kaur and Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Love Period podcast
- Read: Contemplation as the Essence of Social Ministry, We Conspire Series
- Watch: The Future of Christianity Online Summit, YouTube
- Practice: O God of Love, Power, and Justice Prayer, Daily Meditations on YouTube
Discover Contemplative Resources for Finding God in Suffering
Have you ever seen the face of a hungry or sick child and asked: Why, God? The cross reveals God’s solidarity with our suffering. More than suffering for us, Jesus suffers with us. Spending time in silent, still contemplation can open our hearts to the abundance of grace that is present to us in even our most painful moments.
- Listen: Becoming Instruments of Grace and Compassionate Justice with Dr. Rachel Harding, The Cosmic We podcast
- Read: Mirrored Suffering Becomes Compassion, Daily Meditations
- Watch: Cole Arthur Riley on Radical Resilience, YouTube
- Practice: Exploring the Contemplative Dimensions of Healing Trauma, CAC Online Bookstore
CAC founder Richard Rohr writes, “When we punish or shame individuals for their sins, we are usually treating symptoms rather than the root problem or cause: the illusion of separation from God and others.”
In contemplative prayer, we are liberated from thinking of ourselves as somehow separate from everyone and everything else, including nature, other humans, and God.
We hope these resources offer you deeper connection and provide support as you inspire loving action in the world. We invite you to share your stories of solidarity and justice with us.