I hope you are all well. You are invited to practice this Sunday, August 6. We will gather together and practice movement on the 78th anniversary of the U.S. dropping the bomb on Hiroshima. Longtime feminist peace activist, Dr. Gwyn Kirk commented this moment is also an invitation to lift up 78 years of collective mobilization for nuclear disarmament and genuine security. Gwyn and the International Women’s Network Against Militarism define militarism and genuine security in the following ways:
“We define militarism as a system of beliefs, political priorities and economic investments. Militarism includes the activities of corporations that produce and sell weapons, the role of state militaries–including state-sanctioned violence, martial law, repression, extra-judicial killings, military coups, and military dominance within governments–as well as non-state militias. Militarism is shored up by patriarchy and reinforces violent masculinity. Military sexual violence is a manifestation of this synergy between militarism and patriarchy.
Militarism cannot solve the coronavirus pandemic, the global climate crisis, or poverty and hunger caused by current economic policies and the actions of totalitarian governments. Militarized police violence, especially against migrants and other disenfranchised communities all evidence the fact that militarism and war do not and cannot provide genuine security for people or the planet.
Genuine security requires the following guarantees: that the environment can sustain life; people’s basic needs are met; human dignity is respected; people’s sovereignty is assured; and society is organized so as to prevent avoidable harms. “
As we honor the impact of nuclear devastation and the collective actions for peace, we will practice with both grounding in what is and reaching for what is possible in order to bridge the concept of genuine security and our bodies.
For our practice, all experience levels welcome. May be practiced lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing. If you have to arrive late or leave early, no worries. Animal and human family members are welcome. Offered in the spirit of generosity. Donations accepted for community partner: interfaith movement for human integrity or international women’s network against militarism. #First Sundays
Dr. Kathy Yep 