In 2019, I was tired of having conversations with political friends that stopped at the water’s edge of my spirituality. I wanted something deeper: I wanted to bring together my progressive political beliefs with my spiritual ones. Over the decades of my career I had had an inkling that this might be possible. I had met people along the way who had strong progressive values and a track record of activism while also having deep and rich expansive spiritual experiences. An award-winning journalist who was also in Akan priest. A fantastic, respected business coach who also led each of his coaching meetings with a Sufi prayer. Another business coach who found that it was the spiritual principles that guided her clients through some of the toughest terrains.
In 2019, I just wanted us all to talk. I wanted to be in conversation with those grappling with the lack of space for spirituality in our discourse. I wanted to talk about how forgotten knowledge– that which didn’t fit neatly into western, white, Christian boxes— might hold the keys to the problems we face.
I had no idea if anyone else had this longing but mine was so great for these sorts of conversations that I just put it out there. I said that our intention was to help participants’ “vision, community, deep relief, and activation.”
And people came! The first accelerator happened in October of 2019. It was rich and raw and beautiful. It provided the very things we said it would. We left renewed and energized; many participants went on to start new initiatives, dig into their spiritual practice even deeper, and hone their political practice.
Many of the lessons from that first Accelerator buoyed us through unexpected global happenings. Reliable and fruitful friendships and networks were formed that have lasted since that first Accelerator and have also been enhanced by the virtual Accelerators that follow.
This year, I am delighted to welcome the in-person Accelerator back to Washington, DC. The circumstances of 2019 may be different than 2023, but our needs are similar. Today, we need to hone the tools that we have and develop new strategies and tools to stay activated and positively engaged, especially when the circumstances of our society seem dire. We need a collective plan of action to tackle the challenges that we are all facing.
Only a plan of action that comes from a deep sense of our own individual gifts and the gifts of our community will truly be transformative. And for many of us, we need a renewed sense of confidence that we can be a catalyst in tackling many of the spiritual and political challenges of our time. And so, here’s your invitation to join us in Washington, DC from April 28-30, 2023 for an opportunity to renew the confidence that has been shaken and tested repeatedly since 2019 and create a renewed foundation for transformation, engagement, and change.
I look forward to learning from all of you during this next Accelerator. I believe a full sense of renewal is found in embracing the opportunity to shape and shift our political system to reflect our progressive values and beliefs.
We were built for this very special time. Together, we will call in the society we want.
I hope to see you there.
Nicole
Nicole speaking during the Accelerator in 2019.
JOIN US IN-PERSON
There are very few words to describe what it’s like to be bringing this 3-day retreat out of its virtual format and back into real, live community. We are beyond excited to be able to gather with you in-person in Washington, DC from April 28-30, 2023. If you’re interested in joining us, you can learn more about the event and register through the button below.
