Pegi Eyers was thrilled to be a presenter again, for the 2021 Parliament of the World's Religions! Access the full schedule with over 200 luminaries, keynotes, exhibits, workshops and presentations at the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Is it Universalism – or is it White Privilege?
Join Pegi Eyers, author of “Ancient Spirit Rising” as we take a new look at spiritual paths we have normalized, in today’s polyglot world of religious expression. Many of the practices we take for granted have only been made possible by white privilege, and in recent decades, by an unfortunate breach of cultural boundaries. Do members of the dominant society – white people – really need to make Kemetism, vodun, hoodoo, curanderismo, ayahuasca, shamanism, yoga and even Buddhism our own, and bypass the treasures in our own ethnocultures?
Destructive forces such as colonialism, capitalism, globalization and homogeneity have made it appear that religions and spiritualities are “universal” but this is not necessarily so. The dynamic of “my teacher” also needs to be interrogated, as BIPOC are not a monolith, and not all agree with the sharing of their spiritual traditions. Once we understand the truth of our own positionality and the oppressor-oppressed dynamic, we are able to embrace spiritualities that do not harm other cultures.
Often only minor changes or small adjustments to the terminology of our practice is required, or we may have to abandon our work entirely and begin anew. In an era of hopeful spiritual recovery for all people decimated by Empire, white folks can choose to make space, and refrain from placing ourselves at the center.
Join empath and activist Pegi for a discussion in a kind and caring atmosphere, as these themes can be uncomfortable as awareness dawns. By respecting the spirituality of all people, we will find our most authentic soul expression, and truly come together in our “Unity in Diversity!”
Destructive forces such as colonialism, capitalism, globalization and homogeneity have made it appear that religions and spiritualities are “universal” but this is not necessarily so. The dynamic of “my teacher” also needs to be interrogated, as BIPOC are not a monolith, and not all agree with the sharing of their spiritual traditions. Once we understand the truth of our own positionality and the oppressor-oppressed dynamic, we are able to embrace spiritualities that do not harm other cultures.
Often only minor changes or small adjustments to the terminology of our practice is required, or we may have to abandon our work entirely and begin anew. In an era of hopeful spiritual recovery for all people decimated by Empire, white folks can choose to make space, and refrain from placing ourselves at the center.
Join empath and activist Pegi for a discussion in a kind and caring atmosphere, as these themes can be uncomfortable as awareness dawns. By respecting the spirituality of all people, we will find our most authentic soul expression, and truly come together in our “Unity in Diversity!”
