## Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day ### Embracing a New Vision of Resistance In a world where resistance is often reduced to hashtags and fleeting moments of outrage, I invite you to consider a different kind of resistance – one that is rooted, patient, and firm. This is the resistance of living, of choosing a life of rootedness, connection, and peace, even as waves of injustice and brokenness wash over us. This vision of resistance is not about grand gestures or revolutionary slogans; it is about the everyday choices that fuel lifelong change and forge a more inclusive world. ### The Personal Realm: Cultivating Inner Resistance Resistance begins within. In the personal realm, we focus on inward awareness and care. This is where we learn to embody resistance through practices such as art, presence, and embodiment. Radical self-love is a form of resistance, especially in a world that often devalues and marginalizes certain bodies and identities. For instance, I reflect on my own journey of unlearning the strict Christian upbringing that once defined me and rediscovering the Native American spirituality of my ancestors. This process was not easy, but it was necessary. It involved embracing my brown skin and my 'heathen' roots, which I had been taught to hate. This journey of self-discovery and self-love is a fundamental act of resistance. Each chapter in this realm is designed to guide you in developing the "muscles" of resistance. For example, the practice of presence as resistance encourages you to be fully engaged in the moment, to feel the ground beneath your feet, and to listen to the whispers of your heart. This is not just a personal exercise; it is a way of resisting the forces that seek to disconnect us from ourselves and from the world around us. ### The Communal Realm: Building Solidarity and Kinship The communal realm is about connection – connection to each other and to the earth. Here, solidarity work is not just an abstract concept; it is the work of being human. It means choosing not to look away from one another but instead leaning into each other’s stories because they matter. We care for one another because we are kin. In this realm, I explore how childcare, ethical practices, and protecting the land are all forms of resistance. These acts are not just about individual actions; they are about building a community that values mutual care and respect. For example, childcare as resistance means recognizing that the way we care for our children is a reflection of how we value life and the future. It is an act of defiance against systems that devalue the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Solidarity means recognizing that our struggles are interconnected. When we resist hate in the world, we must draw from a deep, sacred well within ourselves. This resistance is not just about fighting against something; it is about living generously in any way that we can. When our souls align with our power, and when we push aside the fear of scarcity, generosity happens, and the world changes. ### The Ancestral Realm: Honoring the Past and Embracing Intergenerational Healing The ancestral realm dwells on the ongoing movement of resistance that has been passed down through generations. Here, we recognize that our ancestors are not just figures of the past; they are guides and mentors who continue to influence our lives today. Decolonizing is a form of resistance that involves unlearning the narratives that have been imposed upon us. It means facing our history, not to dwell in it, but to learn from it and to heal from the wounds of the past. Intergenerational healing is about recognizing that the trauma we carry is not just our own; it is a collective burden that we must address together. Generosity in this realm means living in a way that honors the sacrifices of our ancestors. When we resist hate, we are not just fighting against an enemy; we are living in a way that reflects the values of our ancestors – values of love, respect, and generosity. ### The Integral Realm: Integrating All Aspects of Life The integral realm synthesizes the personal, communal, and ancestral realms into a sustainable and holistic identity. Here, we integrate our practices of resistance into every aspect of our lives. This means cultivating interspiritual relationships, practicing prayer as a form of resistance, and embracing the power of dreaming. Integration is about recognizing that our lives are not compartmentalized; they are interconnected. When we resist, we are not just changing the world around us; we are transforming ourselves. This transformation is not just about personal growth; it is about creating a world that is more just, more equitable, and more whole. For example, prayer as resistance is not just about asking for divine intervention; it is about aligning our souls with our actions. It is about creating space for the divine within ourselves, our communities, and our shared history. This kind of prayer is not confined to any one faith; it is a universal language that speaks to our deepest longings for connection and meaning. ### Embodying Resistance in Everyday Life Resistance is not something we do; it is a way of being. It is about embodying solidarity not just with one another, but with all the creatures of this earth, human and otherwise, and with Mother Earth herself. This embodied solidarity requires us to be curious about our own stories and the stories of those around us. In a world that often values control and order, resistance means embracing the messiness of life. It means recognizing that control is a construct and that the sooner we learn to let go, the better we can navigate the complexities of our lives. This is not about giving up; it is about finding a deeper sense of peace and connection in the midst of chaos. For instance, when I reflect on the quiet racism embedded in seemingly innocuous things like the song "Jingle Bells," I am reminded that resistance is about questioning what our society considers normal and mainstream. It is about digging deep and uncovering the hidden narratives that shape our lives. ### Conclusion: A Journey of Resistance and Wholeness Resistance is a journey, not a destination. It is a deep, resounding yes and a booming no, a careful loving and a moving on. It is a journey of letting go and embracing, of sheltering in and calling out, of displacement and return home. In this journey, we are not alone. We are accompanied by our ancestors, by the land, and by each other. We are part of a larger web of life that is interconnected and interdependent. When we resist, we are not just fighting against something; we are creating something new – a world that is more whole, more just, and more loving. So, I invite you to join me on this journey of living resistance. Let us cultivate the muscles of resistance in our daily lives. Let us practice radical self-love, build solidarity with one another, honor our ancestors, and integrate all aspects of our lives into a holistic vision of wholeness. Together, we can create a world that is worthy of our highest aspirations – a world that is rooted in love, respect, and generosity.

Here are the key insights from "Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day" by Kaitlin B. Curtice: ## Resistance as a Way of Life - Resistance is not just about grand gestures or revolutionary slogans, but about everyday choices that fuel lifelong change and forge a more inclusive world. ## The Personal Realm - Resistance begins within, focusing on inward awareness and care through practices like art, presence, and embodiment. Radical self-love is a form of resistance, especially in a world that devalues certain bodies and identities. ## The Communal Realm - This realm emphasizes connection to others and the earth. Solidarity work, childcare, ethical practices, and protecting the land are forms of resistance that build a community valuing mutual care and respect. ## The Ancestral Realm - Decolonizing and intergenerational healing are key forms of resistance here. It involves unlearning imposed narratives, facing history to heal, and living in a way that honors ancestral values of love, respect, and generosity. ## The Integral Realm - This realm integrates personal, communal, and ancestral practices into a holistic identity. It involves cultivating interspiritual relationships, practicing prayer as resistance, and embracing the power of dreaming to create a more just and equitable world. ## Embodied Solidarity - Resistance requires embodied solidarity with all creatures and Mother Earth, embracing the messiness of life and recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. ## Everyday Acts of Resistance - Everyday acts, such as resting, remembering ancestors, and engaging in ethical practices, are forms of resistance that hold us all together and contribute to holistic flourishing. ## Healing and Wholeness - The book emphasizes that healing ourselves and our relationships with others cannot be separated from healing our relationship with Mother Earth, seeking wholeness in all spheres of influence. ## Intersectional and Inclusive Approach - Curtice's approach is intentionally intersectional, inclusive, and compassionate, drawing from Indigenous wisdom and personal experiences to create a practical guide for growth and resistance. ## Continuous Journey - Resistance is a journey, not a destination, involving a deep commitment to letting go, embracing, and creating a new world that is more whole, just, and loving.