Happy Revolutionary Father’s Day:The Ground, Path and Fruition of Revolutionary Fathering
The Ground, Path and Fruition of Revolutionary Fathering
Greetings to All,
Today, we celebrate and honor revolutionary fathers—an integral part of the heartbeat of change within our homes, communities, nation and planet. In a world where the echoes of oppression and injustice (against ourselves and others) are still heard, the role of a father transcends mere parenthood. It becomes a revolutionary act, a beacon of hope, strength, and transformation.
A revolutionary father is more than a provider; he is a guide, a teacher, and a warrior. He understands that true revolution begins within, in the depths of his own mind and heart. He embraces the journey of self-discovery, seeking wisdom from diverse traditions and experiences. By confronting his own fears, biases, and limitations, he becomes a model of growth and resilience for his children and his community.
In the quiet moments of contemplation and meditation, a revolutionary father finds clarity and purpose. He recognizes that his actions, thoughts, and words shape the world around him. This inner revolution fuels his external efforts, empowering him to stand against injustice and to work tirelessly for the betterment of his people.
Fathering, in this revolutionary context, is an act of love and defiance. It is the refusal to accept a world where his children are not free to dream, to explore, and to thrive. A revolutionary father instills in his children the values of courage, empathy, and critical thinking. He teaches them to question, to seek truth, and to stand firm in their convictions.
But the task of fathering is not solitary. It is a communal effort, a collective responsibility. As we nurture and support revolutionary fathers, we also strengthen our bonds with each other. We create a network of wisdom and care, where every child is seen, valued, and guided by many fathers, many mothers, many guardians of the future.
To the revolutionary fathers among us, I say this: Your journey is not an easy one, but it is profoundly important. You are the architects of a new world, one built on the foundations of justice, equity, and love. Your role as a father is a revolutionary act that has the power to transform not just your family, but our entire society.
In times of struggle, remember the strength that lies within you. Draw upon the wisdom of your ancestors, the resilience of your people, and the support of your community. Know that your efforts are seen, appreciated, and deeply needed. Every lesson you teach, every sacrifice you make, every act of love you show, reverberates through time, shaping the future for generations to come.
Let us pledge today to support and uplift our revolutionary fathers. Let us recognize the vital role of fathering in our collective revolution. Together, we can create a world where our children grow up with the knowledge that they are powerful, capable, and worthy of a just and loving society.
Thank you, revolutionary fathers, for your courage, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to our collective liberation. You are the heartbeat of our revolution, and together, we will forge a path to a brighter, more equitable future.
Today, may we practice experiencing ourselves as the warriors we innately are and removing any obscurations that prevent us from being the warriors we desire to be.
Below is a practice that may help you.
May it be of benefit to all who aspire to be revolutionary fathers:
Ground: The Foundation of Revolutionary Fathering
Realizing and Trusting In That Which Neither Needs To, Nor Can Be Changed
The starting point for revolutionary fathering is recognizing that the foundation of our existence, our Being, simply requires a felt acceptance of who and what I am. This does not require change or growth but rather a resting in relationship with who and what I have always been. This acceptance comes in the form of a deep and abiding love for oneself which spreads to one’s family and the community. This love is not conditional or transactional; it is a pure, compassionate force that fuels all actions and decisions.
This foundational recognition is about embracing our innate being, our basic goodness, our sovereign essence. It involves acknowledging the intrinsic worth and dignity that resides within each of us, untouched by external circumstances or judgments. By resting in this relationship with our true selves, we tap into a profound source of inner strength and peace. This acceptance is not about striving for perfection or achieving external milestones but about honoring and loving ourselves exactly as we are.
When we accept ourselves in this way, we align with our sovereign essence, which is the inherent authority and autonomy we possess over our own lives. This alignment empowers us to act from a place of authenticity and integrity, making decisions that reflect our deepest values and truths. Our basic goodness, the fundamental kindness and compassion that is part of our true nature, becomes the guiding force in our interactions with others.
As this deep and abiding love for oneself takes root, it naturally extends to our family and community. This love is pure and unconditional, not based on what we or others do or achieve, but simply on our shared humanity and inherent worth. It is a compassionate force that fuels all actions and decisions, inspiring us to nurture, protect, and uplift those around us. This revolutionary approach to fathering creates a ripple effect, fostering a culture of love, acceptance, and empowerment that transforms not only individual lives but entire communities.
Changing That Which Needs Changing and Obscures That Which Can Only Be Realized
The next starting point for revolutionary fathering is understanding the need for transformative change within oneself and in the world. This involves acknowledging and confronting personal and societal challenges that affect fathers and families. There are things about myself and my world that hinder recognizing the innate qualities of ourselves and those we care for and it is those things that require work to change.
This understanding begins with a deep self-awareness and a willingness to examine our own beliefs, behaviors, and biases. It requires us to look honestly at the aspects of ourselves that may be limiting our ability to fully embrace our innate being, basic goodness, and sovereign essence. This self-examination is not about self-criticism or judgment but about recognizing the areas where growth and transformation are needed to align more closely with our true nature.
Transformative change also involves confronting the external challenges and systemic issues that impact fathers and families. This includes acknowledging the societal structures, cultural norms, and institutional barriers that perpetuate inequality, injustice, and harm. By understanding how these external factors influence our lives and the lives of those we care for, we can begin to work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
This work requires courage and commitment. It means being willing to face uncomfortable truths, both within ourselves and in the world around us. It involves dismantling harmful patterns and practices, and replacing them with ones that nurture and uplift. This process of transformation is ongoing and requires continuous effort and reflection.
By engaging in this work, we create the conditions necessary for recognizing and nurturing the innate qualities of ourselves and those we care for. We clear away the obstacles that hinder our ability to see and celebrate our basic goodness and sovereign essence. In doing so, we create a more supportive and loving environment for ourselves, our families, and our communities. This transformative change not only enhances our own well-being but also contributes to the collective well-being of all, fostering a culture of compassion, justice, and empowerment.
Path: A Meditation Practice for Revolutionary Fathers
Preparation: Practice calm abiding meditation to experience present centeredness. This will help to stabilize your attention while engaging in the practices that follow.
Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
Sit comfortably, with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
Lower your gaze and take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
Focus on Your Breath: Pay attention to your natural breath. Feel the sensation of the air entering and leaving your nostrils.
Be Present: If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. Don’t worry about distractions; just notice them and return to your breath.
Stay Relaxed: Keep your body relaxed and your mind calm. There’s no need to control your breath, just observe it.
Meditation Steps:
Grounding:
Continue to focus on your breath. Feel the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils.
Visualize roots growing from the base of your spine into the earth, anchoring you firmly.
Recite:
I open my heart to unconditional love, embracing all beings with compassion.
I face challenges with unwavering bravery, finding strength within myself.
I walk the path of a warrior, protecting and guiding with wisdom and honor.Contemplate:
Choose a Focus: From the recitation, select a specific theme, sentence, phrase or word for contemplation. For instance, you might choose to focus on the words “unwavering bravery”, the phrase “finding strength within myself” or the word “warrior.”
Deep Reflection: Gently bring your focus to the chosen theme/quote. Reflect on it deeply, allowing your mind to explore its various dimensions.
Personal Connection: How does this quote resonate with me personally and/or withint he context of my family or community?
Current Relevance: How does this quote apply to our current social and political environment?
Action and Intention: What actions or intentions can I take away from this quote?
4. Visualizations
Unconditional Love:
Bring to mind someone you love unconditionally. Feel the warmth and tenderness in your heart.
Now, expand this feeling to include yourself. Repeat silently, "I am worthy of unconditional love."
Extend this love to others, starting with family, friends, and then to all beings.
Bravery:
Reflect on a time when you acted with bravery. Feel the strength and courage from that moment.
Imagine facing a current challenge with that same bravery. Visualize yourself handling it with confidence and calm.
Repeat silently, "I am courageous in the face of adversity."
Warriorship:
Visualize yourself as a warrior, standing tall and resolute. Feel the power and determination within you.
Imagine protecting and guiding your loved ones with wisdom and strength.
Repeat silently, "I embody the spirit of a warrior, with honor and resilience."
Integration:
Spend a few moments sitting in silence, allowing the feelings of love, bravery, and warriorship to integrate.
Slowly bring your awareness back to your breath. Take a few deep breaths, feeling grounded and centered.
5. Closing:
Gently open your eyes.
Take a moment to stretch and reflect on your experience.
Carry these qualities with you as you move through your day, embodying the essence of a revolutionary father.
Revolutionary Fathering: Post Meditation
Embodying Bravery: Taking courageous actions in everyday life, whether in facing personal fears, advocating for social justice, or protecting and nurturing one’s family. This bravery is shown through resilience, vulnerability, and the willingness to stand up for what is right.
Practicing Warriorship: Cultivating the qualities of a warrior, which include discipline, honor, and wisdom. This involves continuous self-improvement, learning, and teaching these values to one’s children and community. It means leading by example and maintaining integrity in all endeavors.
Mindful Presence: Being fully present in the lives of one’s children and community members. Engaging in active listening, showing empathy, and providing emotional support. This mindfulness extends to self-care, recognizing the importance of balancing one’s own needs with those of others.
Fruition
Outcomes of Revolutionary Fathering
The fruition of revolutionary fathering is the transformation and empowerment of both the father and his community, resulting in a more just, compassionate, and resilient society. This transformative journey leaves a legacy defined by deep love, moral strength, and a commitment to continuous growth and learning, impacting future generations positively. Revolutionary fathers contribute to the upliftment of their communities through collective action, solidarity, and the fostering of support networks, ensuring a sense of belonging and shared progress. Ultimately, revolutionary fathering creates a lasting impact that extends beyond the individual, nurturing the well-being and success of families and communities.
Justin. F. Miles LCPC
~ Freedom is a long walk and liberation is ever present.