Category Archives: Spirituality

CRSL Shepherds a Re-energized Ramadan at Smith

Whenever we guide others on a path or journey, whether spiritual or physical, it is a great responsibility for the appointed leader. The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life holds this sacred role dear to its heart. Students know when … Continue reading

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Reflections on Peace

Peace Now: Not the Absence of Tension but the Presence of Justice; Not the Presence of War but the Absence of Weapons By Reverend Matilda Cantwell, CRSL Director and College Chaplain When I was seventeen, I had a purple T-shirt; … Continue reading

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Introducing the Reflect, Resist, Rejuvenate Lounge

REFLECT RESIST REJUVENATE LOUNGE We are proud to announce the official “opening” or coming on-line of our Reflect, Resist, Rejuvenate lounge. This room was re-purposed just prior to the pandemic from a reading room to a reading room plus, with … Continue reading

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What is Mindfulness Anyway?

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word these days, alongside concepts like “self-care.” So what is mindfulness anyways? Mindfulness is another way of talking about being present. To be present is to drop into current time and the … Continue reading

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Invocation for Generating Justice and Joy Nov. 30, 2021

We are grateful that our earth has the capacity to take care of all living creatures. We affirm the importance of the humanity of all people. We are gathered to reconfirm our commitment to the seeking of this great concept … Continue reading

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2021-2022: The Center for Religious and Spiritual Life Explores Transformative and Disability Justice as Spiritual Practices

This year as Smith focuses on “Democracies,”  we are painfully aware that social injustices were woven into the fabric of our society at its founding. We also find ourselves at a point at which the very structure of democracy in … Continue reading

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The War in Afghanistan, 9-11, and our Interconnectedness

I thought it was a good idea to bring attention to the handling of the events in Afghanistan by the U.S. military last month through Generating Justice and Joy because it demonstrates the confusion, complexity, complicity, and connection that so … Continue reading

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The Planting of Critical Hope: The Practice of Grief and the Blooming of Justice

Dear Friends, Critical hope is defined by Scholar Paulo Freire as a way of addressing injustice through meaningful dialogue—we are not hopeful because we wait for the future, because we create it. Critical thinking is the process by which we interrogate and dismantle. Critical hope is the … Continue reading

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Think of Criticalhope as One Word

Critical hope seems at first to be a contradiction in terms–a clash of two universes of discourse.  “Hope” has to do with the experience of faith which inspires vision, which engages us in action and (hopefully) to a sacred, healing … Continue reading

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Racial Justice in Islam Series Connects Leaders to Students

The Racial Justice in Islam: Opening Our Hearts series was created as a space for students to learn about Islam’s approach towards justice, its historical foundation, and modern-day implications. Through asynchronous dialogue with noted Islamic leaders students were encouraged to … Continue reading

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