Marianne Williamson has done many different kinds of work over the years, including authoring 15 books since 1992 on facets of faith and spirituality — selling more than three million copies. In recent years, she has twice run as a Democratic presidential candidate, championing progressive positions with an emphasis on centering love within political action.
Williamson will speak at the Aspen Chapel on Dec. 5 at 6pm. The lecture event is titled “Navigating Our Way to the Future.” The Sopris Sun spoke with her last week in anticipation of the event. Below are highlights of the conversation.
What, to you, do writing and public speaking offer as mediums of communication?
Either way, “A more internationalist perspective is needed,” Williamson noted, elaborating that traveling in other countries offers valuable societal insights.
As for the difference between writing and speaking, she said, “The power is in words. It’s less about whether they’re spoken or written. Reaching people is what matters.” She continued, “A book has its own relationships with readers. In a room full of people, though you know more about them than readers, you can’t read their minds.”
Where do communication, politics and faith intersect?
“The intersection of politics and faith, at this point, is very important to me. Spiritual devotion has fueled some of the most significant movements in our history,” Williamson said. She cited examples from the 1800s civil rights movements, to women’s liberation and the resonance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
“What has happened in America over the last few decades [is that] left of center politics in this country have become very secular,” Williamson asserted. “The emphasis on secular analysis has, I believe, robbed the left of its moral force. It also has in some cases made the ‘spiritual’ feel spoken down to,” which, in turn, can impede their access to political positions.
Williamson feels a shift is essential. “The kinds of political change that are necessary will not occur without spiritual revolution,” she noted. In her mind it’s important to speak from the heart first, instead of leading with data. While the latter is important, “If you’re only speaking from a cerebral place, you’ll only be heard by those operating from a cerebral place.”
What are some key mantras or messages that have stayed with you?
She rattled off a few:
“We’re here to love one another.”
“We’re here to do our best; to extend the love that can heal the world.”
“We need to purify ourselves.”
Williamson also referenced Gandhi’s assertion that “the end is inherent in the means.” That concept is at the “core of nonviolent protest, which is highly relevant to our current political situation,” Williamson added.
Can you give some advice for navigating these complex times?
“Read Twitter less, read history more,” she said, noting the dangerous potential social media has to influence people’s perceptions. She emphasized that people need to “understand what a profound amount of propaganda permeates our media — [from] the left and the right.”
Williamson recommended that people “spend enough time in [the] quiet to think clearly” and to keep their hearts open. After all, “Manufactured chaos is not your friend,” she quipped.
In your experience, what are people surprised by when they lean into uncertainty or their faith?
“That it strengthens them. It empowers them. It calms them,” she said. “We are much more effective when we are at peace. So much more is happening in the quiet than we realize.”
She added, “What we need is not to fixate on uncertainty. What we need to do is embrace certainty. We need to share certainty that we can make it. We need to embrace certainty that we will grow from our mistakes, that we will do what needs to be done.”
What do you think are important things to remember and consider as we navigate the future?
In reference to the current political climate and forces of hate and division, Williamson emphasized the importance of declaring “not on our watch.” She said it’s imperative, rather, to navigate through love and inclusion. “This is a time for the assumption of power,” she added.
“Going forward, we need integrative politics. We need to employ forces of the mind and spirit as well as the body. We need a new paradigm, a new way of thinking about social change.”
“Navigating Our Way to the Future,” will be from 6 to 7:30pm on Dec. 5 at the Aspen Chapel. In-person and virtual ticket options are available. Attendees can buy VIP tickets to attend a meet and greet with Williamson starting at 5pm, and receive a copy of her latest book, “The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love.” More information is available at www.aspenchapel.org