In the wake of the recent gun violence tragedies in America, social activist Shannon Watts rejoins the podcast for a conversation on what we can do to prevent gun violence.
Shannon Watts, a mother of five, social activist, and Buddhist practitioner; is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a leading force for gun violence prevention, and is an active board member of Emerge America and Rise to Run, two of the nation’s leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office. Watts is a contributor to The Huffington Post and Medium, and her writing has appeared in Vogue, Time, and The Washington Post. Shannon recently authored, Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World.
Text “Ready” to 644-33 to get involved with Mom’s Demand Action
Gun Violence Prevention & Mindfulness
Welcoming back Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action, Ethan invites her into a timely and crucial discussion on the rampant gun violence being experienced throughout the United States, and what that currently means for political activists in the gun violence prevention world.
“If nothing else, this is a reminder to me that mindfulness is so important right now—not just for people in the gun violence prevention movement, but all over the country.” – Shannon Watts
For more Shannon Watts w/ Ethan on Moms Demanding Action, tune to Ep. 48 of The Road Home
Cynicism & Democracy (12:00)
Speaking to the easy path of cynicism versus the difficult path of hope, Shannon and Ethan share how we can all do our part in democracy—whether that means voting, volunteering, or engaging in initiatives around our city. From here, they continue talking about the current political climate and what charismatic leaders have to do with movements.
“It’s much easier to be cynical and not get involved than it is to be hopeful and do your part in the democracy.” – Shannon Watts
Sharon Salzberg & Jack Kornfield talk activism, politics, & spirituality, on Ep. 135 of the Metta Hour
News Media & Sitting in the Fire (28:00)
Exploring how with all the negativity and travesty going on in the world today, that modern news media can act as a trauma generator, Shannon describes how she uses meditation as a tool to learn how she can “sit in the fire” of taking in current events so she can stay at the cutting edge of her grassroots movement. Remember: Text “Ready” to 644-33 to get involved with Mom’s Demand Action.
“Meditating in the morning to prepare myself for that overwhelming stimulation is really key to being centered, and then again at the end of the day to release all that pressure.” – Shannon Watts
Jack Kornfield shares on politics, possibility, & spiritual sanctuary, on Ep. 113 of Heart Wisdom
