Fleshing the Spirit

Fleshing the Spirit brings together established and new writers exploring the relationships between the physical body, the spirit and spirituality, and social justice activism. Examining the complex and dynamic connections among these concepts, the writers emphasize the value of "flesh and blood experience" as a site of knowledge. They argue that spirituality--something quite different from institutional religious practice--can heal the mind/body split and set the stage for social change. Spirituality, they argue, is a necessary component of an alternative political agenda focused on equitable social and ecological change. The anthology incorporates different genres of writing--such as poetry, testimonials, critical essays, and historical analysis--and stimulates the reader to engage spirituality in a critical, personal, and creative way. This interdisciplinary work is the first that attempts to theorize the radical interconnection between women of color, spirituality, and social activism. Before transformative political work can be done, the authors say in multiple ways, we must recognize that our spiritual need is a desire to more fully understand our relations with others. Conflict experienced on many levels sometimes severs those relations, separating us from others along racial, class, gender, sexual, national, or other socially constructed lines. Fleshing the Spirit offers a spiritual journey of healing, health, and human revolution. The book's open invitation to engage in critical dialogue and social activism--with the spirit and spirituality at the forefront--illuminates the way to social change and the ability to live in harmony with life's universal energies. ContributorsVolume Editors

Elisa Facio

Irene Lara Chapter Authors

Angelita Borb n

Norma E. Cant

Berenice Dimas

C. Alejandra Elenes

Alicia Enciso Litschi

Oliva M. Esp n

Maria Figueroa

Patrisia Gonzales

In s Hern ndez- Avila

Rosa Mar a Hern ndez Ju rez

Cinthya Martinez

Lara Medina

Felicia Montes

Sarahi Nu ez- Mejia

Laura E. P rez

Brenda Sendejo

In s Talamantez

Michelle T llez

Beatriz Villegas