Practicing the 12 Steps of Inclusivity

By Shariff Abdullah

How do we move from "diversity" to INCLUSIVITY? How do we authentically connect with our Other in a society that makes connection near-impossible?

In a truly groundbreaking work, Dr. Shariff Abdullah outlines a practice for all of us, a journey within the spiritual aspects of inclusivity — the concept that We Are ONE.

The concept of inclusivity lies at the heart of the world's wisdom traditions. But how do we actually practice our connections to each other, to all living beings? How do we practice inclusivity in our modern, disconnected, alienated world?

Drawn from the author’s experiences in 45 countries, on every habitable continent, from over a hundred distinct cultures, this workbook distills the essence of scores of spiritual traditions into 12 distinct Steps — simple to learn, yet profound in application.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shariff Abdullah
• Release date: Jan 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005741846

Shariff Abdullah

DR. SHARIFF ABDULLAH is an author and advocate for inclusivity and societal transformation. Shariff’s meta-vision and mission are simple: we can create a world that works for all beings.His mission is to bring currently dysfunctional systems and structures into alignment with our common human and spiritual values.His books include the award-winning Creating a World That Works for All.

Book preview

Introduction to the Workbook

Ever since I wrote Creating a World That Works for All over 20 years ago, I have seen it as the core of a workshop. Inclusivity can be talked about, or it can be practiced. Without practice, it is simply… talk.

For years I’ve wanted to conduct that workshop. And for years, I’ve been stymied by the depth and richness of the material. With average workshop times ranging from a few hours to a day or two, a workshop on the 12 Steps would run at least 12 days, perhaps a lot more.

So, this workbook is my attempt to get this important material before a larger audience.

I include here the Introduction to the 12 Steps, from Creating a World That Works for All.

Work as Spiritual Practice

My work is my spiritual path, a spiritual calling dressed in the language of the practical. I don’t wear special robes, speak in foreign tongues or have a solemn expression. Lord knows I’m not celibate.

Like any path, at times its course is clear for miles ahead, and at other times it takes a sharp curve around a bend and I have to work hard not to wind up in a ditch. There are times when my work elevates me to heights of ecstasy. Generally, these are not the times when the fax machine gets stuck, the phone rings incessantly, and yet another report is due. Whether elevation or excavation, it’s still my path.

My work is my spiritual practice, and Commonway Institute is my principal vehicle for that practice. The institute’s focus is inclusivity — teaching the theory, philosophy, and practice of the inextricable linkage between our individual lives and the Other. The links already exist; we just help people become conscious of them. We conduct classes and projects that bring people together across the boundaries that seem to separate them. We humans have much more that unites us than separates us; Commonway helps people see that. We encourage people to see what they have in common and to build on that common ground. We work with blue-collar workers and university professors, farmers and farmworkers, management and labor, and many more who see themselves as being in conflict. We believe that this practice of inclusivity is the essence of virtually every spiritual tradition.

We are engaged in building community through collaborative, inclusive dialogue on fundamental issues affecting society. Through communication, people discover their hidden kinship. We believe that somewhere in the heartfelt communion of two or more souls the Spirit can be found. We encourage people to practice the essence of the spiritual teachings that have been given them, regardless of the source of their authority.

How can we walk into a room full of hostile, defended white males and find common ground? How can we go to a foreign country and help two traditionally warring parties listen to each other when their history, culture, and identity are deeply bound up in not listening to each other? How can people be assisted in arriving at a new solution when they are firmly committed to their current solution, which involves killing the Other?

Inclusivity is the Essence of Spirituality

The essence of an inclusive spiritual practice can be summed up in what Jesus referred to as the second great commandment: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. By neighbors, Jesus did not mean merely those people who live close to us, but everyone with whom we have contact.

It’s all well and good to say that we should love the Other, but how do we establish contact with those who want to distance themselves from us, ignore us, or even harm us? It’s fine for Jesus to talk about loving our neighbors, but did he ever walk the streets of New York City, Washington, D.C., or