Spiritual innovators are sharing their stories in hundreds of conversations across podcasts, newsletters, videos, and live events. Their experiences remind us that transformation is not only possible, but already happening. Whether it's a meditation app entrepreneur, healing justice practitioner, theologian, or local community-builder–learning how spiritual innovators are doing their work is one of the best ways to get inspired for your own!
As you explore the five stories below, reflect on these questions:
- How does this story mirror my own experience?
- What might I learn from the choices this spiritual innovator has made? Especially those that are different from what I might have done?
- What does this story inspire me to try?
Amichai Lau-Lavie
A social activist and storyteller, writer and community leader, Amichai Lau-Lavie is the Co-Founding Spiritual Leader of Lab/Shul, a God-optional, artist-driven, everybody-friendly, pop-up community in New York City. Born in Israel, he received his rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 2016, the 39th generation of rabbis in his family—and the first one to be openly queer.
- Over the last 21 years, Rabbi Amichai has been filmed by Sandi DuBowski for the award-winning documentary Sabbath Queen, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2024. Watch the trailer here.
- Or listen to his interview for On Being, in which Amichai reflects on his personal journey to becoming a rabbi, as well as the future of religion.
Tricia Hersey
When you experience Tricia Hersey’s work, you’re witnessing a practice defying the lines drawn between disciplines. The daughter of an abolitionist pastor, as a native of the South Side of Chicago, and as the torch-bearer of her family’s Mississippi and Louisiana roots, her upbringing is woven throughout her experience as a theologian, performance artist, chaplain, poet, and community organizer. She’s the creator of The Nap Ministry and the “rest is resistance” and “rest as reparations” frameworks.
- Listen to Tricia’s audio track Rest Life, a post-capitalist dream-space transmission.
- Or watch this keynote in which she dives into more detail about how to design for rest as a practice.
Nipun Mehta
Nipun Mehta is a designer of social movements that are rooted in small acts of service and powered by micro moments of inner transformation. As the founder of ServiceSpace, which reaches millions of people every month, his work has catalyzed networks of community builders rooted in their localities and practices of cultivating deeper connection–with oneself, each other, and our systems. Awakin Circles take place everyday, in which small groups gather for meditation, a sharing circle, and a meal.
- Listen to Nipun’s spiritual autobiography in this interview at Commonweal.
- Or read this short blog about how Nipun hosts an Awakin Circle, many of which happen every day, all over the world.
Liz Slade
Liz Slade is the Chief Officer of the UK Unitarians, a small denomination supporting open-minded, loving, spiritually-grounded communities for over 300 years. Liz came to this work after working in Britain’s National Health Service and noticing the deep importance of community in creating health. She first helped to lead Sunday Assembly, a network of secular congregations that celebrate life, and then moved to the Unitarians with a mission to bring the denomination into a new era.
- Read this essay from the start of Liz’s term in which she makes the argument for the value of religion to a secular audience.
- And here’s an interview in which she reflects on the same themes after years of leading the denomination.
Kodo Nishimura
Kodo Nishimura is a Buddhist monk, artist, author, and activist. Born in Tokyo, Kodo was more interested in Disney princesses than meditating, and moved to the United States to study fashion and then make-up. But, passionate about liberation, he decided to train to become a monk in the Pure Land school, which emphasizes equality.
- Read about Kodo’s life story in this interview in National Geographic, or in his book This Monk Wears Heels.
- Or watch this TED talk about the hope he discovered in becoming a make-up artist and a monk.
To learn more and meet other amazing spiritual innovators, check out our directory or visit the BIPOC Spiritual Innovators website.
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