By Rev. Mudo Seiho Morris
“Love is an act of will—namely, both an intention and an action.” This insight from bell hooks’ All About Love invites us to see love as a conscious commitment to transform how we live and connect. In a world often divided by systems of out-grouping and cultural stratification, “love as action” becomes a powerful antidote to separation and indifference. It asks us to cultivate resilience and take steps to bridge the divides that harm our shared humanity.
The Twelve Steps to Bridging Divides offers a pathway to transform these divisions into opportunities for growth and connection. As hooks teaches, “Love is a combination of care, commitment, knowledge, responsibility, respect, and trust.” This framework encourages intentional and consistent self-reflection, courageous action, and an unwavering commitment to supporting belonging for all.
The first step is acknowledging the harm caused by systems that out-group. Often, we unknowingly inherit biases and perspectives that perpetuate separation. By bringing gentle awareness to these patterns, we create space to explore their roots without judgment. This process is not about blame but about engaging with honesty and humility.
As hooks reminds us, love requires intentionality—and with intention comes responsibility. The Twelve Steps guide us in this responsibility:
- Recognize the impact of out-grouping and cultural stratification
- Align actions with values of compassion and equity
- Commit to transforming exclusion into connection
- Reflect on how conditioning shapes personal and collective beliefs
- Share reflections to uncover and address harmful patterns
- Embrace the willingness to change and dismantle divides
- Practice inclusion with courage and care
- Seek to understand and address the wounds of out-grouping
- Make amends where possible, with humility and wisdom
- Continue self-reflection to meet emerging biases
- Deepen alignment with mutual respect and connection
- Share the practice of fostering inclusion in all aspects of life
This work requires resilience—not as indifference, but as a dynamic practice of care for ourselves and others. Resilience is cultivated through self-care, community engagement, and practices that center us in the present moment. Meditation, journaling, and dialogues across differences allow us to navigate discomfort with grace, transforming it into insight.
At its heart, this journey is one of love in action. By intentionally addressing divides, we free ourselves and others from the weight of separation. We invite curiosity, compassion, and connection to replace fear and indifference. As we do, we begin to see that the act of bridging divides is not just for others—it is for ourselves, too.
Together, we can create communities where every person feels seen, valued, and included. This is the love bell hooks speaks of—a commitment to care, connection, and the courageous act of transformation.