Laura Sheahen

Star of movies like “Bull Durham” and “Thelma and Louise,” Susan is also engaged in advocacy for the homeless and has kept humanitarian causes in the spotlight. She spoke with Beliefnet recently about her spiritual path.

How would you describe your spiritual path? Do you identify with a particular one, or is it mainly the activism you’re involved in that fulfils you?

I try to live my life every day in the present, and try not to turn a blind eye to injustice and need. I feel my family’s needs are a priority. I’m not comfortable with the idea of serving the many and ignoring my family. I see myself getting more involved as kids leave the nest.

Which ethical and spiritual lessons do you most want your children to learn?

I want them to respect the divine in everyone. And understand that with privilege comes responsibility. Everyone has a responsibility towards this larger family of man, but especially if you’re privileged, that increases your responsibility. I want them to understand the joy of empowerment, of service. I want them to understand that doing the right thing is a joyful experience, that it isn’t a grind.

So volunteering —like your work in soup kitchens —has never been a grind for you?

Not at all. We have a tradition in our house. I was always envious of bar mitzvahs and people having really defined rites of passage and being able to mark that with some kind of community service. — Beliefnet.com