The unfolding events over the past week or so in response to the death of George Floyd has gained the attention of many world wide. There is evidence of rage, anger, sadness and a lack of tolerance for inequality perhaps never seen before. The subject of racism or anti-racisim is a deep and complex issue, although we all knew at a young age about what is fair. That, is not complicated.
No matter where you are on the issue of equality and the end of violence in any form as a result of racial inequality; you are experiencing a deeper awareness. Perhaps a friend who has experienced directly the disadvantage due to their skin color, or an acquaintance who in-spite of the violence and grief, seems untouched in their daily life. Perhaps like me you care deeply and feel helpless in the face of an issue so big that it seems insurmountable.
I was speaking to a friend this morning and the topic came up. I admitted this feeling of helplessness and also that I am willing to learn. I’m willing to look at this issue including the privilege I have, to make that optional. I’m willing to see the world and my community through a new lens and get more and more clear about the ways that I participate in the silence rather actively showing up in favor of those things I genuinely value for myself and others. And I am willing to invest in my own education, to catch up if you will, on what can be done in a reasonable practical way.
It’s a humbling experience to realize not only have I lived a life of privilege, I didn’t realize it. Sure I was grateful to not have the experiences I see in movies that others have, but I didn’t notice it in my school, at work, or social settings. Things we consider “normal” become invisible.
It’s okay to start where we are. We have many times in our lives woke up to an issue that we seemed ill-prepared for and taken it on one step at a time. “One foot in front of the other” is how it works. As women we are not strangers to the concept or experience of inequality. It’s time to drop the shame and know we have the heart, the skills, and the determination to stand up for the sacredness of Life!
We are all connected. We know this on an intellectual level. We share the same Earth, air and water. And our connection goes beyond the physical realms. I see the collective as one body with a complex variety of parts and systems that when working in tandem, in harmony, brings health and happiness. You get the idea. However, in that same analogy there are many examples of dexterity and coordination between different parts to accomplish a single goal (brushing teeth for example works better with hands than feet). Well perhaps this is a case where people of color CAN’T do what needs to be done to heal this! Perhaps it will only be healed with the participation of the rest of us. It’s literally not a black problem. This affects “the whole body”, all of us and none will be at peace until we all are working toward that end.
So I’m reading and watching a few things I will list below. Every day is a new opportunity to call in more alignment to my own integrity. Honestly, I feel this is a call to action and by my willingness to listen for what is called for and honor the sacredness of life, I will be more enlivened.