In a previous post, I shared how deeply uncomfortable it was to realize (anew) how enmeshed I am with the institution of racism. As a white person, there’s much I can ignore, maintaining a basic level of comfort. Even though I see racial injustice when I volunteer in prison and balance that injustice by offering meditation and mindfulness to all, even though I live a compassionate and caring life, I’m not separated from white supremacy. It’s not my fault but it is my responsibility. I feel this now in a visceral, embodied, cannot-be-ignored way.
I’ve chosen to participate in a “Study, Support, and Action” caucus with White Awake. At first, I didn’t want to commit. My mind told me, “Are you sure you want to be on more Zoom sessions?” Yet when I looked deeper, I was just uncomfortable committing to the conversations; being real and vulnerable about race and my whiteness. This internal signal is what got me to enroll. If not now, when? If not me, who?
I’m anxious even sharing this on my business website, which speaks to how strongly we’re encouraged (societally, as white people) to remain comfortable, stay silent about racism, and not rock the boat.
In this space, I try to model realness, vulnerability, heart, and compassion (amid the messiness of life). Right now, I’m sitting in a mess of inner discomfort, trying to listen and learn; trying to take the next most skillful step. If you choose to join the caucus, please let me know (we can walk through the discomfort together).
together