As a person of color with creative inclinations, I’ve been sensing the need to express my feelings regarding the current climate of our nation, and world. Also as a source of positivity for others, I feel the responsibility to be a reminder of hope and light in the midst of these dark times. However, in my pursuit of living an authentic life, I also feel strongly called to be honest in my expression of the overwhelming array of emotions I’ve been experiencing this past week.
Never have I felt this amount of pain for the collective aching heart of humanity. Or such empathy for all the oppressed and marginalized people. Or so much poisonous anger towards a group of people. For the first time in my life I am finding myself observing white men around me with a preconceived notion of threat. I am suspicious of the intentions behind their every stare. I know this feeling comes from the fear these extremist groups are trying to instil in people of color with their hateful and divisive actions. And thanks to the loving white male figures in my life, I know for a fact that this hateful way of being is not the standard. But still, somehow this time that knowledge is not overriding my thoughts of suspicion. I can’t recall a point in my life before where I have been this aware, perplexed, ashamed, and terrified of my own thinking patterns all at the same time.
To me this is the loudest wake up call. A call asking for a deeper exploration of the illness of injustice affecting this world. An illness showing up as ignorance, oppression, prejudice, and complacency in all aspects of our lives. The only way I see us treating this illness is by confronting it. By taking action and not being silent anymore, making ourselves and each other accountable. By creating spaces to check ourselves, questioning our thoughts and how our actions may harm others and deprive them of equal opportunities to pursuit happiness and peace. We must have a willingness to humbly listen to each other, without any trace of a sense of superiority, as we create plans of action together for the collective well-being of all based on understanding and compassion.
These times call for a radical form of love. A love that urges us to redefine its meaning with a foundation of justice, compassion and the understanding of the inherent nobility and dignity of every human being. A love that is all-encompassing, exemplifying the awareness of our shared reality and the oneness of humankind. A love that is patient, but active, with the process of our brothers and sisters as they make their way towards this understanding. A love that unites.
Furthermore, as I reflect a little more, I sincerely believe these emotions we are experiencing are also the bounties of these darkened times. Take a look around. There is an increase in awareness of our collective conscience. We are expanding in our capacities to love and be understanding of others’ pain. We are growing in our solidarity for each other and coming together. Remember this during the trying times. Unity is our destiny.
Shine On (because we need your light),
Claudia
xx
