Compassion, Conversations, Healing & Helping
This has been an incredibly challenging few weeks for people in our country and around the globe. My heart goes out to the family and friends of George Floyd and the entire black community. I cannot even begin to understand the anger, pain, sadness, and extreme frustration that the black community has lived and felt for a very, very long time. All I know that is my heart and soul hurt for the pain that has been inflicted in history and the current injustice that continues to happen. I am inspired and motivated by the protests that have been happening here in Los Angeles and around the globe. These are not new, but they feel stronger and more aligned. Social media is allowing us to connect and share as a society and support each other like never before.
Each of us can choose to show up and support #blacklivesmatter and humanity in numerous ways.
Compassion: This is authentically showing sympathetic concern for the sufferings and misfortunes of others. Being empathetic for everything the community has been going through and showing up for the people in your personal and professional lives. Allow yourself to feel all of the painful emotions right now and to talk and journal about them. You can show compassion in-person, over text and social media, over phone and video, and in all of your communication to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.
Conversations: The #blacklivesmatter conversation is not new. I believe that it is imperative that we continue to have conversations with everyone in our social circle and communities. Real change will occur when each of us do not let this conversation slow down and lose momentum. Continue to reach out and talk about what is happening. Each of us can have conversations with people in policy and speak up. There are incredible documentaries and books to educate yourself and your family and keep the conversations moving in the right direction. Look honestly at your organization and ask yourself, “Are we doing all that we can?”
Healing: There is a tremendous amount of hurt and pain right now. You and I can be a source of healing for our friends and family, the black community, and the entire globe. You can support your inner healing with meditation, breathwork, journaling, and helping professionals. Some ways to help others heal are giving them dedicated time and space to talk with you and being there for them to listen wholeheartedly. I am choosing to have some friends over to talk about what is happening right now and doing it in a safe, physically distancing way. Connect to Mother Nature and the Universe, as spirituality can help us all heal.
Helping: Each of us can help the #blacklivesmatter cause in our own way and it is important that we all step up now more than ever. You may choose to donate time, money or resources to a variety of incredible organizations or to victim’s families. Spend time educating yourself on where, how, and when the cause can use your expertise. You can choose to show up to a protest and/or sign a petition that supports equality. Support black creators and business owners and continue to educate yourself and your family. Continue to listen, learn, and act from now on.