Seeing with New Eyes

We are in a significant time in history—a period of great awakening that you and I are destined to be a part of. We know this because we’re alive right now.

This matters. You matter. And how we respond and show up in this moment matters.

We (as a human race) are being given an opportunity to come together to create a world that accepts, supports, and celebrates all people.

As much as our historical documents in the US give voice to this ideal, in practice and daily life that is not the case. Black, indigenous, people of color (BIPoC) have not received the same level of acceptance, support and care that I have as a white person.

I know this to be true because I have never had to talk about race. As a young girl my mother didn’t have to sit me down and teach me to make sure my hands were always visible while shopping, or not to be in a grocery store aisle by myself, or, how to best respond to police if I was pulled over (hands up, “I’m unarmed”).

Currently I get to choose to learn about being an anti-racist. I get to decide to take that “class” or not.

These are just a few small examples of my privilege as a white woman.

I’m seeing myself and the world with new eyes. I am waking up—and, I’m not going to lie, it’s uncomfortable, even painful…and nothing like the pain black people experience on a daily basis in this country. A pain I will never be able to know or understand.

I didn’t see for a long time and I’m deeply sorry for that. My commitment is to not only stay awake, but to learn, grow and be a voice for change.

I have been a part of the problem. The good news about that is that I can be a part of the solution. 

That starts with educating myself. Here are a few things I’m finding helpful, in case they resonate with you:

Currently I receive Nicole Cardoza’s Anti-Racism Daily—a very thoughtful, actionable email on the many layers of this topic.

I’m also reading and working my way through Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad.

I’m paying black educators for their teachings via their Patreon pages. I’m following new-to-me voices on social media (From Privilege to Progress, Tarana J Burke, Ibram X Kendi and many more) and taking action based on their sharing—signing petitions, calling and emailing legislators, having hard conversations with family. I’m committed to highlighting more BIPoC wellness experts and leaders in my work.

These are where I’m starting. What’s beautiful is that there are so many valuable resources on this subject—because black people (and others) have been sharing about it for years and it’s been landing on many deaf ears. Not anymore. If you are like me and just waking up and choosing to learn, don’t worry about getting it right or being overwhelmed. Start with one action—a conversation with a black friend (be respectful and listen more than you share), a book, joining a protest, donating to an organization. One is enough. And, then move onto the next one…and the next one.

As a member of this community, you matter to me. The world we are creating together matters to me. This is my truth, my heart and my stance.

With Fierce Loving,
Amber

Photo by Clay Banks.