Peaceful Protest & Mindfulness:: #blacklivesmatter 2020
As we move closer and closer to Juneteenth: a celebratory season of the abolishment of Slavery in the United States of America, our country as it exists today is standing UP for what White people have tried to cover up, hush and silence for so long--racism. Through demonstrations, protests, riots and radical activations the veil is being lifted and change is being demanded. Within just a few short days, there has been an overwhelming amount of interfacing and with those who are revolting on the ground and those who are in support and advocacy at home.
There is a lot at stake here as we absorb the ongoing events--the response from American citizens is inspiring and uplifting yet also the weight and heaviness of witnessing these events is real and deep penetrative. For myself, as a Wellness Practitioner and Counselor it is my job to reach people in their most vulnerable places. I have a great empathy for those who are suffering because ultimately this is what is.....hatred, confusion, embitterment, confusion, aggression and cultural biases--all as a result of suffering. The state of our mental and emotional health is effected with the height of these events as well as the lingering uncertainty of the Global Pandemic: Corona-virus.
For those who may be torn at this time....having a longing to be a part of these Historic events by playing their part--but wanting to remain in safe keeping and security for the themselves and their families. Here are a few suggested ways in which you can join in part with the movement:
For those who may be torn at this time....having a longing to be a part of these Historic events by playing their part--but wanting to remain in safe keeping and security for the themselves and their families. Here are a few suggested ways in which you can join in part with the movement:
- Meditation + Prayer (our country, our people and its leaders need this now more than anything
- Encouragement (reach out and connect or call your friends, colleagues and community members just to show your heart if in the event that support is needed)
- Walking Meditation 21-Day Boot Camp peaceful protesting and solidarity (learn more about this by visiting: www.girltrek.org)
- Create ART, especially amongst the children (make the community aware by inspiring through beauty)
- Release (crying, screaming, wailing, movement, exertion is Healthy and necessary)
- Call/reach out for support (join a support group, call-in, attend a affinity group or circle for healthy discussion)
- Reflect
- Donate (there are number of resources and alliances available for you to be a part of: www.obama.org)
Open discussion from the Town Hall Meeting lead by former President Obama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhiYa5BLKn0
More information on JUNETEENTH:
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the United States Army marched into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order Number 3, declaring, “all slaves are free.” With this order, the message enshrined in President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was brought to Texas, unshackling thousands of slaves who had remained in bondage. Six months later, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States once and for all. For millions of African Americans, Juneteenth has served as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental truth that all people are created equal and that liberty is a right endowed by our Creator.
On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the United States Army marched into Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order Number 3, declaring, “all slaves are free.” With this order, the message enshrined in President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 was brought to Texas, unshackling thousands of slaves who had remained in bondage. Six months later, the Thirteenth Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery in the United States once and for all. For millions of African Americans, Juneteenth has served as an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental truth that all people are created equal and that liberty is a right endowed by our Creator.
