Living through times of dissolution, of the crumbling and tearing down of harmful, violent systems, is painful in so many ways. I’m finding that it’s really hard on my psyche, my body, my heart. I’m witnessing the same in others.So I thought perhaps it might be useful to share some of what I’m learning, thinking, and leaning into right now about how to move through these times we live in. Not surprisingly, I’m finding that the wisdom that’s resonating most with me are largely shared by Black and Indigenous women, trans people, and nonbinary folks.
Remembering that we are taught to take on the shame of the failure of a system. We are to believe we are to blame for the failure of a system. Remembering this helps me separate the shame that keeps me immobile and the responsibility I feel to work towards change. Spending energy and resources supporting, uplifting and liberating communities who are most oppressed is a way to transmute anger and rage about the failure of the system. Planting the seeds that I know I will never get to see the fruit of the labor. My children and their ability to creatively solve the impossible.
Remembering that we are taught to take on the shame of the failure of a system. We are to believe we are to blame for the failure of a system. Remembering this helps me separate the shame that keeps me immobile and the responsibility I feel to work towards change. Spending energy and resources supporting, uplifting and liberating communities who are most oppressed is a way to transmute anger and rage about the failure of the system. Planting the seeds that I know I will never get to see the fruit of the labor. My children and their ability to creatively solve the impossible.
This was so beautiful to read, Tamiko. Thank you.