I have been sitting in deep reflection for about a year now with some highly sensitive topics rolling around in my awareness. Although I have had some private conversations, I haven’t spoken publicly about them yet for two reasons.
Firstly, my heart hasn’t guided me to take inspired action until today. I was literally pushed out of bed and wrote the words in my journal “Today is the day. No more delay!”
Secondly, part of me has been afraid to speak about these topics because I have witnessed other spiritual leaders criticized, judged and/or attacked for speaking about these topics. At the same time I have also seen them judged for not speaking and remaining silent.
The topics I am feeling in my heart to speak up about are racism and white privilege.
My ego continues to dance with fear in my mind….
What if I get it wrong?
What if I offend someone by using the wrong language?
What if people take it the wrong way?
What if people judge me for what I share?
The truth is all of these scenarios are possible but I am not willing to let fear stop me. If I listen to my ego, I am damned if I do and damned if I don’t. The ego loves to play both ends against the middle and convince us that playing safe is the best way to go.
I know in my heart that playing it safe and not saying something is just as much a part of the problem, especially as a white spiritual leader.
If I don’t have the courage to speak up about these sensitive topics then I am doing a disservice to all of humanity.
I am feeling a strong calling in my heart that the time is NOW to speak, share and start more radical honest conversations about racism and white privilege. People are struggling to know how to handle these topics. In the last two months I have received some insights and perspectives that helped provide an understanding for me and I know I am meant to share them to help others navigate these sensitive topics.
Here are some of the questions I had to process and will be sharing around in the next few weeks.
- As a white woman why did I feel defensive when someone talked about white privilege?
- Why did talking about white privilege make me feel guilty and how could I shift that so I remain open to hear, learn and understand it fully?
- Why do conversations about racism and white privilege seem to create more of a division between us?
- Is it possible to process and heal racism without feeling so separate from each other?
- How do we process our old collective wounds while honouring others as they process their wounds?
I am feeling called to stand up and say that racism is not okay in any circumstance and that we all have an opportunity to be part of the solution.
I am feeling called to stand up as a white woman and share with other white women and men about how we are unintentionally part of the problem.
I am feeling called to stand up in support of black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) as they find their voice and speak their truth.
I am feeling called to share a vision I received during meditation that provided peace of mind and a renewed sense of hope for humanity to heal our old collective wounds while honouring each other in the process.
So how do we talk about sensitive topics without offending someone? The answer is, we don’t. As I start this conversation chances are I will offend some and trigger others as I encourage each of us to take a radical honest look at this sensitive topic. Of course you are welcome to press delete, ignore or unfriend me….BUT I encourage you to stick with me.
My intention is to share some ways we can process our own triggers and support others to do the same. That is the only way the conversations can continue allowing us to come to an understanding so we can all become part of the solution and help us all heal our old collective wounds.
Are you still with me? Click here to continue to explore these sensitive topics with me with Part 2 of this article.
heart hugs,
Sue xo
