Stranger Things might not seem like the cure for systemic racism.
And, well, it probably isn’t.
But it is the cure for a stressed out brain that needs a break from processing the many facets of a deeply troubling and overwhelmingly complex problem.
Savoring some Rocky Road helps too.
Systemic racism has no simple solution
I can do hard things. We all can. Which is good, because dismantling our country’s deeply embedded systems of institutionalized racism is no simple task.
That being said, it is 100% possible, and I am 100% positive that if enough people care and take action, we can create the necessary change. Maybe even in our lifetimes.
Change begins with discomfort
For about a month now I’ve been participating in a facilitated discussion group. We are working our way through The New Jim Crow and after four meetings we are almost through the first chapter.
It is slow going and that is good because the terrain is tricky. Last week someone explained to me that change begins with discomfort, and if that’s true, we are definitely making progress because I am definitely uncomfortable.
This week I approached a woman after the meeting because I was struck by a comment she made, and our exchange left me shaken and sad.
The specifics of our conversation are both private and complicated so I won’t get into them now, but suffice to say I did not walk away encouraged.
Discomfort requires comfort
On my way home from the meeting, I was upset. I tried to process my feelings, but I only partly succeeded. Mostly I felt depleted.
When I got back to my apartment, I considered my options.
I knew the responsible, spiritually mature thing to do would involve meditation and journaling and possibly some sage. I thought about doing those things.
And then I went for the ice cream and Netflix.
They helped.
The right kind of retreat
I know that TV shows and sugar aren’t likely to solve any problems, and believe me, I was tempted to feel guilty for retreating.
I realize there are plenty of people who, thanks to systemic racism, don’t have the option of ignoring oppression for any time at all. (Several million of them are in prison right now for nonviolent offenses.)
And in the single hour I ate ice cream and freaked out at Stranger Things, who knows how many people of color were unfairly stopped and searched.
Terrible things are happening all the time, and I am committed to doing what I can.
But, for me, fighting must also include retreat.
Along with courage and kindness, patience and persistence, Love Warriors need rest.
Gratitude helps too
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for material comforts.
I am grateful I was able to come home to a quiet space and to choose a form of relaxation that involved high quality dessert and streaming Internet.
I am grateful for the rest I received and for my willingness to retreat—because doing so gives me strength to keep fighting.
Love > fear,
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