The Tears are Part of the Song
As our country grapples with the reckoning of inequalities and injustice that have far too long been at its foundation, I too, have been grappling with my own reflections, insights, and actions. Like many of you, I hope, I have read a lot, donated some money, signed petitions and shared as many resources as possible online. I’ve also spoken a little and written a few words. You can find those offerings on the Live the Light of Yoga podcast and here on last week’s blog entry. I am particularly pleased with our latest podcast episode The Tears are Part of the Song in which Holistic Resistance shared a bit of their experience, passion, love, and music with us.
One of the many beautiful moments of the time with Holistic Resistance was when Porsha remarked, “When we sing, we do not separate the tears from the music. We see tears as part of the song.”
There are times when it is important NOT to cry. There are also times when crying is the most honest, direct expression of the grief, outrage, loss, and betrayal we feel. Whether we have betrayed another, our own best intentions, or we have finally seen what far too many have experienced directly— the betrayal of individuals, society, and culture to honor black lives as sacred— honest grieving is a part of healing and healing is necessary for the sustained inner and outer action that brings about transformation.
Admittedly, the topic of racism and the far-reaching effects systemic, institutionalized hatred has on our individual and collective souls is a difficult, and often-times overwhelmingly painful, subject to address. At the heart of asana practice is Mindfulness, which can be summed up as an honest assessment of what is going on right now, and Compassion, which centers around determining a loving and appropriate response to what is happening in the moment. I believe that in the same way asana practitioners learn to tell the truth about where our bodies are in space and how to respond compassionately to both our capacities and limits, we can learn to face the ugly realities of racism honestly, directly, courageously, and lovingly.
Mindfulness and Compassion do not require perfection, but they are aided by humility, vulnerability, and sincerity and are brought to life through sustained action. As Aaron said in the podcast, “Get ready for the marathon of this work.”
Beginning Jan. 1, 2015, The Washington Post has logged every fatal shooting by an on-duty police officer in the United States. Since that time, there have been more than 5,000 such shootings, which does not include those who died in police custody or were killed using other methods. Of course, the list stretches back many centuries into the founding of this country with the enslavement of Africans. There is no way to bring any one of these people back to life, to heal the rents in the fabric of their families and communities that their deaths have created, or to adequately make amends for the damage that has been done, although there is a good case for reparations. We can, however, say the names of the victims with reverence, respect, and remorse for the ways we, individually and as a culture, have failed to value, safeguard, and nurture their lives.
As our monthly Deeper Dive talk (usually a closed event for Patreon Community Members) looms on the horizon, I have prayed about what is the best offering to make during this time. Instead of giving a talk or elevating my voice above others on June 11, I have decided to use the evening’s Deeper Dive forum as a time of prayer, contemplation and perhaps, lamentation. Instead of speaking on June 11, I will offer a reading of almost 200 names. I will read a name and pause, giving those in attendance a chance to repeat the name. We will continue in this fashion, through the list of names, acknowledging not only the loss of these individuals but the stark reality that we do not have time to read everyone’s name who has been harmed. Hope Morgan has generously agreed to sing Amazing Grace.
The June 11 Deeper Dive: Say Their Names event is open to everyone.
I hope you will join me.
I was inspired to offer this prayer by Janelle Monae’s song, “Hell You Talmbout.”
