Working with the Void

*One of the classes I teach at Santa Clara University is called Cultural Competence and Humility. Students learn about how systems of oppression are enacted in multiple political, economic and social structures. This can leave us feeling powerless. One student emailed me their frustration in not knowing how to manage the stress. In conversation we felt our exchange might help others feel less isolated and serve as a reminder that we do have agency and power through our choices. I believe if we act in solidarity for social justice, one person at a time, one interaction at a time, we will change the tide.

Dear Dr. Day,

I am feeling generally overwhelmed. It seems like the world today, for lack of a better word, sucks! And I don't really know what to do about it. How can I, one single person, enact change while I already feel spread thin by general life demands? I would like to know of ways that I can help change the systems at play. I often joke as I read that it feels like all I can do is scream into the void. But I don't want to just scream into a void -- I want to take part of actual change. However, I'm not sure where to start. If you have any advice, it would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dear M,

Thanks for reaching out. I know it can feel totally overwhelming. I get it. I think this is a fundamental question on many people’s minds. Do you mind if we talk about it as a class? You are not alone.

Since we don’t meet for a few days, I would say, in the meantime, breathe and go ahead and scream. Get that energy moving. And then, know that change happens first within ourselves and making sure we are not inadvertently colluding with systems of oppression through our thoughts, actions, voting and buying habits. You are addressing this through your ongoing and honest introspection regarding your beliefs, assumptions and conditioning. We can’t change ourselves if we don’t take the time to examine our prejudices and turn those into our learning edges. I admire your sincere effort to do that this quarter. It’s inspiring.

As you know, we shift our collective energy one mindful person at a time. In this way, I believe we eventually reach a tipping point with more social justice-oriented people taking action, than not. Where we put our attention, energy follows. So we need to keep asking ourselves, where are we putting our attention?

From my own experience as a change agent, I know much of my attention needs to include self-care so I remain resourced, resilient and hopeful. For me and many others this includes: getting out in nature, appreciating beauty, remembering our belonging to the larger earth community, eating vibrant and fresh food, drinking lots of clean water, spending time with close friends, practicing gratitude, simplifying commitments in order to prioritize what’s truly important, connecting with inspirational people, and being conscious of how much screen time/social media/news we take in. These are all key elements that contribute to how balanced and healthy we feel.

Of course it is important to know what is going on in the world, and it is also easy to begin to ruminate and worry to the point where taking action feels really hard. That can cause a kind of paralysis that might not prove useful. Stay in the present. What is right in front of you? One step at at time. Breathe and come back to the gift of who you are and your unique contribution to this world.

One of the ways I do that is to create and maintain practices that keep my intentions alive (for example, showing up with kindness, equanimity and wholeheartedness in order to help make the world a more just and inclusive place) through yoga, hiking, meditation, gardening, backpacking, reading and writing, time in nature and with the herd. When we do these activities with specific intentions, those neural pathways grow and become increasingly durable and embodied. We are what we practice. This puts us in more powerful position of choice when turbulent events disrupt our equilibrium.

I recommend feeling into/thinking about which system of oppression you might want to help dismantle more specifically. It’s true they are all connected—but we have to start somewhere. Continue the research you began in class with your critical social justice documentary project. Take the intervention steps you proposed after your interviews and deliberation process. Let the project come alive in its’ next iteration. Gather people around you with the same passion, brainstorming how to harness your energies in whatever community you are in—on campus, in your hometown, nationally or globally. Talk or write to change-makers. This is a place to start, to interact with the void…to acknowledge that while daunting, we can collectively shift the energies and the oppressive systems at play.

I admire your willingness to partner with the void as a training ground for transformation—releasing, channelling and listening to that energy through concerted and courageous intention and action. I’m walking in solidarity with you. We all are.

With respect,

Dr. Day

Raven~transporter into Mystery. How do you access Spirit? How do you interface with the Void? Nature is our teacher and healer in this regard. We are Nature. We belong to Nature. (Point Reyes National Seashore)

Elizabeth DayJune 3, 2019