WHO IS CENTRED? Ever-widening circles of being 💫

first shared with my Patrons on June 17, 2020

“Flow down and down in always widening rings of being.”

— Rumi

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that i've felt no need to show and tell. Presenting and performing for socials, or for anyone in fact, has never been interesting to me. However, i also recognise it can be helpful to be very clear about my energy and boundaries. Boundaries not only help us clarify what we will (and won’t) stand for, but they also help us to have healthy relationships and thus take care of each other.

So cue a(nother) mini manifesto, if you will!
At this time, my energy has been focussed on checking in with what i want to centre. Which begins with the self, and continues into ever-widening circles encompassing those i ride with in this meat carcass upon this rock hurtling through space.
Here’s a brief breakdown as to how that looks (“saw things i imagined…” etc)

Centring myself and amidst trauma.
I can be of no use to anyone if i am not rooted and connected to myself. This of course is never a destination. It’s an ongoing process and requires practice to tend to, nourish and process what hurts. And protecting or actively seeking joy and spaciousness. I am ever-committed to this practice because every day demands it. And when i prioritise this, I am able to give even more to my communities.
It’s also asking myself what i want to centre in my days. I choose to be intentional about where i spend my energy so i can direct it to places and people i want to centre. And allowing for space in this ever-evolving experience of being human. More to come on what i’ve been specifically focusing energy on in my personal practice and rituals these days.

Centring support for black friends and colleagues and comrades.
Holding space. Honouring the ancestors. Respecting the elders and lineages that paved the way. Organising. Processing. Imagining. Encouraging. Sharing resources and discussing routes, planning and taking action. But also, very importantly, creating space for rest, joy, pleasure, love and celebration of our people. Being well, in all ways, always. Reminding each other of this, because this movement is not new to us. We have been and are here for the long haul, so active practices encompassing self care and rest must continue to be implemented into our activism.

And then,

Centring a wider circle of conversations with fellow humans in the movement, of any background.
Actions as above. Plus daily reports to share updates from the ground and explore what is needed and what we can do. Joy, pleasure, rest, self care all also relevant here!

Centring wider still, to encompass those new to this journey.
There have been difficult conversations rooted in compassion, love, and a shared goal. I am hopeful for the most part, and remembering that we are all doing our best and are joining from different starting points on this journey. There is no place for woke elitism. But also, boundaries are important. Vulnerability and honesty are essential here.

----

I no longer have the energy to beg for my humanity to be recognised and granted by those who refuse to do so. I can no longer spend energy on those who cause harm then demand and assume with expectation that i centre, serve, soothe, explain and tend to their indignation and fragilities, however “well-intentioned” they may be. For me, it’s impact over intention. At this moment in time, still bruised from too many years being in this vulnerable and often exhausting position, i choose not to hold space for this work, and prefer instead to refer to many greats who are out here taking that on. Respect. For now, "issa no from me dawg", but i am always open to change.

I cannot focus my energy on the perspective of black pain and trauma alone. I am referring to the curated message implied from media conglomerates that perpetuate and monopolise on the pain and violence inflicted on black people and insight negative and imbalanced messaging.

I realise my strengths are better suited to helping us to remember the power, joy and healing so prominent in our lineages. As well as imagining new futures, exploring and experimenting with how to create them here and now. My work is honouring that and more, offering accessible, meaningful and sustainable ways to show up as well as we can be, whatever role we play. Encouraging others, lifting and celebrating. Writing, creating and sharing stories and offering inspiration amidst the darkness. Holistic wellbeing, essentially. And i use various modalities to do this:
Sometimes it’s actively organising with those on the ground, checking what they need, sharing resources, and offering a place to land. Others it’s creating spaces to release tension and offering tools and resources for those working with grief, anxiety, depression and/or trauma. It’s also documenting and creating through mediums such as writing, making audio and video. Spacemaking and creative explorations using words, movement and music.

But it’s always encompassing the practice of inviting creativity, curiosity, compassion, joy and pleasure as a possibility. A route to connecting with and returning to our own centre, taking care of ourselves and each other.

My current work and my energy is extended to all those aforementioned who i ride with. My comrades in creating freedom, by any means necessary, starting with and from ourselves, and then seeking to understand our role in the movement. The revolution starts from within. The inner revolution.

So want to be very clear on my boundaries and energy. If you’re riding, happy to be companions. If not, i wish you well.

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS! 🌈✨

WHO IS CENTRED? Ever-widening circles of being 💫

a playlist for the road ✨