Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Celebrating Black History
https://www.tvadvertsongs.com/the-most-searched-a-celebration-of-black-history-makers/
“For both communities and individuals, the power of mindfulness is knowing, while we may not receive acceptance from others, we can give it freely to ourselves and to those around us....
Annual Black History Month celebrations, which bear witness to the past and remind us how heroic individuals and groups created a different future, can help reinvigorate our commitment to the ideals of equality and justice. But this will only happen if we also contemplate our relationship with the present in our daily lives throughout the other 11 months in the year: not in terms of the present state of things, but on being present for others in our community and beyond.”
February is Black History Month.
Some might wonder, "How is mindfulness connected to Black History Month?" In response, I would say...how in the world is it NOT connected? Let me explain further...
As Dr. Ballard writes in her online article, “How Mindfulness Can Transform Movements For Racial Justice and Equality,” it is through awareness and acceptance of the present-moment that we can practice bringing those same attitudes to the ways in which we choose to honor and enrich EVERYONE. While the importance of remembering and honoring Black History is emphasized by having a designated month of the year in our calendars, I love Dr. Ballard’s reminder that it’s more encompassing than that - it’s the practice of being present for others “throughout the other 11 months of the year”.
Further, Dr. Ballard writes, “Black History Month is like a meditation retreat where mindfulness is the goal, but it is not being cultivated in our everyday actions.”
So, on this first day of February, I invite everyone to consider how you might practice being present for ALL others in your community.
And…if you have not seen Google’s recent ad, “The Most Searched: A Celebration of Black History Makers” - check it out below. It is a wonderful reminder that Black History is American history.
Wishing you all a beautiful and honoring start to the month of February!
Dr. Ballard’s full article can be found at: https://prospect.org/culture/mindfulness-can-transform-movements-racial-justice-equality/