the hit list uncomfortable not numb

I’ve often heard amongst spiritual peeps, that you shouldn’t watch the news because it’s “too negative” and “depressing.”  Why put that in your head?

In theory, it almost makes sense. After all, why should we inundate ourselves with nightly tales of murder, hatred, and mayhem, right?  Who needs that?

Actually, we all need to see it because willful ignorance and denial are not options.  We need to get out of our bubbles, wake up and see what’s happening in the world.  That’s the only way change will ever happen.

The last few weeks have shoved our faces right into it.  We can’t turn our backs and pretend that bad things are not happening.  Because they are.  You cannot deny it.  I can’t.

And I don’t want to.

I don’t want to choose numbing down or dumbing down – no matter how uncomfortable or horrific the news of the day is. I don’t want to ignore the grief and pain that other people are feeling.  I don’t want to become desensitized to the point where it’s “just another violent day, no biggie – didn’t happen to me.”

No, I want to feel every bit of shock and grief and horror that we are all feeling. I want to bear witness to the suffering and feel empathy down to my bones.

I cannot ignore black men murdered for NO reason.

Philando Castile. Alton Sterling.

I cannot ignore Orlando.

Or Dallas.

SENSELESS MURDERS.

I cannot wish any of this away.  (Sorry, Law of Attraction – that doesn’t work.)

I can’t just offer prayers and love ‘n light.

In fact, sometimes I worry that there is not much I can do.

Which makes me feel helpless.  And afraid.

So no, I cannot to crawl in my cave, turn off the news and watch reruns of Bob’s Burgers to try to convince me that the world is safe.

Because it’s not.  It’s not safe for a lot of people – especially people of color and LGBT. Not safe at all despite “how far we’ve come.” (Recent events show us that we have a mighty long way to go.) Facing this head on leaves questions, not answers.

What can I do?

What can we do collectively to stop this?

What is it going to take to end this hatred, this violence?

For one, listen. Listen more than you speak.  Listen to the stories of black men, black women, gay men, gay women, trans people – LISTEN.  Listen to people who look different than you without making assumptions and without making it about you.  LISTEN.

Two, speak out. If you see something happening, speak the hell up. Don’t just sit quietly when you hear your racist uncle talking crap at the holidays.  For god’s sake, SAY SOMETHING.  Don’t give people a free pass for being ignorant.

Three, educate. Educate others but also EDUCATE YOURSELF.  Learn about what’s happening in the world and what other people have to deal with.  Get out of the bubble.  Yes – watch or read the damn news and see what’s happening.

Four, donate. Time, money, resources, an ear. (Suggestions will be in the “other stuff” below.)

Five, feel.  FEEL DEEPLY.  Let what is happening sink down to your marrow. Don’t ignore it.  Yes, it sucks to have to feel all this horrible stuff but numb and dumb isn’t an option.

Because we are all in this together and we cannot shut out what is happening to our brothers, our sisters, our children, our mothers, our fathers, our friends, our neighbors, our communities.

This violence has to be stopped.

Evolution is possible but that begins by refusing to turn away.

So don’t.

Do not turn away from the pain, the loss, the grief, the horror. See it. Know that it’s real.

Sit with your discomfort.  And then choose to do something.

the-night-sky

Other stuff:

Donate to Philando Castile’s family.

Donate to Alton Sterling’s family.

Donate to various Black Lives Matters organizations.

Demand justice: contact your legislators.

How to help Dallas.

How to help Orlando.

From the Southern Poverty Law Center: Ten Ways to Fight Hate – A Community Response Guide.

How to be a white ally: Fighting racism is your responsibility – start now.

Your guide on how to support black people after incidents of police violence.

7 ways to be a better white ally after police murder black people.

5 Self Care Practices Black People Can Use While Coping with Trauma.

How to reduce your chances of getting shot by police.

White privilege explained in a comic strip.

From Little Red Tarot: Where does a healer’s anger go?

From Pride.com: It’s time you realize that #AllLivesMatter is racist.

The difference between a black man and a white man carrying a gun.

Jeanna Kadlec of GirlBoss Woo delivers a stunning, thoughtful post for white business owners.

10 things black people fear that white people don’t have to.

A tarot post I wrote a long time ago: Making sense out of tragedy.

What I’m Grateful For:

The ability to walk down the street or drive without worrying about being stopped or looked at with suspicion

A roof over my head

Thoughtful, politically active friends and family

People who are trying to make a difference

Kindness

Soundtrack for 7/9/16:

I’m Afraid of Americans by David Bowie <-this has been on constant rotation this week

Blessings,

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2016

pictures from stock photography and personal collection

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