We created this meditation to help you investigate and acknowledge racial privilege and racism.
We've also prepared journal questions,
Which can be found on our website,
To help you dive deeper.
Because of our different racial backgrounds,
We've explored these issues personally as friends for over the past 20 years.
It is our deepest wish that this practice helps you awaken and grow.
Take a comfortable seat.
Sense the ground beneath you.
Allow yourself to be supported in all of your imperfections and all of your strengths.
Know you are safe as you navigate this difficult topic.
Take a deep inhale.
Hold for a moment.
And exhale fully.
If at any point during the meditation,
You feel like you're not breathing,
If at any point during the meditation,
Difficulty motions arise,
You can focus on the breath.
Before we begin,
Silently repeat the following phrases with heartfelt intention.
I take full responsibility for my thoughts,
Speech,
And actions.
It is not enough to not be racist.
I must actively be anti-racist.
I will now make a series of statements.
After each,
Notice your reaction,
Thoughts,
And feelings.
Not all statements may be true for you.
Be open despite any discomfort or defensiveness.
Let's begin.
People who look like me are overrepresented in workplaces,
Positions of power,
Politics,
Media,
Toys,
And more.
I can dine out,
Shop,
And travel without fear of being followed,
Harassed,
Or killed.
When my children or children who look like me play or even act out,
They are not seen as a threat or as criminals.
Now silently repeat the following.
I realize I have certain privileges because of the way I look.
I did not earn these privileges,
Yet I subconsciously benefit from them.
I realize I have certain privileges because I am considered a model minority.
I acknowledge my blind spots in contributing to racism,
Especially systemic racism.
I am thankful for the opportunity to unlearn old ways.
I will make a series of statements now based on reactions that you may have had to people who don't look like you,
Especially black people.
They may not all apply,
But be open and consider them.
I have clutched my bag,
Crossed the street,
Avoided eye contact,
Or been afraid.
I have assumed someone is less intelligent or less financially successful.
I have assumed that someone is good at sports,
Dancing,
Or singing.
I have doubted or dismissed their experiences with discrimination.
How does it feel to have heard these statements?
To acknowledge our blind spots is challenging.
It requires vulnerability.
This is a safe space.
As difficult emotions surface,
Invite them in,
Get to know them,
Without critique,
Without judgment.
I have said I don't see color.
I think racism is a thing of the past.
I can ignore racism because my culture is accepted,
Seen as normal,
Or is the default.
I have heard racial jokes or slurs and stayed quiet.
Has your body shifted?
Do you notice any tension or tightness?
Perhaps in the shoulders,
The chest,
Or hands?
Did any difficult emotions arise?
If so,
Silently whisper,
It's okay,
There's room for you here.
All or most of my friends look like me.
I've rarely been the only person with my skin color at work or school.
I've never been asked things like,
How do your people feel about this?
What's the white perspective on this?
No one commits microaggressions against me,
Saying things like,
You speak so well,
Or can I touch your hair?
Check back in with your body.
Connect back to that feeling of support from the ground beneath you.
With your next inhale,
Breathe in compassion for yourself.
Let it seep in through all of your pores.
On your next exhale,
Breathe out any guilt or shame you may be harboring.
Guilt only hinders progress.
Showing up here is the first step.
Use this meditation and the accompanying journal questions as a tool.
Come back to them whenever you need.
It is our deepest wish that you see yourself with a clearer perspective.
That you course correct your thoughts,
Speech,
And actions moving forward.
Whenever you're ready,
Open your eyes.
