Giving Birth to Racial Justice & Authentic Community

My book has arrived! Two days ago I delivered a healthy beautiful book,Say the Wrong Thing, Stories and Strategies for Racial Justice and Authentic Community.

However, as I was describing these strategies to friends, I realized that we could use these strategies any time we are in a challenging relationship or situation. Take a look and let me know if you agree!

H Hold Space for Transformation E Express Yourself A Act with Intention R Reflect on Yourself T Trust the Process

I'm going to expand on each of these strategies over the next five weeks. If you'd like to skip ahead, check out the book!

Hold Space for Transformation Holding is a mindset and a heart space where you just accept unconditionally what is and who is with love. Suspending judgement and analysis, you can "hold" people in conflict, leaders and nations, or even yourself.  I've hear Niyonu Spann liken holding to a kind of prayer.   This active but invisible stance allows Spirit/God/Ancestors/Higher Consciousness to enter. Holding is like adding lubrication; it eases friction and resistance. And, if you are a do-er, it gives you something positive to do.

Most recently, I used this strategy in a family situation involving my children. As a protective mother, I can easily get triggered by perceived slights or threats to my children's well being. However, as many parents can attest, direct intervention between siblings or between children and their other parents/grandparents can just add more chaos. At first I worried and aired my concern with Michael, but then I literally paused and chose to pray for the highest good for all involved and thanked God for loving all of us. To my surprise, that situation has partially resolved and I'm going to keep holding space until it is complete.

I invite you to try holding space today.  Try it in a situation where you are cultivating racial justice and/or authentic community.  Let me know how it goes.

Peace and love,

Amanda

P.S.  For readers of my blog, I'm offering a 30% discount on the book for the next two weeks.  Just use the code BLOG when you place your order.