This is a challenging time in America. With the effects of Covid-19 not only lingering but in some states once again surging. That coupled with the recent racially inspired national protest, the concept of peace seems daunting. Especially our individual inner peace.
As an African American I have had my emotions run the full gamut of extreme sadness and anger to the comfort if not bliss of realizing that we have yet again experienced a touchstone that has the potential to guide us another degree higher in our evolution as loving, kind and empathetic beings. I know that some of you feel that at this moment evolution to elevated thinking is not at all what seems to be occurring. Those who know and follow me realize that mine is a glass not only half-full but is in fact overflowing.
I have heard voices of support as well as voices of dissent. And that is just from African-Americans. African-American conservative commentator Candace Owens struck a tone of defiance over the concept of a criminal (George Floyd) being held up as a martyr in the African-American community. Her recent viral video ‘s attack of George Floyd’s character sent me into a state of angst. I felt her tirade was at the very least insensitive and at worst disrespectful if not down right despicable. It’s as if she verbally spat on George Floyd’s grave even before he could be properly buried.
After digging deeper into one of her references, senior fellow at Stanford University Shelby Steele who she quoted in her monologue, I understood more fully how her thoughts were developed.
My digging lead me to YouTube where I watched video of an interview with Mr Steele. He maintained that the responsibility for blacks’ current feeling of oppression, lay within themselves and that “white guilt” is part of the problem. That decades of failed liberal social policy stemming from this “white guilt” has done more damage than racism itself. He also went on to say that racism no longer exist. Especially as he experienced it himself growing up in the 1950’s.
As I watched this I was consciously able to manage my anger and listen with a level of objectivity. Because what I recognized while listening was that, in the middle of the vin diagram of our respective and somewhat opposing beliefs was the concept of black empowerment. What we shared was the belief in the greatness that is inherent in black culture and our collective experience. And in this greatness lays the ability to solve both our personal and societal challenges. Basically that there is no one more qualified and capable than black America. I must add that Our views diverge a bit since I believe that though this is mostly true, we, in this society as constructed cannot do this alone. Just as the old saying goes, “It takes an entire village to raise a child.” It take a whole society pulling in the same direction for a common goal to solve the social ills of 400 years of mistreatment and oppression.
I think that Mr. Steele with all of his knowledge and background over-simplified the situation and overlooked the crux of our current challenges, which for me as it relates to our most recent events is specifically focused on the problem of equal justice for blacks in our current justice system. What I feel is desperately missing is empathy and de-escalation training for the police as well as continuing education and training coupled with a commitment to community outreach and engagement so that white police officers understand the history, culture, needs and concerns of the communities they serve. This along with Police Citizens Review Panels for all municipalities and nationally standardized requirements for police. Finally, these along with a national database so offending officers cannot fall through the cracks will go far in correcting the problems we now face.
The key is action. Over the next few weeks, months and years the follow-up to our current state of protest is crucial.
I must add that I do also believe that the majority of police are good decent human beings and they should be respected and appreciated. I also believe that the municipalities and their police forces need to take responsibility for insuring ALL of their officers get this much needed training and the exposure and experience of relating to the communities they serve in more relaxed environments to foster more empathy and understanding for everyone involved. In short, earnest relationship building will go a long way.
Here is where I going to change gears. And dive into the realm of the spirit where all peace begins.
In the middle of the vin diagram where individual personal responsibility is elevated to the height of personal inner peace, joy and achievement. Where we are all equal and the only obstacle to your justice and glory lay inside your own heart.
“The deeper sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain.”
Kahlil Gibran
Sometimes we need to endure darkness to achieve the light. And because we have endured that darkness our light shines that much brighter as an inspiration to all who witness it.
I went over a passage from from my upcoming book 29 Degrees I’d like to share with you that I hope brings you some hope and inspiration for creating a better tomorrow.
“What if throughout all of this, rain or shine you were able to experience joy? What if in the darkness of grief and loss you were able to rejoice in all that was shared and contributed instead of being overwhelmed by the sadness of having someone or something cherished suddenly taken away? What if you could instantly accept those in your life exactly as they are reveling in their uniqueness instead of struggling to change them into your idea of the ideal? What if life was unfolding in a perfect way according to the divine and all you had to do was accept this fact and align your consciousness with what you are currently experiencing. Instead of lamenting or trying to change things, having faith that the Universe is indeed working in every moment on your behalf. Your ability to recognize the divine in each of these scenarios is your key to living your life in the orgasmic throes of inner peace, joy and purpose.
This brings up a question for consideration that many of you have that we will address deeper in a later chapter and that is; What then of making a positive impact on feeding the hungry? Or, what about ending social injustice or ending the uncalled for carnage of needless wars and conflict. The short answer is, Take action when so inspired. But let your actions be motivated and guided by the love you have in your soul to change these things. Let your passion for the evolving of mankind be your guide. Let your steps be guided by the unconditional love of spirit and not tainted by the seeming disgust of the circumstance. In this way your perspective for and compassion for why these things exist in the first place will illumine your path and infuse you with an understanding that will guide you to right action, right choices and allies that you will need along the way.”
Sometimes in personal or societal crisis the greatest peace comes in the midst of you taking action. When you are actively moving into the direction of a solution armed with conviction and faith, deep inner peace can be achieved even in the face of disenchantment.
May peace be with you in all your endeavors!
Eric
