As Ibram X. Kendi states, "being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.” It requires you to be mindful of the thoughts you’re having and to question your knee-jerk reactions over and over again. We then have to look at, and change the systems and policies that perpetuate this.
The last few weeks have been interesting. We are now living in times that can feel uncertain to many of us, whether it’s financial uncertainty, not knowing what to expect from day-to-day, or worrying about the health of at-risk loved ones. A pandemic is something that many of us have not lived with before; it’s a time filled with new experiences, adapting to new ways of life, and sometimes falling short.
In the Sufi tradition, there is the concept of “The 4 Gates of Speech.” It states that when someone is speaking, they may benefit from asking the following questions; Is what you are saying true? Is it necessary to say? Is it beneficial to be said? And Is it kind? I view this as a mindful way of speaking and thinking (to others and yourself).
