It’s only been a little over 10 days since George Floyd’s death.
Our country has exploded with understandable anger. Thankfully. We have a lot to be pissed off about. Trevor Noah's video has helped me understand this domino effect.
I’m hearing a call within me to not just know that Black Lives Matter, but to live it.
I’ll be transparent. Up until now, I’ve dismissed it. I had no idea how many black lives had been taken at the hands of white police officers. When I did hear a story or I'd watch Colin Kaepernick take a knee, I’d have a heated dinner time conversation with my family. I’d feel bad. I’d feel angry and wonder; Why is this happening? What can we do? And then I'd move on with my life.
In the past few days, I've questioned my past reaction to Black Lives Matter. I realize that I’ve justified this dismissal by holding up my feminist card. I thought “Well, I stand for the equality of women. Women need my voice. I’ll be a guide to liberate women around food and body image. That's enough.”
But this time is different. Now I know better.
My work with women around their relationship with food is rooted in recognizing our bodies as something to love and accept. With practice and awareness, I can see various body sizes and see beauty.
I'm challenging myself to look closely at my own beliefs and biases of bodies in all races, colors, gender identities, sexual preferences, classes, income levels and abilities. This personal inquiry is critical for me personally and for the work I do in the world.
Black Lives Matter isn’t just a social justice movement. It’s a way of being. This Time article was helped me see that.
Like you, I’ve been processing. As a country, we’re reacting and are extremely emotional. There are so many important stories, data points and opinions being shared in our social media feed that we can take in.
And, I know how important it is for me to navigate this in my own way. If it’s going to be mine, I’m the only one that can integrate it into my life.
On the Hungry:Trust Your Body. Free Your Mind. podcast, I share 5 ways I’m integrating Black Lives Matter into my life using the same process I used to create freedom for myself around food and my body.
I don’t have all the answers. I’m far from being an expert. I’m one white woman, business leader, fierce advocate of women’s equality, healer, master yoga teacher, and transformational coach. I'm also committed to make anti-racism, justice and equality a cornerstone of my business.
How are you navigating this conversation and taking a stand that Black Lives Matter?