Israel, Gaza, Puerto Rico, and your heart 💜

How is your soul today?  How is your heart?  

How are you holding all the suffering that is within you and around you, near and far, with gentleness and compassion?  How are you restoring your ability to stay in action?

Over the past week, like many, I have been deeply pained by the hatred that fuels vicious attacks and murders. The lack of humanity...the ability to cut oneself off from seeing another as human and worthy of even the right to exist...breaks my heart. 💔 

I happen to be in Puerto Rico as I write this...my first time here. With only a couple days, and most of it in meetings, I spent my only open afternoon on a walking tour of Old San Juan.  

The knowledgeable, local guide, María, shared the history ranging from the decimation of the local Indigenous people to the square where enslaved people were sold to the Spanish-American war. She led me through the historic landmarks and expressed her joy at the custom of Puerto Ricans clapping for the pilots after every landing.  (What a wonderful tradition to show appreciation for those who carry us safely near and far!)  🥰

And, she generously answered my questions and described how many Puerto Ricans perceive they are treated like a colony...technically U.S. citizens with U.S. passports yet barely given a voice (1 person in the U.S. House of Representatives) and not given a vote (either in the U.S. House nor in national elections).  

It was a lovely tour and helpful insights into a cultural experience different from my own.  Such a gift. 💝 

One of the things I love about travel is the opportunity to see the world from a new perspective.  Much of it is beautiful, joyful, colorful, and vibrant. 

Simultaneously, it seems like anywhere you look closely, you can see examples of how people are excluded, minimized, discounted, disregarded, or even killed because of some aspect of identity...location, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, political party, etc. etc. etc.  

There is no safe way to "other" another.  Just as there is no safe way to cut yourself off from a part of yourself.  And...dare I say it? 

The two are connected.  

So often we turn to distance or disconnection as a form of protection...whether it's disconnecting from a part of your own identity, emotions, or experience or whether it's from someone else's.  

While these are effective as survival mechanisms from trauma and life threat, they are not effective as ongoing ways to live wholeheartedly.  

Although this interview on Awakening Our Shared Humanity with Sheila Franzen of Spiritual Geek Podcast was recorded prior to recent events, it is directly relevant to the conversation we need to have today about how essential it is to tend to yourself in order to tend compassionately toward the world around you AND make an impact.  

Please listen and, if this speaks to you, share it with others.  We need absolutely every changemaker to be their most whole, healthy versions of themselves.

Sheila is a natural and intuitive interviewer which made for a unique dialogue.  Here is the summary Sheila wrote of our conversation (complete with timestamps).  Consider jumping to the section that most speaks to you and sharing this page with others so they can do the same...

Summary:

In this powerful episode of the Spiritual Geek Podcast, host Sheila Franzen engages in a captivating conversation with guest Rebecca Eldredge, a licensed psychologist and advocate for social justice. Rebecca's extensive experience in multicultural issues shines through as she discusses the importance of creating inclusive and fair environments that value and respect every individual's unique identity.

Addressing the pressing need for social justice to encompass various aspects of diversity, Rebecca highlights the significance of actively fostering spaces that are welcoming and just. Through compassion, well-being, and impactful actions, she emphasizes the creation of environments that promote inclusion, belonging, and safety for all.

With an acute awareness of the challenges faced by change-makers in staying engaged without becoming overwhelmed, Rebecca imparts strategies for self-care and self-preservation. By identifying our early signs of stress and learning to shift towards a state of calm and connection, we can function optimally, communicate effectively, and continue making a difference in the world.

The speaker delves into the concept of social justice, emphasizing the need to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals rather than relying on labels and belief systems. With a focus on genuine connection and understanding, Rebecca advocates for personal growth, wholehearted living, and the dismantling of societal division.

Drawing attention to the power of the nervous system in communication and receptiveness, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of safe conversations where differences can be expressed and heard. By fostering understanding and empathy, change becomes a collective effort, with individuals within systems taking responsibility for making a difference.

However, Rebecca also acknowledges the opposition and resistance encountered in the battle for social justice. Sharing personal experiences of disheartening situations in her local community, she highlights the need for consistent energy and action to overcome these challenges. Valuing and learning from those who are different from us should be a common goal, bringing us closer to a harmonious world.

Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to remain present, engaged, and grounded in the fight for basic human rights. By shifting our perspective from division and labeling to recognizing our shared humanity, we can foster unity and create a world where everyone can thrive. Let's embrace our interconnectedness and work towards building a future grounded in love, respect, and understanding.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:09 Podcast on intentional living and social justice.

00:06:25 Remaining present in social justice without sacrificing well-being.

00:08:54 Burnout from advocacy and change-making discussed briefly.

00:13:17 Recognizing unique signs in self for change.

00:17:13 Understanding self-care and the importance of rest.

00:21:58 Creating inclusive spaces, valuing diversity, promoting fairness.

00:26:06 Opposition to social justice, school inclusivity.

00:29:21 Earth: Unity in diversity, perception of oneness.

00:34:12 Nervous system's role in safe conversations and change.

00:38:38 Realization: Teachers face unkindness, promote awareness.

00:40:19 Helping people through self-care, connect with me.

The world is hurting and I know you are too.  

Please take good care of your heart and soul.  

You matter.  You make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.