“It doesn’t matter how strong the broadcast is if your receiver’s turned off.” Esther Hicks

“Miracles happen all the time. People just fail to notice them.” Lorna Byrne

In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, it is easy to become entangled in the pursuit of success and overlook what truly matters. We find ourselves climbing ladders of achievement, striving for external validation, while neglecting the present moment and the connections that define our humanity. It is time to awaken to the power of awareness as a human trait and virtue in our communities, reclaiming our sense of immersion and rediscovering what truly matters.
Renowned author John O'Leary, in his thought-provoking book In Awe, urges us to pay attention to how we spend our days and where exactly we are climbing. He challenges us to question what success truly looks like and how we can most effectively engage in the present moment. O'Leary reminds us that our greatest fear should not be falling from the top or failing at what we do, but rather succeeding at pursuits that hold no real value. These insights call for a shift in perspective, a reevaluation of our priorities, and a reconnection with what truly matters.
Alicia Garza, in her foreword to Do the Work by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz, emphasizes the urgency of taking action within our communities. She reminds us that democracy is crumbling, the planet is in peril, and social inequalities are widening. Waiting for someone else to save us is not an option. It is time for each of us to take up the mantle of change and reclaim our communities. Garza highlights that everyone has a role to play, regardless of their skills or preferences. Whether you are a teacher, a cashier, or a caretaker, your unique abilities can contribute to creating positive change. The key is to keep coming back, to continually engage and learn from others, embracing the ongoing journey toward a more just, fair, and safe world.
Central to the notion of awareness is the concept of "wokeness." Being woke is more than a trendy catchphrase; it is a state of active consciousness, a willingness to challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, and a commitment to learn and grow. Garza reminds us that every advocate for change was once ignorant of the issues they now fight against. We must be open to unlearning old paradigms and embracing new perspectives. There is room for growth among the less engaged, as well as the “woke”, as we collectively strive for a better future.
To strengthen and continually grow in awareness as individuals and communities, we must adopt certain strategies.
Besides in ourselves and in our relationships, we need to cultivate the habit of being fully present in the here and now in our society. This allows us to connect deeply with others, appreciate the richness of our experiences, and gain a greater understanding of the world around us.
We need to truly hear the voices and experiences of others, whether we agree or not, suspending judgment and seeking to understand their realities. Empathy and compassion are the foundations of building strong and inclusive communities.
We should all recognize that awareness is a lifelong journey. Actively seek out diverse perspectives, engage in dialogue, and educate ourselves about the social issues that affect our communities. Commit to unlearning biases and stereotypes, replacing them with informed and inclusive worldviews. No matter where we are and what we have experienced, we can always do better when we know and understand more.
By engaging actively in our communities, embracing our unique roles, and utilizing our skills we can affect positive change. Whether through protests, grassroots movements, or transformative actions within our workplaces, every contribution matters.
I, for one, want to stand as an ally with marginalized communities, using my privilege to uplift their voices and support their struggles. By recognizing and challenging systemic injustices, we can work towards a more equitable society.
The path to a better future starts with cultivating awareness within ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. By paying attention to what truly matters, engaging with the present moment, and actively working to dismantle oppressive systems, we can create a more just and inclusive world. Let us embrace this golden invitation to join a movement that will make us better individuals and collectively shape a brighter future.
Together, let's get to work.
Recipe: Mindful Cooking
Choose a recipe that you've never tried before and prepare it mindfully. Pay attention to each step, the textures, smells, and tastes, and how you feel during the process. Cooking mindfully can help you cultivate presence and awareness.
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