One area that really resonated with me was Linda Sarsour’s call to “know your neighbors.” When I lived in New Mexico, I was very tied into my community. I knew all my neighbors, all my government representatives, and many of the leaders in the faith communities. I had decades of experience and connections in the community through dozens of groups, programs, and communities. As Justice Coordinator for a church that served a community of about 1500 people, I was always connected with organizing, training, and interfaith projects. I took all those things for granted. When I moved to Boulder, I felt more out of sync with allyship/solidarity than I had in a long time. I still don't know any of my neighbors beyond saying hello occasionally. My work with activism, politics, and nonprofits is mostly long-distance. Now it feels different. The relationships and resources I had in NM allowed me to be more effective, motivated, and accountable. It is discouraging to think about how long it will take me to re-establish those kinds of community connections, particularly since my path to ministry will most likely require more moves.
Another area of allyship that I found particularly compelling was the idea of it being a way towards “helping each other heal.” (Allies, Anzaldúa) While holding space for the important distinction between oppression and harm, it is still a powerful idea that solidarity/allyship can be healing for the whole community. Focusing on a goal of healing could be a powerful intersectional motivator. The Hunt/Holmes article really touched upon a great deal of work that is “necessary yet uncomfortable.” (p. 166) I found the examination of the work on “home, family, friendship” and the need to embrace “both/and” particularly compelling. These kinds of conversations “create meaningful opportunities to enact ‘consensual allyship’” (p. 167) I felt a faithful connection to the approach that includes “a complex holistic view of interconnectedness that demands our responsibility to everything we are connected to.” (p. 168)
My grounding practices were proving insufficient this week. The materials in all my classes are intense and provided me indications that I have more work to do in dealing with some of my own past trauma. Additionally, Week 5 classes prohibit me from attending my usual meditation class, which I will sorely miss. To adapt to the fact that I am feeling more raw and unsettled, I sought out a few more options to supplement my regular practices. So, I added some body centered additions that will hopefully be the extra boost I need to keep me centered through material that can be very triggering and this moment when the pandemic and winter seem endless.
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