One way that microaggressions shape interpersonal and institutional spaces is through perpetuating the system of oppression. Keeping the status quo is the path of least resistance, and unless we do self-reflection and commit to humble learning, we will remain part of systemic domination. That is one way that these mostly unintentional forms of oppression become an insidious part of maintaining inequity. Because they are things that many people do not notice, or can easily defend as something else, they ensure that decent, well meaning people are still propping up the system. Not knowing or acknowledging our complicity makes us culpable, thus the reason that it is not enough to not be a racist, one must actively be an antiracist.
An idea from Another Way that I found helpful was the idea that “[t]o know in our cells the experience of an alternative is to embody the possibility that the status quo is the only game in town.” (Lewis, Williams, Baker, p. 44) The work can feel daunting when we feel individual responsibility to have solutions or know all the answers. Many people treat religious leaders as if they could/should have it all figured out, however by framing the work as being “the container for a different kind of collective wisdom,” (p.42) it places the power dynamic back where it should be- with everyone. That opens spiritual work up as creating space for collective wisdom, rather than as a hierarchy with leaders with all the answers.
Silence is powerful in a society filled with noise. My ability to be comfortable (or not) with silence is usually a great biofeedback indicator of how grounded I am. When feeling centered, silence is comfortable and comforting. However, when I am not grounded, silence can feel profoundly uncomfortable. Sitting vigil with the dying is an exercise in holding a loving space with silence. End of life work proved valuable for me in developing a calm, centered presence, something that could feel like a soothing balm for people surrounded by anxious, grieving family and frantic, overworked medical staff. I aim to be able to carry that energy more often, or even perhaps someday embody it, like Dr. Harding. I will admit that the pandemic has afforded me a great deal of time for silence, and in that space, I can hear my heart more clearly.
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