How do you stay resilient?

Hi Everyone,

Feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, anxiety, isolation, and stress are a few words I would use to describe my last few months and last week. Additionally, feelings of solitude, community, creativity, and transformation are also words that I would use to describe my last few months and last week.

Experiencing these feelings at the same time highlight the complexities of my humanity.

I originally had another post I wanted to write. However, living in the midst of a global pandemic and a national uprising against racism and murder by police, I felt in my spirit to share some sounds, words, and visuals that I've explored to understand my emotions, to express my emotions, and to learn more about intercultural dynamics.

Check-in and let me know how you're doing and what sounds, words, or visuals you turn to for understanding.

***Lisa-Marie

Sounds, Words, and Visuals

Sounds

• Power: I created a Spotify playlist of songs that remind me of my resiliency and strength.
• Affirming self: I created a Spotify playlist of guided affirmations that remind me of my blessings and power.
• Young, Gifted, & Black: Wise words from Nina Simone (Thank you Nadia for the reminder and sharing the link).
• Revolution Playlist: Rachel Cargle curated this playlist of songs and speeches about justice (thank you Nadia for sharing this playlist).
• I Have Been to the Mountaintop: I listen to this MLK speech every time I need a reminder that there is a promised land.

Words

• Where does power reside?: In March 2018, I wrote a post about when I feel powerless and where I find power (in myself and through my ancestors).
• The Black lives syllabus: 32 reading lists dedicated to Blackness: In October 2016, I curated a list of resources that discuss Black lives.
• Race & Justice Syllabus: In July 2015, I curated a list of resources that discussed race and justice.
• Feelings Wheel: Using words that truly convey how you feel helps with communication. Are you mad or are you jealous/hateful? Are you feeling peaceful or are you serene/thankful.
• The power of narrative in economic policy: Words matter when you describe yourself, but also how you describe others.
• Anti-Racism Resources for White People: A document intended to serve as a resource to white people and white parents who would like to deepen anti-racism work.
• How to Make Meaningful Change: White Guyde to the Galaxy: Resources for white men who don't know what to do about police brutality outside of donating.
• How to Make Meaningful Change: Save the Tears, White Woman's Guide: Resources for white women who don't know what to do about police brutality outside of donating.
• Anti-Oppression Resources: Training resources for those working towards equity and justice.
• Anti-Racist Reading List: Books discussing the racial heritage of the US.
• The Great Unlearn: Resources to aid in unlearning (membership account).

Visuals

• 2Pac 1994 Interview: When people wonder why Black people are upset and angry, I think about this 2Pac interview and the analogy that he uses. It's a great interview.
• Trevor Noah Show: Trevor uses various analogies to explain police brutality and racism.