on creating a declaration of interdependence
instagram post (edited)
Handle: @rachelleknowles
Date: July 5, 2020:
Rachelle Knowles
the idea that we can thrive, grow, and develop without each other is a lie that white supremacy teaches us. this lie breaks our hearts and spirits.
when I consider what it means to flourish, thrive and be nurtured, I’m clear that this is only possible in community. to be seen, heard and loved is such a gift and from where I sit, it’s what we all hope to experience and offer each other. when this work feels hard, I recognize that it’s because transparency, honesty and accountability are not valued in racialized capitalist systems that are emboldened by patriarchy and hierarchy; it isn’t hard because I am “bad” at it, it’s hard because learning how to truly exist together isn’t valued in these systems.
here are a few things I’d like to see:
- A world where folks are able to be self expressed. All of our unique gifts are valued and we all have a place to make a contribution to collective wellbeing.
- Conflict and tension are signs that we are ready to co-create solutions that work for all of us. We are all willing to learn and unlearn, we do not cancel each other. Note: sometimes this looks like moving forward together, and sometimes it looks like moving forward apart.
- People make space to engage in practices of self observation as a commitment to personal and collective wellbeing. Practicing presence is how we build capacity.
- Emotional and physical security is possible because it is safe to express our needs, and we are diligent about listening to the needs of others.
- Reparations.
it would thrill me if you’d consider creating a declaration of interdependence. Here are some things to help you get started.
get into inquiry__________________________________
What do you want to see more of in the world around you?
What do you want to see more of in your relationships (platonic, familial, romantic)?
What makes you feel Sad? Enraged? Numb? Ecstatic? Satisfied? Appreciated?
*Do the people you love know these things?
What is a posture of openness? Make it with your body.
Who inspires you? What is it about them that inspires you?
How might you cultivate a sweeter relationship to practice?
* Exploring your Declaration of Independence must be iterative.
How can you create an island of sanity?
*This term comes from Margaret Wheatley, in her book Who Do We Choose To Be. She describes islands of sanity as “places of possibility and sanctuary where the destructive dynamics of collapse are kept at bay.”
participate in your Life__________________________________
Make a list of things that bring you pleasure (do them and keep adding to the list)
Make a playlist of love songs (sing them to yourself)
Go on walks (look up and around)
Treat yourself to sleep (there’s no substitute for rest)
Stay tethered to the moon (notice where it is, notice what you notice)
Bathe in the sun (vitamin D is life giving)
Stay hydrated (there’s no substitute for water)
resources for consideration____________________________________
to read
Emergent Strategy / adrienne maree brown
Pleasure Activism / adrienne maree brown
Who Do We Choose To Be / Margaret Wheatley
All About Love / bell hooks
The Source of Self Regard / Toni Morrison
How to Do Nothing / Jenny O’Dell
The Pocket Pema Chodron / Pema Chodron
Spiritual Bypassing / an interview with John Welwood (PDF link)
to listen to
songs
Zionsville / Khruangbin
Can You Get To That / Funkadelic
Ojos del Sol / Y La Bamba
Becoming / Diana Gordon
Valley Spiral / Gunn - Truscinski Duo
Try Me / Witch
Light / Michael Kiwanuka
By Your Side / Sade
heavy focus / adrianne lenker
Way to be Loved / TOPS
Collide / Tiana Major9, EARTHGANG
podcasts
How to Survive The End of The World / adrienne maree brown + autumn brown
Finding Our Way / Prentis Hemphill
Tara Brach Podcast / Tara Brach
remember, sharing is caring. feel free to send thoughts/insights/ideas/post-it scribbles/audio notes to me here: rachelle@cultivateunion.co
Onward
xo
RK
