This week, I feel somewhat at a loss for words.
As I have been out on my morning walks there is a silence that allows me to hear the birds, the wind, life within me and all around me. I recognize now more than ever how privileged I am.
As I’m walking, I take time to think about all the things in my life I am grateful for, including my breath.
The breath is sacred. Breath is life.
The breath is a beautiful mystery. It has been with every human from the moment we are born and will continue to be until we take our last breath.
It doesn’t matter what colour our skin is, we all have breath – but for some it has been taken away.
During my walks, I have been reflecting on how George Floyd’s breath and life were taken from him in such a cruel inhumane way.
Every time I think of George Floyd saying ‘I can’t breathe’ my breath gets shallower. My chest tightens up.
Many people all over the world, including in our own city, can’t breathe.
They live in fear, are punished or ridiculed for the colour of their skin and are not given the freedom to be who they are.
This week, feelings of sadness have come in waves.
I have also been asking myself the questions:
What have I done about this?
Have I turned a blind eye to the truth of what is happening every day?
I honour the perseverance of the protestors who keep showing up day after day.
Their determination has started to shine the light so brightly on this long-lasting darkness and injustice. People are starting to share their stories; I do hope we keep creating the space for people to share their feelings, their pain, their experiences.
As a human being, we all deserve to breathe freely, and to be who we are.
What creates separation is the belief in ‘us’ and ‘them’, the disconnect from love and truth and the overwhelming drive of the ego for power and control.
There is no us and them. We are all part of the One.
In my meditations, I have taken time to send love and prayers to George Floyd’s family, friends, and community, and to all people who face these injustices in their lives. My hope is that our world may recognize and act on what’s happening and work together to create true freedom and equality among all people.
Right now, let’s take a moment to breathe together.
As You Breathe In + Out:
Feel your breath.
Be thankful you have a breath.
Honour your breath and the life it brings.
As you continue to breathe, send thoughts of love from your heart to whomever you wish to send it to.
May we continue to shine light on the darkness and have the freedom to breathe and be who we are.
May we find peace and continue to work to support and lift up those around us.
Love and light,
Diane