Horrors happen every day, everywhere in the world, but only some things affect how we operate and feel in our daily lives. What lies BENEATH the external situation making you uncomfortable is what needs your attention.
You are uncomfortable because SOMETHING is trying to get your attention. What is that something? Use a term that resonates with you..
Decide what you want to call the force that is making you uncomfortable and GIVE IT YOUR ATTENTION.
Here are some posts with ideas about how to approach and learn from discomfort, without judgement.
My recent experience with discomfort…The only thing new about racial and social injustice is the miracle that more people are paying attention. When I suddenly felt uncomfortable about how to speak about it or what to do, I felt paralyzed. So I took my own advice and sat with the discomfort. I felt it. I located where it lived in my body. I watched it. I let go of judgement of myself and everyone else. And I waited.
And I read. And read. And read. I have been speaking up and having uncomfortable conversations with the people closest to me. As I begin to let go of my defensiveness and forcefulness, these conversations become less uncomfortable because they are not about being right, they are about SPEAKING UP.
The more I read (present tense) and engage, the happier I become because I see tangible evidence of the evolution of our species. I am simultaneously frustrated and encouraged. I am comfortable with my discomfort because my discomfort means I will not stop doing all I can to create a more equitable and just society.
I highly recommend the following books. Each takes a slightly different approach.
My Grandmother’s Hands, Resmaa Menakem
How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo
I doubt anyone has just one thing making them uncomfortable, but we can only focus on one issue at a time. Pick your top concern and dig in. Your body holds the answers!
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