Special Episode  A Statement of Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement

Hi, this is Marcie Robinson, and this is not a podcast episode, but I've had a few people reach out and ask me what I think about what's going on right now. Because I don't want to be a privileged white person who, pardon my language here, makes a half-assed statement without thinking it through, I paused. I tried to collect my thoughts and formulate a response that I hope is intelligent and delivers the message that I intend. I want to be very clear about this because this is very important. 

I want you to know that I support, and my business, Illuminated You Lifestyle Coaching supports the Black Lives Matter movement as well as a peaceful demonstration against racism. 

I know that simply saying that the Black Lives Matter movement is important to me isn't enough. An end to racism is the responsibility of all of us. As I understand it by way of speaking with my black friends and clients, black people want action and change. I wish for that too. And because I've asked how I can support them best, the answer varies with each person I've spoken with. Yes, it's nice to donate money, it's great that some white people will take part in demonstrations, but there's one thing that every black person I've spoken with has said, and that is they want white people to listen to them.

Listening is so valuable because it can lead to change for many reasons. First of all, when we open ourselves up to paying attention to what other people are saying, we can check our belief system, we can compare our ideas and beliefs to theirs. When we do that, it challenges us to look at what our assumptions about things are. When we hear what someone else is saying, can we ask ourselves if we feel we're right on that matter and if there's any improvement that we can make to our perspective? 

We also know that listening can be very productive. Taking notice of what others are saying can help us connect information and formulate ideas for solutions. Paying attention is the only way to ensure we get all the critical information we need that will lead to success.

It helps us become better communicators as well because it promotes empathy toward others. When someone knows you've listened to them and understand what they're saying, it can build rapport in relationships.

And of course, it's a hallmark of great leadership because you need to communicate and share ideas with people as a leader. Listening not only shows that you appreciate them but when you see a positive reaction, it will give you a boost of self-confidence as well.

Having excellent listening skills is imperative in most, if not all, professions. It's important even if you're a student, work at a fast-food joint, the corner gas station, or a coffee shop. In my own experience of learning how to coach people, it's always stressed, no matter what coaching school or program I was working on, that listening is the essential skill to have. That's true because you can't realistically support or guide people to their goals when you aren't listening, and they aren't listening to you. 

I'm a privileged white person who's never had to worry about whether or not the color of my skin is going to be a problem for me that day. I've never had the experiences of so many who've suffered unthinkable indignities because of that or who continue to suffer. The ugly nature of racist behavior makes my heart hurt. I can't even imagine the pain that it must cause black people to feel when they've missed out on an opportunity or are categorized in a less than ideal way because of their skin color or culture. It's mind-boggling to me that people could be afraid to walk down the street or send their kids out to play because they don't know what kind of racism they'll encounter this time. It's incomprehensible to me that so many families have had to grieve loved ones who encounter violence because of the racist profiling and the viewpoints of others who won't listen. 

I know nothing about dealing with racism. I just know it's not right, and it has never been right. It's time for it to end. The good thing is that humans can learn. I think it is a time of expansion and consciousness shifting for human beings. I believe this time in history will lead to many changes with an intention toward inclusion, peace, and harmonious living for everyone if we can put aside differences and stand together. 

So I think it's time for us to forget about what we know and stop talking. It might just be time to think about what's going on as an opportunity to be open-minded and to learn about one another. It's a time for white people to teach our kids tolerance, understanding, and to listen to one another with respect. It's well past time to love each other, not just despite our differences, which can be so unique and beautiful, but because of them. 

What I know for sure is that all of us want people to hear us sometimes. It doesn't feel very good when you're talking to someone, they're looking at you, you know they hear, but they won't listen. Now we're all left to wonder how different circumstances could be if someone had stopped talking and listened to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Brown, Alton Sterling, Botham Jean, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin. Those amongst many others.

So let me repeat it. Black. Lives. Matter.

I'll be back with a new podcast episode, but until then, please take care. If your part of the current demonstrations against police brutality, please consider putting all that passion and power of your emotions into thoughts of positive, peace-loving expression.

Love and light for you today. Bye for now