Being Heard

“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” ― Stephen R. Covey

Perspective is an interesting thing. I wrote a post several years ago about feeling invisible.  When I look at the world I realize that I don’t know the depths x breadth of destruction from not being heard.

***

From my post in 2014

“I don’t need a cloak to become invisible,” Dumbledore,  in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,  J.K. Rowling

I hate not to be heard. I feel invalidated. As an elderly woman I can feel anger that rises within me is out of proportion to the situation.

Without finding an answer I can still reach equilibrium.

I can know that I am loved by myself and others. I can understand that others’ distance, disinterest or deafness is not a personal affront to me. Even when it is directed toward me it rarely comes from ill-intent or lack of love.

The first thing I must do for myself is understand that I have what I need within me. That if necessary I can pour my love and connection into a vacuum and still be a whole person. I cannot be diminished by others or by their actions.

Then I want to examine myself and my own behavior. I must sometimes be guilty of the same behavior because I rebel against so strongly. Do I always listen? Do I always hear? Am I paying attention? Am I present?

There is time enough to explore the sore spots that feel re-injured when my voice doesn’t carry.

***

Maybe the anger isn’t out of proportion.

In listening to and reading the messages of Black women I can feel their anger and pain. And it’s justified. I have been walking with #BlackHistoryBootCamp on a podcast sponsored by #GirlTrek. I am learning on a daily basis what it must have been to know you would be punished for being visible and speaking out. What seems vital to me has been denied WOC.

And there is much to be said by them. Listen!

The Student

T. Morgan Dixon is Founder & CEO of Girl Trek. Morgan is a relentless street-organizer who is deeply inspired by her family and the philosophies of women like Ella Baker and Septima Clark.

Vanessa Garrison is a passionate advocate of social justice issues and has focused her work on improving health outcomes and quality of life for Black women and girls.

“The clarity that comes from rage should also tell us what kind of world we want to see, not just what kind of things we want to get rid of,” Dr. Cooper writes in “Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower.”

Originally posted  at My Life Class, July 19, 2014 (Modified)