Taking Space, Together!
In a world filled with constant noise and relentless demands, it's important to take space for yourself to reflect and recharge. Unfortunately, many people struggle to find this space because they are treated unfairly based on their gender identity, how much money they have, the color of their skin, who they love, or if they have any disabilities. This month, we invite you to think about how, together, we can allow and create space for everyone by recognizing that we all have a role to play in challenging these unfair systems. We'll provide practical suggestions on how we can create a more inclusive society, where everyone feels valued and has the space to be their authentic selves.
Taking space begins with being responsible for our actions. It's important to think about and understand the biases and unfair treatment that keep some people oppressed and others in power. We must recognize that we may have certain advantages and power over others. It can be uncomfortable, but this discomfort and understanding that we might unintentionally, and in some cases intentionally, make it harder for marginalized people to have their own space is crucial to a more equitable future.
Once we understand this, we can inherently begin to feel a deeper sense of care for others and can then start working towards challenging the unfair societal systems as well as our own personal actions that fuel this deep-seated desire to control each other. This is called being accountable, and it is crucial to be accountable on a micro and macro level— from your intimate relationships to a neighbor knocking on your door to strangers you will never meet. Accountability is first and foremost a commitment to seeing yourself for who you are, what you do, and why you are in this world.
Choosing accountability involves recognizing the significant impact our words, actions, and decisions can have on others. It necessitates an examination of how our behaviors reinforce systems of control or perpetuate harm. By actively seeking diverse perspectives, engaging in uncomfortable conversations, and amplifying the systemically silenced voices, we create spaces that honor and respect the experiences and boundaries of others. And when we create these spaces, we allow safer access for others and ourselves to take the space we need to grow.
Now it's not just up to one person to be accountable. We all have a job to do. Communities, groups, schools, and our government officials need to make sure everyone feels included and supported. We can do this by making rules and plans that hold people responsible for their actions—systems of collective accountability. We need inclusive laws, standards, norms, and social beliefs to give everyone a fair chance at having power not only within themselves but within the world around them.
So what can you, reading this, do on this journey of responsibly finding, taking, and giving space? You can actively confront biases in yourself and the people you know, dismantle unfair systems by being knowledgeable about the issues others are facing that result in control or harm, and you can help foster inclusivity by seeking out the knowledge and expertise of people that are in different situations than you. It's an uncomfortable journey of self-reflection and difficult conversations, leading to healing and rebuilding trust.
If you want to join us in the work we are doing to help ensure everyone can have their space, reach out to us through our social media DMs, email, or our website.
