Healing is Not Linear
It’s easy to see our lifetimes linearly: past, present and future. We are more comfortable compartmentalizing time in this way. It grants a certain peace of mind. However, I have found that when healing is viewed linearly, as a single series of steps, setbacks and relapses are accentuated, distorting any sense of progression. When viewing time non-linearly, as a process of change, the possibility of healing opens with the recognition of patterns.
On April 3, 1865, humans sworn to the Confederacy to protect the ideals of “Southern Society” (white liberty and Black enslavement), burned down 9/10ths of the business district in Richmond, Virginia, my current home, as they fell to Union forces. To me, there was a very similar cycle of harm that played out when the US Capitol suffered a deadly insurrection in an effort to unhinge our democracy last month on January 6, 2021. When looking at the two events I am able to see a cycle being repeated: a pattern.
Danielle Coke’s art entitled “The Cycle of Inaction” and “The Cycle of Action'' (below) points to the cyclical nature in which people respond to social crises. The first piece shines light on the process of recognizing a pattern of behaviors and decisions that may be causing harm. The second piece comments on how bringing our awareness to such patterns can act as an ignition for healing, when followed through with committed action. Whether in our daily lives or massive movements.
I have found the practices of meditation, mindfulness and yoga supportive in this work of uncovering patterned thoughts and choices. The theme that strings these practices together is presence: this calling of our attention--our awareness to the now. When we are present, we are able to see things from a centered space where we can begin to make conscious choices to change in ways that reduce harm. As with any practice, patience and commitment are essential. We must remember to embrace ourselves with open arms when we meet, yet again, in the midst of old conditioned behaviors and thought patterns. Healing is not linear.
Sydney Selika, Creator of @rootsrva
