My friend and teacher @sarahkyoga posted this on her @omm_oxygenmaskmeditation page dedicated to helping parents of kids with special needs. I read this and I know that it is true. But I’ve been vacillating between truths lately.

On one hand, I know we are all connected, all beings chilling on this big ball in space in this moment and time. This is true.

On the other hand, I have never been more directly faced with my “otherness” in my life. I am a black woman in America. Unapologetically. In my lifetime, it’s never been more clear that this is not okay for a bunch of folk.

I see it in the rigged elections and drastically disparate criminal verdicts. It’s obvious in maternal mortality rates and differing standards for everything from property values to hair styles in dress codes. This is true too.

The second truth makes me want to flip a bird to all the folk who haven’t been vetted by my allies. This inclination has been getting stronger and stronger. But the first truth continues to stand. Continues to open my heart and my empathy to all of us. Demands more of me.

Both of these things are true. But only one of them is right. I have to choose what is right, second by second. I needed this reminder today.