Micro-Activism (Follow Omkari Williams)
I came into Omkari Williams’ space when the founder of Being Tea, Sooz Hammond, collaborated with her on a workshop called: Activism for Introverts and Highly-Sensitive People. The workshop intrigued me 1) as an introvert who 2) struggles with how to “do activism” as an introvert, when marching and bullhorns and big crowds are not my jam ;).
The workshop was affirming of who I am, inspired conviction that I can participate and make a difference, and offered practical ideas for moving forward. I’d highly recommend following Omkari Williams and buying her book, “Micro-Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World (without a Bullhorn).” If you can, please support independent booksellers with your purchase.
I also invite you to subscribe to her weekly e-newsletter for an “Activism Micro-action” for the week. These actions are geared toward introverts and HSPs and require only 10 minutes.
This week’s micro action revolves around the obvious turbulence happening in the U.S. right now, and likely in the coming months and years. No matter how we are processing the election - with elation, despair or unaffectedness - the world around us will inform how we will be thinking, feeling, and acting in the near future.
“That said, what I suggest for this week is that you lean hard into practices of self-care and community care. We have tough days ahead of us but we will prevail.” - Omkari Williams
Today I had the privilege of guiding a chair yoga practice at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Eleven women came together to move their bodies, breathe a little more mindfully, and REST. I did not ask who voted for whom, yet I imagine there would be different answers. Regardless, inside the yoga space, my job is to facilitate stability, ease, healing and empowerment for these women who showed up for themselves and each other.
And to witness them challenging their balance, trying new postures, giggling when something was awkward … it was an hour in time that we were all simply human beings, wanting to feel a little better and supporting each other in doing so.
A key message that came forward at the end of the class was during the mudra practice of Pushpaputa Mudra, or “handful of flowers” gesture. I offered an invitation,
“Imagine your handful of flowers. Recognize this gift, and consider something you may be in need of right now. What you need is right here.
Now imagine your handful of flowers. Acknowledge that YOU have something that the world needs right now. YOU have a gift to offer. Set an intention to offer that gift today … and to receive what you need today.”
We are in a challenging place right now. You may need to lean hard into self-care and community care this week. You have what you need and/or can reach out to find it. In addition, remember the gifts YOU have to offer, and offer them as you’re able. Finally, there will be time to analyze the why and the details of what just happened. And yet, Omkari advises, “for now, let's recognize that we must keep the larger picture in mind as we move forward.”
Receive the gift of what you need.
Offer your flowers.
Discern the bigger picture.
The path forward will reveal itself.