Hidden Work of Showing Up: S3E3
Transcript
Alethia
At times, we must push ourselves towards the pursuit of reverence and cultivate it in a self-aware and deliberate manner. How can one discover a practice or experience that brings back their humanity, even in the face of dehumanizing experiences?
Ceasar
I intended to suggest that we make an introduction. Alethia and I have been acquainted for some time. Avoiding too much introduction when you have been acquainted with someone for a long time is not recommended due to the potential for things to come out
Ayushi
We haven’t tried going to a bar yet. We’re not at the bar anymore. The number is still available, but we can’t make that kind of introduction. Hi, Alethia. My name is Ayushi. As a former student and adviser of Ceasar, I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Oakland, California, where I will be developing technology for government-funded public services. Assistance programs such as food stamps, unemployment benefits, and insurance are available
Alethia
Nice. That’s great. Good to have you around!. Our stories of origin are alike in many ways. Thanks for sharing your MIT experience, it’s great
Ayushi
Although urban planning is no longer a part of my daily routine, I still hold it in high regard
Ceasar
I desire that he would have been involved in the creation of this series, therefore
Ayushi
That too. We don’t have to go there at all. Ceasar’s life is characterized by this. I’m here for the entertainment
Ceasar
Yeah, right, right, right. Hi Alethia, how are you doing lately?
Alethia
I’ve had an amazing day. I had a great morning dance class and received excellent coaching
Ayushi
What kind of dance?
Alethia
This is Caribbean. Although it originated in the Caribbean, the dance today is rooted in a Babalau orisha from the Dahamie people in West Africa. In the West, Lazarus celebrated his feast at Street and in Africa, Catholicism was used as a cover to keep slaves from worshipping their own god. The movement’s history is a beautiful thing
Ayushi
Wow. A great way to start your day, especially on a “hump day” like today
Ceasar
The perfect starting story for this show is the one that makes it all the more interesting. Our discussion centered on the topic of faith, spirituality, and religion and their potential impact on public life as we transition into a functioning democracy. The idea of reverence is a bit off-base, but it still has an impact on the subject. The story you recounted emphasizes the significance of faith and its ability to sustain human life. Even as individuals had to conceal it under a different covering to preserve the significance of their lives, it was still crucial
Ayushi
Is it possible To capture it through alternative means, such as concealing it and capturing it by moving?. It’s the concealment of something that is crucial to your survival. It’s true that there is no unrestricted right to discuss it in public, doesn’t it?
Alethia
Right
Ceasar
I was approached by Alethia and asked if she could be a guest on our show. We discussed topics such as faith, spirituality, and religion. What was on your mind at the moment?
Ayushi
Yes. I am eager to understand too. Right
Alethia
That sounds good. I don’t do it enough, but I’ll tell what I can
Ceasar
Your lack of faith, spirituality, and reverence is inadequate
Alethia
So many other things. The theme in my life is often a mix of X, Y, and flatboard activities. It’s a fundamental aspect of our existence, but It also has numerous names that resonate with us. The question of unconscious practices is occupying my thoughts, as I’m often surprised by The amount of culture we have forgotten about. They’re simply executing it. I had a certain part of me that was curious. I aimed to explicate that aspect of it and also the more self-aware and purposeful routines and moments of choice
Ceasar
This term was a tough one for us. It took us roughly a year to overcome our difficulties in performing on this show. COVID was present, you know?
Ayushi
Been to. Our difficulties persisted for a year
Ceasar
COVID, too. That happened, too. It was a challenge for us to determine how we could advance the issue. Those three words were not comprehensive enough, which was part of the problem. Faith, spirituality, and religion are all important. People would constantly question me, What if I were not who I am?. The podcast series explores how people can come together in civic life, but their perspectives are shaped by deeper beliefs And ideologies. Those are not permitted in the space, at least not in a conducive manner. The way in which we can have them here in a healthy manner is unclear. Either they remain inside or they are weaponized and used as a means to shut down others. That’s not a good thing either. Our initial response was to give this a try. How can we incorporate the concept of reverence into our social work and interactions with others?
Ayushi
Our entire hypothesis was based on that. People who are doing work that is not appreciated or personally taxing may be motivated by a deeper sense of respect for the project, people, and community. Can you elaborate on how your sense of honor may have influenced your work?
Alethia
One of the most important parts of my journey occurred during my fellowship at MIT, where Cesar and I first encountered each other in 2004. While I was residing in Cambridge, I established a connection with the Women’s Theological Center. AB oston-based activist group that had been around for a long time. Prior to its closure, it was renamed Women Transforming Community. They were developing a new leadership development program when I first met them. The course was titled Leading from Spirit. I was fortunate enough to team up with a fantastic group of volunteer facilitators and leaders to develop the curriculum, pilot it, and conduct weekend-long trainings. The manifestation of reverence for myself is one of the factors that contributes to the creation of spaces, particularly for social change makers, that facilitate reflection on their personal and spiritual lives. It was an exceptional gift as I had recently discovered its significance for me. The opportunity to collaborate with the WTC team and witness tangible outcomes in the community was a source of joy. The word spirit became a barrier for some people over time, which is why I mention it. What is the definition of spirit and what are its origins?. The word spirit was linked to all of these things. The program became the focus of a debate on whether to change its name to better reflect the message we were trying to convey. We were unable to solve that conundrum. As the show dwindled, we no longer have to answer that question. However, I do admire the use of the term reverence as it evokes a beautiful image but is not as universally conveyed by the three words you mentioned
Ayushi
I was eagerly waiting for you to inform me that the program had been renamed to like leading from vibes, which might sound inconclusive
Ceasar
That would have been a positive outcome. You’ve achieved published author status, written works, and worked in union organizations or foundations, but you’re now not returning to teaching. You’ve encountered a range of different environments. Does the perception of one’s self change as they adjust to different environments? Is it easier for certain cultures to coexist with others?
Alethia
The most apparent element of reverence in my work is the creation And delivery of learning spaces, which I believe has a greater impact on leadership development with practitioners than the classroom. The space of reverence that I have in my life is one where I can be true to myself and cultivate a spiritual growth process
Ayushi
Whoa, that’s incredible. I have never thought of those areas where you can discover yourself or untangle your layers as places to honor, but that is the reality. Yes, there’s a self-education program available. It’s important to take a risk and feel safe in that environment. Creating spaces for people is amazing, right?. I’m amazed by your creativity in creating a line through the various spaces you worked on. That’s incredible. I’m not attempting to comprehend your words without thinking. While working on this task, you advised leaving it to yourself to remain true and help others expand their areas. The word edge is something I understand, and you brought it up. Can you share the last truth that you learned about yourself And the steps you took to achieve it?
Alethia
The Coaching for Healing Justice and Liberation Coaching program is the driving force behind my current motivation to participate. It’s a very, very alive thing for me right now. I’m currently enrolled in the program, and I made the decision to apply. I’m extremely happy that I was picked because it provides a fantastic platform to create the experiences I just described. How would you define a professional coach when it comes to refining and elevating my own coaching practice? I have had some coaching experiences. Coaching has been introduced to me. I’ve had a lot of coaches over the years. My work has already been infused with it. What is an up-and-coming program that deliberately steers clear of discrimination and identifies as specifically for changemakers, particularly those Who are indigenous or black?. Systemic oppression is explicitly embraced by it. Is it accurate to say that traditional Coaching through the International Coaching Federation does not take into account ancestral wisdom?. The appeal of coaching lies in its individualistic, upper-middle class approach and emphasis on career advancement and material possessions, which is why I’ve always been intrigued by it. Programs were introduced to me when I first encountered them. It was established roughly two and a half years ago. We were only the second batch. The program’s values And offerings were immediately appealing to me, particularly in terms of recruiting coaches with social transformation. In today’s coaching, a coach who has experience in the framework is required to provide training. Our discussion today centered on the challenges I faced, as I worked towards moving forward with my life
Ceasar
Being disconnected from certain aspects of coaching is truly authentic. During our podcast, we’re contemplating individuals similar to you and exploring how they can embody certain concepts. Additionally, I have two queries to answer. Have You ever experienced a moment in your life where You couldn’t find the right words or actions to express your emotions and feelings, yet still feel like something is missing?
Ayushi
What is the point at which it ceases to exist?
Ceasar
It’s time to move on. I’ll put an end to that one. The other is a completely different issue, so I’m going to save him
Ayushi
It seems like I want to think about that aspect of myself as well
Ceasar
I tend to forget questions after a while, as you may have noticed. Reflecting on my experiences in both academia and everyday life, I realized that sometimes I have a genuine struggle to overcome. I say it to myself, not because I believe I am going in the right direction or facing a difficult path. I am aware of my path, But staying on that path can be challenging at times, despite knowing how to do it. Let me clarify that I have a genuine conviction in the worthiness of human beings and hold esteem for their spirit and qualities. Sometimes, I feel a strong urge to be unapproachable towards particular groups or individuals. It’s as if I’m done with it. I am unable to comprehend it anymore. The task is too difficult, but it’s not. Whatever it is, it’s what. The feeling is similar to when I feel like my belief, commitment, or attachment to reverence has been lost. It’s a battle. It’s a struggle for me to just stay in there and say, “I’m going to have to remind myself.”. I’ll keep reminding myself that the grounding is important, as you mentioned earlier about my belief in inch. However, there are moments when I mistakenly assume that I am not being wise. This act of worship may be a means of experiencing, but it doesn’t necessarily require the same amount of space that you are providing to other individuals. The other day, my wife was at home and the people who visited stopped by for something. We have a lovely house with beautiful garden items in our collection. They posed the question, “How long have you been renting this place?” to her
Ayushi
Are you kidding me?
Ceasar
It’s like
Ayushi
I am offended. At this moment, I am extremely offended
Ceasar
Despite feeling offended, there are times when it feels like the necessary work needs to be done. How can we incorporate these senses into our public realm?. The words you use to describe your job duties often remind me of the laborious nature of work, rather than bringing them to life. The task entails a great deal of personal work and creating spaces for others to share with them. I’m questioning whether it’s possible to do something in public due to the high level of effort required
Alethia
That’s a great deal, Ceasar. I’m curious to know where you ended up, Because many people believe that their souls are obtained in a private domain. Consequently, their lives are in the public domain. They may or may not discuss the reasons for their actions, but they still carry out those tasks. They perform exceptionally well and find ways to return to the table. Your question prompted you to inquire about the public version of self-sourcing
Ceasar
I’m curious, what is the public version of that?. I believe that being completely self-contained can be harmful to our identity And well-being, as it isolates us from others. The focus of my work involves creating spaces that encourage people to bring their own lived experiences to the table and in public spaces. In my opinion, this is a means of creating an opportunity for individuals to share their experiences and identify their own path in life. That’s the truth of it, you know. Personally, I feel like I’m being trapped within a particular set of beliefs. Its core belief is That people are inherently good at something. Is there a way to reach it?. The possibility exists because my faith and ideology aligns with the idea that we are all a part of God’s creation. We are all infused with that energy. The possibility exists that the connection may be present at all times. I’m starting to wonder if I am being deceived by the way we live our lives and reacting to each other’s actions
Alethia
To begin with, I must acknowledge that sometimes hiding things can be done safely by putting something in a protective case to safeguard and secure it. The act of not disclosing it upfront can be a self-aware strategic decision to preserve survival. A month ago, I was listening to a podcast that featured African immigrants as the hosts. The individuals discussed their families’ relocation to a new city or school, as well as their transition from middle school to high school. During that time, their parents conversed with them about choosing a name. The objective is to choose a familiar white Christian name that can be used in the new school’s curriculum, with the intention of safeguarding the beauty and reverence of their African names from being misused or distorted. They could be subjected to bullying or targeted by it if they used them. The two individuals were discussing and expressing their excitement for the moment, prompting me to opt for Crystal instead of N. D. D. W hat it meant for them to want to protect the gift of their African names from being distorted?. The downside of protection is that it can lead to losing the original meaning, which I want to emphasize. That might fade away. The significance of one’s identity and personality is also being considered. The way you perceive yourself and others is a significant factor in your self-perception. During his Buddhist faith, my friend had to face 10,000 frustrations. After enduring 10,000 frustrations, which took him three or five years to resolve, there is a shift that occurs. While most people have a specific experience of him, the reason for his distinctiveness is not always clear because he has committed to the practice. Before enlightenment, there was a saying that advised chopping down wood and carrying water. Following enlightenment, cut wood, carry water. To remain in charge and change, you must cultivate a quality of being that can be perceived by others as supportive and potentially leadership qualities. I am unsure if that is the complete answer to your question. It’s possible that I possess alternative renditions of an answer
Ceasar
The question was not a direct inquiry, but rather aimed at me in general
Alethia
The question is whether you are renting the story with the assumption that you do not have ownership of it. It brought to mind the way in which you never know what is going to happen. It’s impossible to predict the form or impact of such an event. It struck me that I used to teach abroad, specifically in a comparative international urban studies course. We had the same students for a whole semester. We shifted to another continent in a different country every five weeks. We started in Sao Paulo, Brazil, then proceeded to Cape Town, South Africa and finally arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam. Due to the semester being in the middle of it, Cape Town had an one week break. I was teaching anthropology sociology courses that focused on racial segregation, such as in Detroit and Cape Town. It seems that white students were uneasy, and I heard that Alethia had a fixation on everything at some point after the semester. I’m so confused. Given the location. Isn’t it baffling? Just make it educational. It’s the thing. My point of view was influenced by the fact that a white male student and his parents traveled to South Africa for their holiday week together. I have a memory of his parents entering the large conference room. He introduced his parents to the other faculty members. Specifically, intentionally, and explicitly. Occasionally, I’ll remember things like that or other events from my travels or trips to locations where there’s a message being sent. The act of valuing oneself or acting in ways that help them sustain themselves is not relevant to my life circumstances. In the midst of rebuilding, I’m considering different strategies to sustain myself as part of a larger society. I didn’t find the Christian practices that my mother had, which helped her survive, particularly Christianity. When considering how many hours I spend online, would it be accurate to say that my worship is centered around the altar at Netflix?. Right? Right. Is it true that numbing out is a national activity, And there are numerous ways to do it?. Recognizing that the search for information can be a daunting task and necessitates self-reflection, rather than external support. What are some ways to reconnect with one’s own humanity, despite the dehumanizing effects of various experiences?. It’s called Walk With Me. Fannie Lou Hamer’s biography explores the themes of her upbringing in Ruleville, Sunflower County, Mississippi, where she was raised as a sharecropper and struggled with righteous rage. In the 50s and 60s, individuals are fighting for their lives and freedom while the system opposes them. Their religious practices were intentionally designed to provoke righteous emotions rather than a vindictive one, with quotes like “you cannot hate the white guy without becoming bitter” being used as evidence. Through her faith-based activism, she sought to understand the humanity of white people and actively work towards emancipation, while simultaneously opposing their actions that perpetuate hate and promote genuine equality. It’s lovely that she would say, “I don’t want any equality, white men have got it because they oppressed me and my people.”. I am not interested in achieving that level of equality. Full human rights are what I am after. Is it possible for us to achieve a genuine democracy where we can embrace our human nature and not indulge in self-righteous behavior?
Ayushi
Wow…
Ceasar
Beautiful, beautiful
Ayushi
Taking notes. Taking notes on this site, which is quite simple. Wow
Ceasar
It’s a tough task
Ayushi
Righteous rage. Sorry, go ahead, Ceasar
Ceasar
Yeah. I was only going to mention the virtuous anger here, but that wasn’t my main point. I just love it
Ayushi
As you were discussing the internal turmoil and how to maintain a moral outburst, I find it exceedingly forceful for you. It’s not clear if I possess that particular quality at this moment. I am not sure if my fury is justified or not. I think that cultivating it within ourselves is a skill that we can all learn to cultivate through different practices. The thought occurred to me, that I am a very attractive person. Are you referring to isometric exercises? If not, it seems like you’re not moving. When performing planks, it may appear unnatural, but in reality, the effort is directed towards building core and ab muscles. How can one develop a sense of righteous anger that is ultimately beneficial for the entire human race?. Thank you for sharing that, really. I appreciate your feedback on my review. Hopefully, I’ll be reading that book too, so please pass along these links. We could pass them on. Tell me about a moment in your life when you felt reverent towards someone or something
Alethia
I have a two-part reply. The opening segment endeavors to respond to a question you asked about the influence of others on another person. By the end of 2020, I had a clear understanding that remote work was possible regardless of one’s location. It crossed my mind that I should be able to work from Jamaica. During my one-month stay in Jamaica, I developed a relationship with another person who has been living there for three years and offers healing workshops. Consequently, I resolved to reside in close proximity to them. The short story is that I was able to spend six months in Jamaica, which was an incredible experience. Despite the negative impact of COVID, I feel fortunate to have had a job that could provide for me. Recently, a team member I encountered on Zoom during meetings from Jamaica reminded me of the importance of taking care of myself, as stated by another person. It was a crucial lesson that you must allow yourself some time and grace. It’s not always clear what you’re sending. It’s a decision that one has to make, but it was nice to hear from her
Ayushi
That’s beautiful
Ceasar
I love it
Ayushi
I feel really warm. It means a lot to both of you for sharing those stories
Ceasar
Alethia, thank you for joining us today. You are a first-time performer. This is first. We have a lot more on our roster, and this has been an amazing journey
Alethia
Oh, my goodness. Honor is ours. It’s definitely a source of honor
Ayushi
I want to express my gratitude and say thank you
Ayushi
Thank you for your patience and listening to the third season’s episode of We Who Engage. Without the assistance of sound production and editing from Dave Lashansky and Jeff DeWine, this conversation would not have been possible. Our team’s efforts in supporting COVID were largely successful. The group consists of Eli Epperson, Ana Perez, Nick Sprague, Mo Bradford, and Patricia Uregas
Ceasar
The Silverberg family’s support for our launch event is beyond words, and we are grateful for their help. A belief in disbelief was present at the MI TM useum, which unexpectedly provided us with space. The MI TD epartment of Urban Studies and Planning has been an unwavering supporter of this work for years, and they deserve recognition
Ayushi
Those who have been listening are greatly appreciated
Ceasar
Thank you
