Mindful of Race

Description

How to grow our inner capacity to face racial ignorance and suffering with a wise and caring heart “Racism is a heart disease,” writes Ruth King, “and it's curable.” Exploring a crucial topic seldom addressed in meditation instruction, this revered teacher takes to her pen to shine a compassionate, provocative, and practical light into a deeply neglected and world-changing domain profoundly relevant to all of us. With Mindful of Race, Ruth King offers: Tend first to our suffering, listen to what it is trying to teach us, and direct its energies most effectively for change. Here, she invites us to explore: Ourselves as racial beings, the dynamics of oppression, and our role in racism The power of paying homage to our most turbulent emotions, and perceiving the wisdom they hold Key mindfulness tools to understand and engage with racial tension Identifying our “soft spots” of fear and vulnerability—how we defend them and how to heal them Embracing discomfort, which is a core competency for transformation How our thoughts and emotions “rigidify” our sense of self—and how to return to the natural flow of who we are Body, breath, and relaxation practices to befriend and direct our inner resources Identifying our most sensitive “activation points” and tending to them with caring awareness “It’s not just your pain”—the generational constellations of racial rage and ignorance and how to work with them And many other compelling topics Drawing on her expertise as a meditation teacher and diversity consultant, King helps readers of all backgrounds examine with fresh eyes the complexity of racial identity and the dynamics of oppression. She offers guided instructions on how to work with our own role in the story of race and shows us how to cultivate a culture of care to come to a place of greater clarity and compassion. INTRODUCTIONRacism Is a Heart Disease, and It’s Curable! PART 1Understanding Habits of Harm—Diagnosis CHAPTER 1Two Realities, One Truth CHAPTER 2Individual and Group Racial Identity CHAPTER 3Racial Group Dominance and Subordination CHAPTER 4Six Hindrances to Racial Harmony Part 1 Summary PART 2Mindfulness—Heart Surgery CHAPTER 5Life Is Not Personal, Permanent, or Perfect CHAPTER 6Establishing a Daily Meditation Practice CHAPTER 7Cultivating Calm: Sitting and Walking Practice CHAPTER 8Kindness Practice CHAPTER 9Understanding the Cycle of Misperception CHAPTER 10Working with Racial Distress: RAIN Practice Part 2 Summary PART 3Cultivating a Culture of Care—Recovery CHAPTER 11Cultivating Moral Character CHAPTER 12Compassion Practice CHAPTER 13The Wake-Up Call: Racial Affinity Groups CHAPTER 14Talking about What Disturbs You CHAPTER 15What White People Can Do with Privilege CHAPTER 16What People of Color Must Do Together CHAPTER 17Artistry: Cultural Medicine CHAPTER 18Equanimity Practice Messy at Best! Acknowledgments About the Author Also by Ruth King About Sounds True Copyright Praise for Mindful of Race