Trusting Our Way-knowing and Those Who Walk With Us
As we watch the dismantling of rights and protections for our most marginalized it’s hard not to feel the overwhelm, fear, and sorrow. Especially for those whose nervous systems are primed for empathy and action - healers, organizers, and helpers. With the question of what is mine to do ringing in our ears, it’s easy to overlook the underground network of our Ancestors, plant and animal kin, communities, and our body’s way-knowing.
As a Black queer person (and former organizer), there was always balancing the grief with overwhelm and fear, holding the grief with empathy and action. The way that I tended this grief was to snap to action, my nervous system became primed for it. Coming together with others to raise holy hell and push back. Inspired by ACT UP’s die-ins, part of my organizing work was to teach people how to perform death for our cause. Showing them how to go limp, how not to be moved by the curses hurled at them, or people threatening to kick them. Making headstones and shrouds, posters, and chalk outlines. We tended to this community grief with action, with community building and care, and resisting despair. It meant we had to wail, we had to express that pain, that grief, and not allow it to fester inside of us - we showed it to one another and the world. I didn’t know then that I was walking in my death mother energy.
In the last month, I have continued that death mother walk. Creating space for grief tending and casting spells of protection through both mimicry and community. Gathering in community to educate about grief and deathwork. And coming together with other Black, Indigenous, healing artists of Color in tending to our community. On Sunday, I will hold space for Black, Indigenous, People of Color coming together to honor our grief.
My daily invocation includes, “Allow me to see beyond my fear and control. Allow me to show up in love, authenticity, and to trust my own Soul’s discernment.” Yarrow providing energetic shielding and emotional support. As a death and grief worker, I call upon my Ancestors and way-knowing and ask you to trust in yours. None of this is easy and yet we continue to move forward in what is ours to do.
Where is your way-knowing guiding you? Who do you trust to walk with you?
