Gray Whale
So I have this basic, basic idea: which is black ppl and other poc + white ppl meet at the beach to discuss social justice, racism, the movement, our lives, intersectionality, etc. it could easily be structured with like a yoga session first, then swim time, and while sunbathing, maybe alternating leaders who then ask ppl to pair up/group together (preferably with someone new) and then the leader of the day gives open ended discussion prompts or questions like…
I call it Gray Whale.
It operates under the following presumptions that:
we as a people as a species as a nation and as a planet need to talk about culture and discrimination, together, openly, publicly.
we need to have this conversation in our safest spaces, free from prejudice, discrimination, or ill-will, even as we work to dispel the ignorance that will no doubt occur and appear.
we as a people as a species need to have nature connection and multiple connections to nature in our lives in order to be both healthy and happy. That nature connection is a part of our DNA
that nature loves and thrives on diversity. so that makes it a great example and the wisest teacher for us as human beings to learn from as we try to become members of a more just more equal, saner, healthier, less patriarchal, capitalist, and colonialist society.
so maybe the best way for us as humanity to get where we want to go– to sustainable equality in all of our relationships, with each other and the planet– is to go back to nature and hold our communications in her loving, compassionate, all aware arms.
the beach is the most universally beloved places of nature. people are generally happy their. happy people are more open and better at communicating and being compassionate. so let’s all put our best foot forward — at the beach!
maybe the hokey-pokey really is what it’s all about?
