Neighbors, I have so many notes I want to write you. So many. I currently have 23 pages of potential topic ideas sitting in a folder on my laptop, 35 voice memos to myself on my phone, and over 2,000 screenshots I’ve collected because something in them sparked a thought I want to share with all of you.
I have fully accepted that I will never get to all of it and that even if I got to half of it, less than half the writing I would produce in response to those prompts would effectively articulate what was in my heart in the first place.
Writing is hard. Creating of any kind is hard.
That truth acknowledged; I’ve decided to experiment with a semi-regular “Brain Dump” note. Basically, I’d like to share three to five things that have caught my attention and invite you all to share similar things that have caught your attention. Attention, especially in our current moment, is a highly valuable resource.
Let’s see what kind of conversation and connection this sparks for us all!
No. 1
Last Saturday, May 25th, was the fourth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by the police. On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, I went to a protest in my city in response, the first of many I attended over that summer. This picture is a collage of signs from our protest that someone posted on social media that day. The sign in the upper right corner was mine. It’s in storage in my basement now.
There are many things I’m never going to forget about the summer of 2020. One of them is that Mr. Floyd called out for his mama with his last breaths. I’m going to show my future grandchildren my protest sign and teach them that calling for your mama is very human when you are suffering and that Mr. Floyd’s humanity (and that of all Black people murdered by the police) is unconditional.
No. 2
That same summer I took a 7-Day Anti-Racism Challenge taught by Chakita Sharnise. It was really uncomfortable. And, I’m very grateful she offered it.
Later, I saw this tweet from Chakita. I think it is among the most important things that white women need to learn if we truly believe that everyone deserves health and wellness. Really, really embracing this, behaving like it is true, is a critical community care step for us.
No. 3
This quote reminds me of lyrics in the song “Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers.
It's better to feel pain
Than nothing at all
The opposite of love is indifference
So pay attention now
I took a screenshot of that quote three years ago, but I think about it and those song lyrics often. They have made me reframe the sadness and pain we’ve all felt in the last several months (who I am kidding . . . last several years). It is a gift not to be indifferent. Our paying attention, using one of our most highly valuable resources, even when it hurts, is also community care.
No. 4
Lest you all think the “Brain Dump” notes were going to be all hard shit . . . this cracks me up every time I see it. It’s so truuuuuue. Let’s all resolve to take naps at this time instead!
Your turn! Share in the comments something that has caught your attention. Light and funny, heavy or sad, political, a song, whatever. I am VERY curious to hear from you too. And let me know, are you into the “Brain Dump” experiment?
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I love this idea! I feel like I always have so much swimming in my head at one time, too. I mean now how can we not? Sitting with so much, George Floyd, Rafah, Congo, Sudan… our issues here of rising division and Christian nationalism. I guess I am brain dumping with you. Thanks for the funny dump at the end. Dropping into humor is a balm. ♥️
Brain dumps like this work miracles on my adhd. Writing them (for myself lol), reading them. Love this idea and love these thoughts. Thanks Angie!