Mindfulness is Self-Care

We live in a hustle and grind culture. Being busy is king and the idea of being still can feel lazy and unproductive. For successful Black women who are used to working twice as hard for half the result, it might even feel frightening or shameful. However, centuries of wisdom about the benefits of stillness, mindfulness, and meditation reminds us that these practices are for our benefit.

Modern scientists have now captured that wisdom in data, and there is plenty of it that details the wide-ranging benefits of mindfulness practices, particularly formal meditation. Mindfulness practices can reduce the experience of stress and enhance focus, concentration, cognitive flexibility, and executive function. It can lower blood pressure, increase immune function, help manage chronic pain, and improve sleep.

The gorgeous rotunda in the Missouri Capitol.

I have long practiced taking a day of rest and stillness every week.  I look forward to it and am grateful for the opportunity to not engage in the same work I undertake the rest of the week.  That consistent intentional pause provides reliable restoration and rejuvenation.  And amid my every day of the week, I have alerts on my devices that remind me to breathe.  These notifications are the most basic of mindfulness practices, as they prompt me to return to the present moment, check in with myself, and physically release what might be burdening me at that time.  

One of the most powerful elements of mindfulness practice is the concept of radical acceptance.  Radical acceptance is when you acknowledge a situation and accept it for what it is.  It is not the same as condoning or liking the experience, nor is it the same as giving up.  Rather, acceptance allows you to stop fighting the reality of what is.  So much frustration and negative emotions come from fighting what is, rather than accepting “it is what it is.”  When you accept the situation for what it is, then you are fully able to lean into your power to engage with the situation in a productive, often healthier, way.  

This radical acceptance perspective is incredibly beneficial in advocacy work.  Meaningful change in an organization, community, or government takes time.  There will absolutely be frustrating experiences in that process, as well as times that seem like three steps forward and two steps back.  There will also be things that you want to change but cannot for whatever reason.  In those moments, you might feel like giving up and saying this work is no longer worth your time and effort, or that it’s too hard.  Rather, accepting situations as they are can release you from that intensity of emotion, and allow you to move forward effectively with clarity and peace.  Radical acceptance can be difficult to learn and embody, but as with all components of mindfulness, it is a practice.  There is no achievement or perfection, rather it is growth and improvement by regular exercise and development of the skill.      

There are many resources to begin a mindfulness practice, and a formal meditation does not have to be long to be effective. Truly just 3 minutes is a great place to start.  Your mind WILL wander, because that’s what minds do, and it is completely normal.  Check out these apps: Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace, Happier, Breathe2Relax, or the meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn.  Check out these books: "Wherever You Go, There You Are" and "Mindfulness for Beginners" both by Jon Kabat-Zinn or "The Miracle of Mindfulness" by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Remember, prioritizing yourself is a revolutionary act, and small steps can have a profound impact. Let’s commit to thriving unapologetically—individually and together. Stay tuned for more tips and inspiration in the months ahead!

In solidarity,

Dr. Amy

This is part of Dr. Amy's Self Care Is Political Warfare series. Read the entire series here!