10% Happier with Dan Harris Doing Diversity Work Without Shame, Self-Compassion Series, Sydney Spears
Oct 9, 2019
Dr. Sydney Spears, a Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, delves into her journey from oppression to self-acceptance through meditation and mindfulness. She discusses how self-compassion can help marginalized communities navigate the emotional challenges of identity and systemic biases. The conversation highlights practical strategies for overcoming shame, particularly in the context of personal struggles and social justice. Sydney also reflects on the intersection of race, resilience, and the need for forgiveness in fostering societal change.
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Early Meditation Interest
- Sydney Spears found early interest in meditation through observing strife during the Civil Rights Movement.
- This led her to yoga and a sense of internal freedom, divorced from societal narratives.
Mindfulness of Power and Privilege
- Be mindful of your own power and privilege in social interactions.
- This awareness helps decrease harm and navigate cross-cultural interactions effectively.
Oppression as Trauma
- Oppression is a form of trauma with various types, including institutional, ideological, and interpersonal.
- Microaggressions, through words or actions, can also be traumatic experiences.
