We need a r/evolution of the mind.
We need a r/evolution of the heart.
We need a revolution of the spirit.
The power of the people is stronger than any weapon. A people's r/evolution can't be stopped.
We need to be weapons of mass construction.
Weapons of mass love.
It's not enough just to change the system. We need to change ourselves. We have got to make this world user friendly.
Are you ready to sacrifice to end world hunger. To sacrifice to end colonialism. To end neo-colonialism. To end racism. To end sexism?
R/evolution means the end of exploitation.
R/evolution means respecting people from other cultures.
R/evolution is creative.
R/evolution means treating your mate as a friend and an equal. R/evolution is sexy.
R/evolution means respecting and learning from your children. R/evolution is beautiful.
R/evolution means protecting the people. The plants. The animals. The air. The water. R/evolution means saving this planet.
R/evolution is love
--Assata Shakur
When I read this excerpt from Assata Shakur's autobiography I was taken back to my early twenties. There was a piece of artwork that I made with an old fashion revolver shooting out birds and flowers-- a little psychedelic. Then I wrote in big bubble letters, "Revolve an Evolution in Your Mind." In smaller letters, bellow the revolver, I wrote down more specifically what that meant. "Revolve: To turn over in the mind. Evolution: a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change."
To me a revolution means turning over an old in order to make space for a new. But in my mind it does not involve war or violence. We can r/evolve our conscious thoughts. It begins with us. If we are going to change it, we have to change ourselves because we, the people, are a deeply interwoven piece. If we keep pointing fingers...well we have done that, and it simply does not work. We've act like hypocrites.
I think the world is a beautiful place and there are many people already revolving an evolution in their own personal lives. Sadly there are still people who are lost in their minds, and believe violence and ignorance is the way. I can only pray for the younger generations that they will see a different way, and perhaps those who fight and are bigot headed will wake up and have a change in heart, and see that there is a better way. I used to be irate at the world for all the chaos and destruction caused by violence, but in reality the world contains immense beauty. Since my younger years, I have learned to replace anger with compassion and love.
Isn't it heart breaking that people feel the need to fight? That people turn to violence against their own brothers and sisters of the same human race?
I've r/evolved. I've expanded my heart. I've learned that being angry with the world doesn't help me connect with others. Rather it makes me want to close down from my neighbors and community at large. By redirecting my anger I've learned to use my energy more wisely. Doing what I can to make the world I live in a little more peaceful and loving place, which is a privilege. The only way is by learning to break down the walls that keep us closed off and separated from each other. The walls are our judgement. Let go of judgement and make room for love.
How will we create a peaceful world if we do not know peace in our own lives? I leave you with this.
Photos and Free Write by Lauren Dunn
