Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging.

I stand in solidarity with communities that have been historically marginalized, disenfranchised, and terrorized through discrimination and hatred. I recognize my responsibility to uphold social justice, embody compassion, and bring transformative awareness to the ignorance and delusion that allow discrimination and hatred to flourish. The continuing inequity and violence I see in this country and elsewhere is evidence that I haven’t done enough and there is more I must do.

I believe that Black Lives Matter and I mourn the loss of Daunte Wright, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Dominique Clayton, Tamir Rice, and countless other Black people throughout history to white violence. I condemn the anti-Asian violence that surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-immigrant rhetoric driven by bigotry and xenophobic ideologies, the rollback of LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections, and the increase in violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people in this country.

I pledge my commitment to ongoing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, advocacy, allyship, and activism initiatives that evolve as circumstances change and as new needs arise. I am committed to a mindful way of living; this includes waking up to injustice and recognizing my personal and shared responsibility for eliminating it. This also means taking committed action that supports social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. I hope you will stand in mindful and compassionate solidarity with me.

Thank you to the Midwest Alliance for Mindfulness for your inspiration and leadership.