I don't want to beat you guys over the head with how and why I decided to start a blog, but since we're in the beginning stages here, humor me. As I've reflected on the ideas and topics that interest my writing, I've recognized that my passions lie with understanding my experience as both an Indigenous and white woman, as well as my identity outside these two things. I am fascinated with the complexities of identity and how for each of us, we allow different things to determine where our identities lie. Whether it be race, culture, our looks, talents, passions or religion (to name a few), we have all given something the power to determine our worth.
In this, what seems constant, pursuit of identity and meaning, I find myself craving honest and kind conversation. Conversation that welcomes brokenness and confusion. Conversation that helps us understand instead of pushing us away in fear.
I was listening to my friend Kristen share his music on Instagram live the other today and he had invited a friend, Jason, to share a poem. I hadn't intended in this moment to be particularly struck by the beauty that would follow, but as my friend sang, and then his friend read, I was struck by one particular line...
"harmony's absence has always given some individual rule"
Harmony.
It's absence, matters. It's presence, matters. In my humble pursuits of growth and learning, I pray
harmony remains at the centre of my intentions.
As I set out to share the matters of my heart, my hope is that they never be cause for divide. And as I have been trying to articulate my hopes for this blog and today as I sat and listened and allowed myself to be spoken too, the word harmony was so beautifully spoken. Harmony. That was it. I want the conversations that happen here to bring harmony in spaces where it is often absent. Harmony between people who maybe don't always see eye to eye. Harmony in hidden places where we don't always know how to ask the right questions. And harmony between people with a kaleidoscope of experiences.
Poem by Jason Normore
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