The body is the library of our experiences

„The body is the library of our experiences” writes Joanna Chmura (she/her) in her recent book 💙

As DEI trainers, leaders, DEI champions, people in HR roles in charge of DEI, or simply – people who care about this topic, we find ourselves often in positions when we hold space for experiences and opinions of others.

Opinions that may happen to be contradictory to our own beliefs.

I experience it at almost every workshop on inclusive language, microaggressions, unconscious bias or inclusive leadership: a moment when it becomes crucial to hold the space for those less popular points of view, opinions that challenge DEI or express concerns.

I consider my task: to hold it, to listen and choose the ways I want to address it.

Despite how different one opinion may be to my own, I choose to approach it with empathy defined by Brené Brown as ““I hear you and I believe you”.  It doesn’t mean “I agree with you” but I believe your story that led you to your conclusions.

I know many of you, people who care about DEI, take such conversations seriously: as we are aware of the responsibility we carry: our response can make or break people’s interest and engagement in DEI.

Holding space for others and changing judgment for an authentic curiosity is heavy work though, that we often don’t give ourselves the proper credit for.

So here is a gentle reminder today to look at your body as the library that collected all of your experiences, your DEI challenging conversations and give it proper attention this weekend, rest and to restore its resources and energy.

What are your thoughts?

Have you ever experienced the need to find the empathy AND to uphold DEI principles?