We are experiencing a collective trauma right now. Collective traumas are a psychological event shared by a group of people and an entire society. The emotions we all are feeling are strong, valid, and evolve into a crisis of meaning. Collective trauma is devastating for individuals and for groups; it constitutes a cataclysmic event that affects not only direct victims, but society as a whole. The emotions we all are feeling elevates into an existential threat which prompts our search for true meaning, and meaningful change. All of the emotions we are experiencing are valid. I have said this twice because it needs to be repeated. We so often dismiss our emotions or suppress them for numerous reasons, which impedes are ability to be authentic and begin healing. Emotions motivate us to action, communicate with ourselves, and communicate with each other. There is no "bad" emotion and every single emotion being felt right now is very real and worthy of honoring and feeling. All emotions have a cause, and while we know the cause; know collective trauma often results in an entire shift in a society or culture. Emotions motivate us to action, and Minnesotans have been motivated to action. I have been brought to tears by seeing and feeling everything Minnesota is going through, but I have been moved to tears by seeing how much we are standing together as a community. Minnesotans have been doing incredible things every single day to care for one another during this crisis and in an attempt to bring forth social justice and change. I have left Minnesota to live in other places many times in my life, but Minnesota has always been my true home because of the people. Minnesotans have gathered together to care for each other and heal, and only action as a community can address systemic racism. Words truly do not matter, only action does, and there have been so many powerful examples of action in order to bring together this community.
The ethical guidelines outlined by the American Psychological Association emphasizes the importance of participating in social justice, but what does that mean? There are so many ways to participate in social justice, but I believe one of the most imperative and essential things to do is education. We need to be uncomfortable. We need humility. We need to be willing to listen and learn, with an open heart and open mind. We need to be humble enough to have difficult conversations and recognize how we can get together to make meaningful changes. Not everyone is build for the frontlines—and this is completely okay! But we can join with action (voting, signing petitions, calling representatives); donating; and staying connected by listening to those in our community. I cannot help but quote Mr. Rogers, because that is what Minnesota is all about.
