This is an excerpt of the blog piece Antidotes to Fear from Dr. Fleg's series Writing to Heal. Find it here. Dr. Fleg is the author of Writing to Heal: A Pandemic Journeyavailable here. The sequel, Writing to Heal: The Journey Continues is currently on presale, available here.
“There is an old African proverb, ‘When you pray, move your feet.’
As a nation if we care for the Beloved Community, we must move
our feet,
our hands,
our hearts,
our resources
to build and not to tear down,
to reconcile and not to divide,
to love and not to hate,
to heal and not to kill.”
- John Lewis, Civil Rights Leader and US Congressman
Today, however, is about us. As I find myself in reflection on this day of service, this day of commemoration of a man who very well could have been the United States of America’s first Black president had he lived…let’s say… 39 more years. 39 years would have made Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 78 years old, the same age Donald J. Trump is today. 39 more years from 1968 would have been 2007. 2007 is one year before we elected President Barack Obama in 2008. Though Dr. King was, evidently, a somewhat unpopular figure in his day, he would have had plenty of time to rehab his public image before the 2006-2007 general election cycle revved up. And to be fair, if we learn nothing else from today’s Inauguration it is crystal clear that one does not have to be kind, or honest, or liked, or compassionate, or even Christian in order to become America’s Commander-in-chief. The only thing one cannot be is a woman, apparently…and historically.
Some have gone as far as to characterize today’s inauguration as a cruel twist of fate and tragedy of timing that acts as a slap in the face to Dr. King, his family and his legacy. I don’t know about that, primarily because Dr. King is not around to ask and I do not have any direct line in to his surviving family. But as far as his legacy goes, I do not see today’s Inauguration as “at odds” with King’s body of work in the least. (In fact, I “do not” see today’s Inauguration at all … I chose to sidestep that sideshow like Michelle Obama 🤣). In fact, if it were a slap in the face it would align right nicely with King’s legacy of turning the other cheek … and channel.
So here’s a handful of fairly simple ways to square your observation of the MLK holiday with the inevitability of today’s happenings in Washington, D.C. Feel free to revisit this list as often as necessary over the next four years.
Respond rather than react
There is nothing more frustrating than arguing with a bot or a brother-in-law online. Especially as those spaces of digital discourse have been compromised by the profit motives of their owners and creators. (Psssst…they were all front and center at the Inauguration earlier today…so I’m told.) You can’t win against the algorithm nor your “fiscally conservative” brother-in-law in a Facebook thread. Rather than reacting to the clickbait, find a cause that aligns with your values and invest your time, attention and resources there…in response. I promise that the dopamine hit is higher than hitting send on that well researched 750 character “take down” response you put together to “own” the extremist in your midst. 😉 Me? Instead of watching the Inauguration, I was at the Amy Biehl High School MLK Day of Service Kick-off Potluck reading a new poem I wrote about the life and legacy of Dr. King. Way more fun than watching TV! If you are concerned about immigration raids (and you have protected status), find a mutual aid or immigration law organization near you and sign up today.
Talk to People Who Don’t Think Like You
Preferably in person. What the Democrats gravely miscalculated in the last election cycle is the level of discontent in roughly half of the American electorate. Money spent on media probably would have been better spent on actual in-person meetings, especially in years one and two of the Biden Administration (I know, I know there was a pandemic going on…). Americans across the political spectrum have varying assessments of how well America is or is not doing at any given time and which problems are most urgent and need sorting first. Simply saying, “But you’re doing better than you were before, according to the data” is not the best way to feel heard by those empowered to make decisions on your behalf. In 2017, many of us acted surprised when roughly half the country thought Donald Trump represented the values and interests of America. Winning the electoral college and the popular vote in 2021 did not make that discontent magically go away … as we found on January 6th. The question you routinely hear during campaigns is “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” On that question we can always disagree. But when asked, “Aren’t we made better, smarter, stronger for engaging ideas and people that are different from us?” The answer is usually yes, save when your personal health (physical, mental or otherwise) and safety are compromised.
Vote Local
No, elections are not the end-all be-all of democracy. But Dr. King thought it was pretty important. Important enough to go to jail numerous times for it. Between now and the 2028 Presidential Election you will have somewhere between seven to fifty ‘leven times to exercise your right to vote: city counselors, county commissioners, school board members, mayors, state legislators, judges, and governor. Sure, back in King’s time it was the governors and small town mayors that were weaponizing the police and sheriff’s departments to harass King and his allies. They needed the federal government as a partner to make history. Nowadays, “state’ rights” means something else. Some of the things that you care about and might have concerns about over the next four years are subject to powers exclusively granted to the states and not the federal government. And many of those state and local officials elected in the next four years will still be making decisions on the things important to you long after President No. 47 becomes President No. 48.
Oh, and if you are wondering (like me), the Columbus Dispatch says that this is the fourth time that an inauguration has happened on MLK day since it was established as a federal holiday by Ronald Reagan in 1983. The first was when Ronald Reagan himself was sworn in for his second term on January 20th, 1985. Bill Clinton was inaugurated for his second term on January 20th, 1997. And in a much more colorful twist of fate, Barack Obama was inaugurated to his second term on Monday, January 21, 2013.
About Hakim Bellamy
Hakim Bellamy is the author of Community Publishing’s second book, Samuel’s Story. This multimedia children’s book featured the illustrations of muralist Melvin Mayes and the music of Music Producer Roscoe DJ Flo Fader. Find Samuel’s Story here.
Mr. Bellamy is also the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque, New Mexico (2012-2014). Citizen Artist Fellow @ The Kennedy Center. W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow. Tiaso Artist Co-op Board of Directors & Founding Member. Founder & CEO of Beyond Poetry LLC https://hakimbellamy.com/
How Technology Shapes Our Daily Lives by Anton Sage
In today’s digital age, technology has become part of everything we do. From staying connected and learning new things, to shopping, entertainment, and taking care of our health, it touches people of all ages in countless ways. But even as we embrace these changes, it’s important to look at the challenges and opportunities ahead—and reflect on how tools like photography and video bring this all to life.
Communication
The way we connect with others has changed forever. Smartphones, messaging apps, and social media let us share moments instantly, no matter where we are. Whether it’s a grandparent sharing a photo of the family, a teenager chatting with friends, or a business owner connecting with customers, technology has made communication faster, easier, and more visual than ever.
Education
Learning has never been more accessible. Kids can use interactive apps to explore subjects, students can attend online classes, and adults can keep learning through courses or tutorials from anywhere in the world. Digital tools are breaking barriers for education, helping people gain new skills or explore their passions at every stage of life.
Entertainment
Entertainment has become personal and on-demand. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify let us choose what we want to watch or listen to, when we want it. Whether it’s a cartoon for kids, music for teens, or a movie night for parents, everyone can find something they enjoy.
It’s also opened doors for creators to share their stories—whether through video, photos, or art—and connect with audiences everywhere.
Shopping
Shopping is now as easy as clicking a button. Online stores let us order what we need and have it delivered straight to our door, which is a game-changer for busy families, older adults, or people in remote areas. For small businesses, e-commerce means they can reach customers far beyond their neighborhoods, giving them a chance to grow and thrive.
Health
Technology is helping us take better care of our health, too. Apps and wearable devices track our steps, remind us to exercise, and help monitor our well-being. Telemedicine makes it possible to speak to doctors without leaving home, which is a huge benefit for people who need quick care. Whether it’s fitness for young adults or essential care for older generations, digital tools are helping us live healthier lives.
Challenges and Reflections
But with all these advances, we also face challenges. Not everyone has access to technology or the internet, leaving some people behind—especially in rural areas or underserved communities. As a community, we need to make sure technology is accessible to everyone.
We also need balance. Too much screen time can affect our health, relationships, and ability to focus. Kids need a mix of online learning and outdoor play. Adults need to disconnect sometimes and enjoy life offline. Technology is here to help, but we need to use it wisely.
Photography and Videos: Bringing it all Together
At the heart of today’s digital world is photography and video. These tools shape how we see, share, and understand the world around us. From a family photo shared in seconds, to a video that tells a powerful story, visuals connect people across generations and cultures. Photography and video help us communicate, learn, shop, entertain ourselves, and even care for our health. They are the bridge that makes technology meaningful and accessible for everyone.
As we move forward, let’s embrace these tools to capture moments and to connect as a community. Whether young or old, photography and video help us see the beauty, challenges, and possibilities in this ever-changing digital world.
Reflections on the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The choice between madness or incompetence is not a new one. It seems that throughout human history, or at least US history, we have been confronted with this choice. After all, as I write this article, we are dragging our feet in choosing between helping Palestinian innocents (over 14,000 children murdered) while selling / giving tax payer paid for weapons to Israel. We recently had to choose between the healthcare industry profits (excluding providers – MD’s, Nurses etc.) and the wellbeing of our most vulnerable (elderly and at-risk) during the COVID pandemic, where we have lost over 1.15 million Americans. During WWII, we delayed in choosing whether to join the war against Germany, fully aware of the Holocaust against Jews, or remain neutral while over 6 million were being slaughtered by the Nazi’s.
Dr. King’s Legacy
The discussion of Dr. King’s assassination on the 56th anniversary of his murder related to madness or Incompetence begins with one of his landmark accomplishments: The Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Voting Rights Act of 1965
This act was signed into law on August 6, 1965, by President Lyndon Johnson. It outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War, including literacy tests as a prerequisite to voting.
Historically and unconstitutionally, impediments to voting had been established in conservative states that prevented many African Americans from voting. Thanks to Dr. King and other civil rights leaders, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed and pushed away all those obstacles and finally allowed for close to full African American participation in our democracy.
The Regress of Progress
In 2022, a Center for Public Integrity investigation found unequal access to voting and political representation in all 50 states. Twenty-six states — all under Republican control — made access to voting less equal for people of color, younger voters, immigrants, people with disabilities and others following former President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election defeat.
How could we let our country descend into madness? Who were the stewards that were charged with keeping the hard fought gains made by Dr. King and his generation of social justice champions? That’s where the incompetence comes in. Since the 1980s we have seen a two party sponsored corruption of our political system, allowing for unlimited $$$ campaign contributions via Super PAC’s and other dark money sources. Many of the perceived longtime stalwarts of the Democratic Party such as the Clintons, Nancy Pelosi, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Joe Biden (among others) did not launch efforts at Campaign Finance Reform. Towards the contrary, these folks colluded against campaign finance reform leaders such as Senator Bernie Sanders with is Get Money Out of Politics movement.
Unrepresented
Why you ask? Because there are large sums of money to be made by all by accepting multimillion contributions from the National Rifle Association, the health insurance companies, the Oil and Gas industry, “Big Pharma”, to mention just a few. Polls consistently show that, for example, most Americans support an assault weapons ban, most Americans support abortion rights, and most Americans support limiting the amount of money donated to political campaigns. In short, our representatives are no longer representing us. To be clear, the vast majority of our elected officials from both parties have their hand in the big money financial contribution pot. Due to this legalized bribery, our “representatives” have allowed for the initiatives that Dr. King fought and died for to be rolled back.
The solutions lie with us, the voting populace. We must demand that all elected officials be subject to campaign finance regulation, where candidates have an allotted amount of $$$, given out equally to those who meet a signature threshold. We will not see a healthy democracy restored until financial gain is not an incentive to run for political office. That has to be our litmus test for any candidate running to “represent” us be it locally or nationally.
Alex Paramo
Alex is the Founder of Community Publishing. Community Publishing is dedicated to creating virtual space for community based artists of all media (writers, painters, photographers, musicians, etc…) to collaborate on multimedia book projects with the purpose of promoting their work. Alex has authored two children’s books that were adapted for the Theater – Princess Marisol & the Moon Thieves and Princess Marisol & the Portal. Alex, with his daughter Marisol, will be releasing the third book in the Princess Marisol series,Princess Marisol Presents the Wisewoman & the Moon.
Alex also writes music review articles, and is the host of the film focused podcast smARTalk. Alex is a Social Studies teacher and serves on the Board of KUNM, a public radio station based out of Albuquerque New Mexico. Read his full bio here.
From noted scholar Eliseo “Cheo” Torres PhD comes The Three Great Ones: Los Tres Grandes. This bilingual edition was edited by Timothy Sawyer Jr., translated by Mario Esteban del Ángel Guevara with Illustrations by Dave Briggs.
Eliseo “Cheo’ Torres PhD
Retired as a Vice President of Student Affairs from the University of New Mexico, Cheo is now a part-time faculty teaching traditional medicine, Curanderismo courses year-round. Cheo regularly lectures and offers a 2-week summer class and 2 online courses on the history, herbal remedies, and rituals of Curanderismo to audiences ranging from scholars and students to people hoping to become knowledgeable about alternative and traditional medicine, including lay people and medical professionals alike.
Three Great Healers
The three healers lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s and were legends while they were alive, healing peoples’ minds, bodies and spirits. I have been impressed with their popularity, which I think compares to that of modern rock stars. Everywhere they went, they attracted hundreds of followers. All three were noble, sincere and humble, and they never charged a fee for their services. The three were even considered folk saints while they were still alive. (A folk saint is not a recognized church saint but a saint of the people. To be considered a saint while still alive is very unusual).
Although the three great ones died a long time ago, the stories in the book are told as if they are still living today – which, in a sense, they are, since they are still greatly admired and talked about by people who remember their history and the great example that they set as healers and as people. In the first story, you will meet Don Pedrito Jaramillo, who will teach a young man how to be happier and healthier; in the second, you will meet Teresita, and learn the story of how she became a healer; and in the third, you will meet El Niño Fidencio, who will teach a family how to overcome their troubles by being happy and positive. – Excerpt from the Preface of the book.
Presale Purchase
Your presale purchase includes a discounted price and signed copies from Dr. Torres! Thank you for your continued support of Independent Publishing / Media.
From the forthcoming book Noakhali, 1946: By Sandip Mukherjee, Translated and recreated by Rinita Mazumdar PhD. Subscribe below for access to pre-sale discounts and signed copies!
From Bengali Daily, Anandabazar Patrika July 5, 1947:
(This is still the largest circulated daily in Bengali and also supports an independent Television news channel which airs news in 5 Indian languages)
Allahabad (a city in Northern India) July 3, 1947:
Mr. Amiyo Mukherjee, appealed in the Kotwali police station in Allahabad that one Hindu girl from his family, named Anima Mukherjee, was abducted three months ago during the attack in Noakhali and was brought here under a Muslim name, Zohra. The Mukherjee household was burnt down during the attack on Hindus in Noakhali. The girl herself testified that she was abducted by a Muslim man named Siddiqui and was confined in his home. This girl would be produced in Court to testify. She wrote letters to a relative and appealed to rescue her. After killing her parents, the gang brought her to Howrah Station in West Bengal and then to Marrek Springs; there she was forced to put on a hijab and brought to Allahabad. She further testified that 8 people gang raped her. She was given a Muslim name after the man abducted her. The Magistrate gave further directions to the inquiry.
During the trial the girl was residing with a Hindu family under the directions of the Court, and was called by her given name, Anima Mukherjee. The man who abducted her was arrested in Uttar Pradesh (Anandabazar Patrika, July 5, 1947).
For our divided land and for our forefathers. In the story told, there is at the end mention of Nehru and Patel. Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India and Patel was the Deputy Prime Minister of independent India. Nehru’s daughter, Indira Gandhi, was the longest Prime Minister of India. During this time India and Pakistan went to war for the third time over the rise of East Pakistan and India won the war, although opposed by the USA, and East Pakistan was reborn as Bangladesh.
I do not do rituals or celebrate festivals. Nonetheless, before Diwali, I thought I will start sharing from Collins and Lapierre’s book, “Freedom At Midnight” in parts. For me, this is a way to give back to our forefathers, a knowledge that I was barred from knowing and acting on. In therapy, some old wounds heal, and some remain, for us this will probably never heal. For me this Diwali(Hindu festival of lights) is to keep the Diya alive of our history, culture, our pain, and our joy.
Happy Diwali
15th August 1947: This was India’s first Independence Day. Amritsar Railway station No 10 Down. Certainly, something seriously penetrated through the huge gathering. He saw four armed guards by the side of the driver. He was afraid that something seriously wrong had happened. The anxious public became shocked for an unknown reason. The station master looked at 8 coaches of the train. He saw all the doors were closed and windows were open. Not a single passenger was coming out. Cani Singh entered as the first coach; He got a shock. He found only dead bodies. On the floor parts of human bodies are here and there. Suddenly, he heard a fable voice. He shouted “You are now in Amritsar. We are Hindus and Sikhs. Here are the police. Don’t be afraid. After hearing his voice a few bodies started movement. But then what he saw was a thick clot of blood everywhere. He would never forget the scenery in his life. A woman cried loudly while holding her husband’s hand that was separated from the body with a sharp sword. Children were crying holding the bodies of their father and mother. Station masters were moving to other coaches stepping over the dead bodies. Same scene in all the coaches… In the last coach there was a writing in white color “This train is our gift of freedom to Nehru and Patel.”
Reference: Collins, L. & Lapierre, D. (1975). Freedom At Midnight. Simon and Schuster, NY.
Cultural Hegemony & Untold Genocides V2 by Dr. Rinita Mazumdar
What in the globe is known as “India” is not what Indians call their land, the word “India” came from foreigners who called people living by the Sindhu river (now in North West India and Pakistan), or “Sapta Sindhu” “Sapta” is the number seven, Probably, the Arabs (ancient Arabs of Mesopotamia, Syria, etc) could not pronounce “S” and turned it into “H” and called it “Hindu” from Sindhu. According to some researchers, “India” comes from the word “Indu”, which in Sanskrit is “moon”. The land of the moon. Indeed, Shiva carries the crescent moon on his head. Most probably India came from Sindhu, the river or Sapta Sindhu, the land of the seven rivers. In the Indian Constitution and the people in general and in the epics, that place, which is now the Indian Subcontinents divided into several nations, was called “Bharat” and they followed what is known as “Hinduism”.
A Brief History
Origin of the word “Bharat”:
There is a misconception that “Bharat” is named after the king Bharat, son of Dushyanta and Shakuntala. That is not the case. Here is what the research shows:
In the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda there is a description of the Battle of 10 kinds (Dasraajn Yuddha). This was a decisive battle for the establishment of the union and establish the hegemony of the Bharatas and the Kurus over the land later came to be known as “Bharat”. According to Michael Witzel, the battle was fought between 1450 and 1300 BCE. The historicity of this battle was accepted by Geldener. The king on the Bharat side was Sudas Paijavana and Vashist (as mentioned in the Rg Veda). In the Samaveda and Yujurveda the names changed. The patron Deity of the Bharatas was Indra.
The Bharatas crossed the rivers Beas and Sutlej towards Kurushetra and met an alliance of kings (probably 10). They were Purus, Yadu’s, Yaksu, Matsya, Druhyus, Pahtas, Bhalanas, Alinas, Vishanin, Sivas, Vaikarnas, and Anu. There were feuds between the Bharatas and their opposite aliances. Some sources say that the alliance opposed to the Bharatas stole cows from the Bharatas, while others say that the conflict was over who would control the rivers (Ranabir Chakravarty) . The first phase of the battle was fought on the banks of Ravi (Prasuni) west of Kurushetra. Despite the fact that there were more people on the side of the alliance, nonetheless, King Sudas won the war by strategic breaching of a dyke on the river thereby drowning most of the opponents; also they were blessed by their patron deity, Indra. This battle was decisive as Bharatas occupied the entire Puru territory (Western Punjab) centered around Saraswati and then went east and set their kingdom with the Ashvamedha Yajna. The Khandav Forest had to be conquered and the Kikutas had to be defeated. From the hymns it is possible to conclude that an alliance of the Purus and Bharatas and others were formed. After this the ground shifted to the banks of the Yamuna and Bhida, Sighras and Yaksus were alliances that were defeated.
According to John Brockington this is the nucleus which from which the Kurushetra war of the epic Mahabharata was written. According to S.S. N. Murthy and Walter Ruben this battle inspired the kurushetra story of the Mahabharat. Whatever it is, most historians agree that this battle was decisive in establishing the Bharat and kuru clan over vast tracts of lands as a union by bringing disparate clans together and forming a union. It is believed that the descendants of this clan ruled over the land that is Bharat now and is possibly the ancestors of the modern people living in the region called “Bharat’ or “India”.
In Vedic cosmology, there are seven islands surrounded by oceans, and each island is divided into several ‘territories”. Each territory has a name and the word VARSHA attached to them to signify the territory. The territory in which the Kurus and the Bharatas established their union is Bharatvarsha. To the north of this territory is Ilabrita VARSHA.
References:
Witzel, M (1997) The Development of the Vedic Schools and Political Miliiue” Harvard Oriental Series.
Witzel, M. “4 Early Indian history: Linguistics and textual parameters” In Erdosy George 9ed) The Indo Aryans of Ancient South Asian Language, Material Culture and Ethnicity Indian Philological and South Asian Studied,
Murthy, S.S. The Questionable historicity of the Mahabharata, Journal of Vedic Studies, 10 (5) 1.
Rg Veda: Bengali Translation.
Brereton, Joel P.; Jamison, Stephanie W., eds. (2014). The Rigveda: The Earliest Religious Poetry of India. Vol. I. Oxford University Press. pp. 880, 902–905, 923–925, 1.
Palihawadana, Mahinda (2017). Mumm, Peter-Arnold; West, Tina (eds.). “The Indra Cult as Ideology A Clue to Power Struggle in an Ancient Society”. Electronic Journal of Vedic Studies. 24 (2): 51.
Find previous articles of Dr. Mazumdar's series on Global Conflict by clicking here.
A blog series preview of her forthcoming book “Unspoken Hindu Genocides and Ethnic Cleansing.”
A Story of Shambho and Sisyphus: Exclusion, Agony and Our Journey
I write to heal and as a feminist (which is about justice for all, not just one gender, one race, one ethnicity, etc). I believe the personal is the political, so as I heal, the community also heals, for the difference between the Self and the “other”, the boundaries are both artificial as well as porous. My healing process is not linear, as in standard therapy, but a continuous and cyclic process, that involves a lot of “others”, histories, locations, memories, pain, and suffering. This collective memory, which are painful, also give us (me) a sense of empowerment.
As I start this blog in December and as I believe, the personal is deeply and inherent, political, I will mention an trauma/memory that is political, nonetheless, for me a story about the journey of an immigrant and her alienation, isolation, search, and identity. I start with one such memory of the Mumbai terror attack on November 26, 2008.
On this same day 15 years ago, Mumbai, India’s Western Metropolis was under terrorist attack. For most of those us who were born and raised in India, this was a hard day being so far and seeing visual image of the majestic Taj Hotel by the beautiful Sea, was a feeling of profound sadness and horror.
When I visited the Elephanta Caves in 2019 by taking a ferry ride from the front of the Taj, those memories came back and I stood by the Taj, part of which is beyond repair now silently thinking of how the people and the Nation passed through this trauma. This writing, however, is not about the day of horror in Mumbai, but about my own experience when that news reached us here across oceans and mountains. All our experiences happen in a social context, and all our experience have specific meaning for each of us, these are the stories that build the entire fabric of our lives. I was all alone in my apartment, after having picked up my daughter from school and dropping her off to her father’s house. It was past midnight in India, so I did not call anyone (they live in Calcutta, which is East Coast). I was going through the messages and the images. I felt shocked and somewhat helpless, thinking, how can I be with those people, who share my history and identity. One of my Filipina friends called and we talked about this a bit and she did not seem surprised as “it has become normal”. There was a feeling of uneasiness on my part, I did not know, rather I could not NAME the feeling till 2015, when the Paris attack happened.
Paris Attack
The Paris attack also happened in November and my daughter had left for Boston to her new College, and I was dealing with the separation and was trying to cope when the news of the Paris attacks came. As I opened my social media and the email, I could see support and condolences pouring out for our French co worker. I too sent her condolences. I returned home and sat with a cup of coffee and slowly, the old pain of Mumbai attack came back. It was gnawing, it was different.
Naming Pain
For now, I could NAME the pain. I knew, as an Indian and a Hindu, whose civilization was under attacked precisely for what they are, that none of the support and the condolences that poured in for the French citizen came for me. I realized that I am an outsider to this Western, Abrahamic Club. It was then that I could NAME the pain on the day of the Mumbai attack, it was social exclusion. Literature of Grief counseling show that one recovers from grief, in time and through active healing and reconnecting. It is this sense of not being able to connect, of no one reaching out, of no one even interested in “Terror attack in those nations, those cultures”, from which my lonely-ness came.
Years later during Pandemic, when I had to cancel my flight to India I had the same feeling, when people joked about cremation and how “corpses were burnt”. Social exclusion starts at birth, the othering of some, carries on in life till death, or as in some cultures, like mine, beyond next to the next life, and cycles back…
I come from a culture where both the Sruti (hearing) and Smriti (memory) play big roles in knowledge production. Indeed, our memories recycle back, they say, in grief every anniversary. Like Shiva destroys and then cycles back to a new creation, our civilization was traumatized and then healed, dancing to the tune of Shiva, never giving up, never ending, only transforming.
For all loss like energy it never goes away but transforms and acquires a new form. And those of us, who are excluded, carry on our cyclic journey, like Sisyphus or Krishna’s son Shambo (Samba, the last “a” is undertone) excluded for his disease but steadfast in his journey… waiting to be healed from our leprosy of exclusion (all lepers are excluded) by the Sunshine……).
Shiva’s Dance in Albuquerque
Rinita Mazumdar, Ph.D. is one of the leading feminist scholars in the Southwest. Originally from India, Dr. Mazumdar earned her Masters from India and Canada in Philosophy and MSc in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She received her Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Find her poetry collection, “Shiva’s Dance in Albuquerque” by clicking here.
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Join us for an afternoon celebration of Writing to Heal by Anthony Fleg, MD, MPH. Writing to Heal has been well received and lauded throughout the literary and medical community. The event will be taking place at the WHEELS Museum and includes live music, talk, multimedia presentation, art as well as the WHEELS exhibits! Part of your entrance fee goes to support this wonderful non-profit museum located on the beautiful Albuquerque Rail Yards grounds! The event will be taking place on Sunday, August 28 beginning at 4pm.
Anthony Fleg is a family medicine physician, a healer whose work is grounded in love, culture and community. He is originally from Baltimore, MD and has three younger brothers…Anthony lives in Albuquerque, NM with his wife Shannon, a Dine’ (Navajo) woman who guides him in life’s adventures. They co-direct the Native Health Initiative and have four children (Nizhoni, Bah’Hozhooni, Shandiin and Sihasin) that are the center of their lives…Anthony considers this one of his medicines and a part of his identity as a healer. He brings writing into his clinical work as part of a patient’s treatment plan and has begun teaching writing as a form of wellness and self-care to fellow healers. When the pandemic began, his writing came out of dormancy as he started the Writing to Heal blog project which spawned Writing to Heal the book.
