Mindful of Race

Transforming Racism from the Inside Out

By: Ruth King

Narrated by: Janina Edwards

"Racism is a heart disease," writes Ruth King, "and it's curable." Exploring a crucial topic seldom addressed in meditation instruction, this revered teacher takes to her pen to shine a compassionate, provocative, and practical light into a deeply neglected and world-changing domain profoundly relevant to all of us.

With Mindful of Race, Ruth King offers:

"Tend first to our suffering, listen to what it is trying to teach us, and direct its energies most effectively for change."

Here, she invites us to explore:

• Ourselves as racial beings, the dynamics of oppression, and our role in racism
• The power of paying homage to our most turbulent emotions and perceiving the wisdom they hold
• Key mindfulness tools to understand and engage with racial tension
• Identifying our "soft spots" of fear and vulnerability - how we defend them and how to heal them
• Embracing discomfort, which is a core competency for transformation
• How our thoughts and emotions "rigidify" our sense of self - and how to return to the natural flow of who we are
• Body, breath, and relaxation practices to befriend and direct our inner resources
• Identifying our most sensitive “activation points” and tending to them with caring awareness
• "It's not just your pain" - the generational constellations of racial rage and ignorance and how to work with them
• And many other compelling topics

Drawing on her expertise as a meditation teacher and diversity consultant, King helps listeners of all backgrounds examine with fresh eyes the complexity of racial identity and the dynamics of oppression. She offers guided instructions on how to work with our own role in the story of race and shows us how to cultivate a culture of care to come to a place of greater clarity and compassion.

©2018 Ruth King (P)2018 Tantor

So Inspirational

I used to feel these types of books didn't necessarily apply to me. I had an 'in' because I am gay, and felt confident I could really relate to the experiences of those also a part of other subordinate groups in our culture. Yet I still felt something was missing. The book lays down a foundation to awaken and discover your entire racial identity, and the important next steps before 'reaching across the aisle.' As a white male, I'd strongly recommend it to other white men as an amazing first step in doing your part in healing this country's racial divide.

Gentle, Powerful Truths

I learned a lot from listening to this book. I was comforted, challenged, encouraged and held in love. Dr Ruth King has a powerful message for all of us in the human race. I’m so grateful for her willingness to set these thoughts down in writing and hold them up for us to see.

A healing

A powerful well thought-out educational treasure in regards to finding solutions to racism, equinimity, and self realisation.

Beloved Community

Read this book only if you are genuinely working to creating a Culture of Care.

Transformational!!!

I appreciate the authors way of breaking the problem of racism down so it is understandable and giving concrete solutions to apply to our daily lives. This is a read for everyone.

Masterful weaving of Dharma and racial healing

This was a pure delight and inspiration to listen to. I am already offering this book to several friends in my Buddhist community. thank you Ruth for this masterpiece of healing so needed in both our communities and the world.

A Necessary and Heartbreaking Discussion

As a white man that has been disturbed by the racial realities around me, I found this book both inspiring and heartbreaking. This is a necessary dose of truth, wisdom, and compassion. You can feel the deep understanding in King's words.

Her meditation exercises were perfect. Her examples of encounters and explanation of her methods were poignant and striking.

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So much to reflect on and act upon

A lovely offering of “wisdom and grace” and calls for reflection and compassion as we address racism, white supremacy, and mindfulness.

Overall bold conversation on race

The audio book was easy to listen to especially late at night. The orator is strong. I wanted to hear more about how mindfulness can be used to heal from racism and not simply cope with it. Nonetheless, the book is fair to all people.