In Episode 87 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with author, teacher and activist, Ruth King.
Show Notes
Knowing For Yourself (Opening) – We get to know Ruth and what brought her to the path of meditation and teaching. She reflects on the aspects of Dharma practice that have been most beneficial to her.
“I fell in love with the practice of meditation. It was such a recognition of something very deeply known. I think what really got me was the idea in this practice of knowing for yourself – not relying on something external to know what freedom and ease was.” – Ruth King
Conditioning and Unseen Bias (8:00) – Sharon and Ruth discuss the individual systems and group dynamics that lead to racial imbalance and harm; a major theme in Ruth’s new book, Mindful of Race. They look at some of the hindrances that prevent us from recognizing or addressing our own unseen bias.
“We are all good individuals and we are also racial beings, so we all have inherent bias at the individual level of our being. We are all part of a racial identity group, some of us know this and others of us don’t. We all come from a racial configuration in this relational world that we are in.” – Ruth King
Racism Is Like Heart Disease (25:15) – Ruth looks at the relationship many people have with their own racism. She and Sharon discuss the similarities between how we address internal racism and how we address heart disease in ourselves. The two talk about how the balance and joy offered by contemplative practice can bring perspective to our inner struggles.
More Like This: Explore the intersection of race, activism and contemplative practice with Sharon and Rev. angel Kyodo Williams on Ep. 42 of the Metta Hour Podcast
Stepping Up (38:50) – What are some of the ways that individuals are using their positions of power to create change in the unjust systems that they operate in? Ruth and Sharon talk about the importance of stepping outside of our comfort zones in an effort to use our influence to its greatest social potential.
“I am seeing a growing number of individuals with power who are using their power in a way that supports change.” – Ruth King
Drop In & Open Up (46:45) – We close with a 10- minute foundational meditation practice led by Ruth.
Communication skills are critical in all aspects of life, and they can be challenging. Do you say yes when you really mean no? Do you avoid conflict at all costs? Are you waiting for someone in your life to change in order to get what you want? 
Images via Ruth King and Tricycle