Smoke

Written by Gail Hutchison, July 2016

Something is burning - can you smell it?

I handle things in my own way. I have friends who are on the proverbial front line, going to conferences, speaking out on social media, marches, protests etc., I am clear that as yoga instructor, and just by nature, that I provide the retreat. That is my gift, that is my lane and I’m good at staying in my lane. But something is burning…

Trying not to feel. Don't want to hear or read the news because of all the emotions it stirs up in me. Trying hard to protect my emotions; to silence all the voices in my head and the pain in my heart as I hear yet again of the killing of another black man by police officers who appear to have rendered the man helpless yet… they feel threatened?

I come to work, I try and do the work I know is part of my personal mission, part of the solution, but... I smell smoke.

The smoke is starting burn my eyes but seemingly it does not affect others. I know that fire creates light, heat, and smoke by a rapid chemical reaction called combustion. Smoke is the result of the incomplete combustion, the burning of fuel. Particles that were not burned become suspended in the air. Smoke is dangerous because it contains harmful gases that can poison a person who inhales too much smoke.

I see others that don’t seem to be affected but… I smell smoke!

There is no stronger voice than silence… When the death of a family member occurs, people morn, they give their condolences. To walk around and pretend like everything is ok is becoming offensive and increasingly difficult for me to handle.

Do you smell smoke???