This week’s edition of HH101 delves into the depth of the grey matter as we explore the importance of the mind’s homeostasis

I know that often times we pride ourselves on being quite smart or intelligent. Though, that may be true in our own right I think that we must begin to question whether we are conscious individuals. Merriam-Webster defines consciousness as being “able to understand what is happening around you.” When we look how smart we are from this perspective I think we see how inattentive and occupied we have become as a society.
I can only implore you to understand that it is critically important and I would also add, vital to your survival to be able to understand what is really going on around you. This will not always come from school, media, government entities, or your family. We as individuals have to take stock in our own obligation to be aware of what is unfolding in society in general and within our own lives.  My nana use to tell me as a child that you can’t look at life through rose colored glasses. Well, now my beloveds, I am telling you that you can’t look at life through the lenses of individuals that do not have the same objectives and ideals as you do. This does not mean that you cannot listen and understand varying perspectives. It does mean that you have to be aware of the ideologies and integrity of those you listen to. No matter the person the perspective presented is often times laden with their personal perspectives and less bias or objective.
If we look at news outlets for instance, we understand that there is not always a consensus on the information presented. Have you ever wondered why certain perspectives or stories are not covered? Have you ever looked into who owns the media outlets that you watch? Do you know if they are conservative or liberal (there are more types) in the presentation of the news? Keep in mind that many of us look at the news as a primary source of information and assume that it is mainly true. A thing such as this is an example of how you may be being manipulated to think or respond a certain way.
To not realize and acknowledge that there are great socio-economic, legal, and health disparities in this country among different cultures can no longer be accepted. To further think that these disparities do not lead to frustration, increased crime, and etcetera is purposefully choosing to stay blind at this point. When disparities are this great and nothing is being done about it as if it can be deduced to the choices we make be them good or bad is bullshit. Individuals can speak about choices until they are blue in the face but the reality is that we do not all have the same options to choose from and that is the critical difference. To not acknowledge that things have been systematically put into place to protect the current structure of this society is denial.
In truth we cannot deal with issues as a country, a people, or a society if we are not even willing to see, acknowledge, discuss, and form solution to address what is happening right before our eyes. Martin Luther King said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” No one has the luxury to wait for a savior or for unjust and immoral individuals to gain an understanding and begin to apply and enforce justice and morality. WE, ME and YOU, must take a stand for the right reason and the time needed to begin to shift the structures that are currently set in place. Change happens when oppressed (financially/ economically/ educationally/ socially/ sexually/ genetically/ racially/ religiously/etc.) people present a unified front that makes it clear, that the status quo is no longer going to be accepted. Follow me on Twitter @NakeashaJ and on Instagram @Melanated_Beauty

-Nakeasha Johnson(@NakeashaJ)