Oppression =Disrespected Boundaries = Oppression
Oppression is a boundary issue, an issue of disrespect on behalf of the oppressor.
Racism is a boundary issue.
Misogyny is a boundary issue.
Ableism is a boundary issue.
Homelessness and hunger are boundary issues,issues of disrespect for the unhoused or hungry person.
Boundaries are natural and organic. They are not “established”. They exist all on their own around needs of humans and all entities. Disrespecting the boundaries, disregard and neglect, is what causes issues.
As individuals, we are told to we need to speak up more, tell people about your needs or just say no more often, that may all be true. But, dominant culture doesn’t really want us to speak up. We have been trained and conditioned not to, and to not notice the disrespect. Dominant Culture is not a culture of wellbeing. And in order to maintain order, a system of separation has been cultivated. Inability to recognize these organic boundaries serves that purpose. Keep everyone separate. Don’t allow deep attachments, don’t allow needs to be met.
Look, we have spoken about our needs. Health care, child care. Housing, food. Who doesn’t know these needs exist? Who considers them disrespected boundaries? Why do we not discuss racism and biases as issues of disrespect?
We do not need to learn to tend our own boundaries just to protect ourselves from oppression and overreach. Not just to say no when necessary or express our needs. NO. We need to learn to recognize and tend the boundaries to mend the space between us. To learn to cultivate more nurturing relationships with our children. With our partners. We need to recognize and tend these boundaries so that we respect them as consumers, as community members, as friends, as teachers, and employers. Together, we must learn to engage ourselves and our systems differently. Each and every one of us. Absolutely no one is excused.
If you don’t recognize the boundaries, you will disrespect them; yours and those of others and Earth.
The Tending Tender Boundaries Program starts in February. Learn more
Private sessions are also available. Please contact me for more information.
