We’re living in a time of poly crisis and many of us change makers are holding so much in this time of growing fascism, crumbling capitalist structures, and possibilities for a new world. And in the day to day, practicing those small movements, like keeping steady, thinking on our feet, leaning into new possibilities, doing the research, and most importantly taking action. When we’re supporting transformation and change makers, we have an additional consideration, we need to hold space for their well being and help them channel their energy for the highest good.
Something you might not know about me is that I ran track and field in high school for about two and a half years as a middle-distance runner. I can't claim to have been the best or the fastest, but I certainly aimed to support our team, especially in terms of moral support.
I had 2 important learnings from those two and a half years that have stayed with me.
The first lesson was the concept of a personal best. Growing up under capitalism, I had internalized the message that there’s only one winner, everyone else isn't as great, and you need to be the best and most successful to be celebrated. Typically, only the top three players or runners get celebrated (or get medals or awards).
Instead of competing against each other (teammates or the other teams), we looked at our own historical performances. How had we improved? Over time, even if I didn’t place in the top ranks, I knew that stiffer competition at bigger events would help lower my running time. It became less about applause or awards and more about challenging myself individually. Sometimes I would only shave a couple of seconds off my time, but over a season or from season to season, I could see my improvement. I learned to cherish the moment, the internal resistance of showing up for myself every single moment and feeling the aliveness of being in the moment.
Secondly, I learned about being a part of a team. Our individual wins or contributions added up to a team total. Track and field is an individual sport, yes, but it’s also a team challenge. We all competed in different fields and areas of specialization, but we were working on the same team because total team points are calculated collectively. This meant recognizing that we are all uniquely talented and contributing as a team. We made goodie bags for each other, ensured we had time with the trainer, got each other ice for shin splints, and helped each other stretch—even if we weren’t on the same specific teams.
This lesson is crucial as an anti-capitalist message: first, that we will face similar events and challenges over time. It’s not about saving people or achieving grand feats; it’s about challenging ourselves to do better each time and second, that we must come together and share our resources because we are all contributing something.
Did I improve? Was I more responsive? Did I remember to check in on someone or something this time? Can I pass my baton a bit smoother next time? It’s a continuous process to test your own praxis and ensure you are on point
In my track practices, we had drills to improve our baton pass, or our jumping the hurdles, or staying focused in the middle of a noisy meet on a hot sunny day. I also learned to care for those who were on other teams with other goals and dream. That is the crucial work - to keep showing up. We will be asked time and time again to show up and hold space for change for others and ourselves.
Our coaches (and my many Bharata Natyam gurus and teachers) have done that for me. And part of my work now is catalyzing people into action
Unsplash image from Jonathan Chng of a track runner holding a baton and the open studio graphic.
That is the practice and the work that I focus on for myself. Those practical things we can do to build psychological safety for changework and build collectively for a liberatory future for us all.
I’ll be sharing some of my notes from the field (both as an athlete and as a teacher/consultant).
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