In community work, the necessity of self love and care is often talked about in terms of being the change you want to see in the world. You create the ripple. And while I agree with this, I think there is another dimension. 

The more capable you are at acknowledging and taming your ego and your mind, the better you can become at noticing your insides pushing you to lash out, people please, or close your heart in the face of discomfort or hurt. The more practiced you are at identifying these tensions, the more capable you become of breathing them out in the moment and responding with intention, rather than conditioning. The more you value yourself and care how you are treated, the more discerning you will become about whether a space, movement, relationship, or organizing group is the right fit for you. You won’t operate from fear, shame, and guilt that assert you must move a certain way to gain belonging or avoid disapproval. You can tap into your own gifts, experiences, and abilities and apply them in a way that supports the growth of revolution, while also stoking the flames of your own transformation and joy. 

When we move from that joy, love, transformation, and abundance, then in addition to the hurt of what we’re fighting against, our community care can also be about what we’re fighting for, what we want to see more of, and what we can imagine for ourselves and our communities. . Because when we center growth and embrace the discomfort that comes with it, even our hurt can serve as kindling for our dreams. 

I hope this collection is a tool supporting this shift or a whisper ushering it in. Welcome to Attune. I’m glad you’re here.

Letter from the Editor