This issue is dedicated to George Floyd. May his memory be a blessing, and may these words inspire courage and right action.

Hours ago, this newsletter was complete and ready to go. The theme was miracles in business (yes, miracles!). But I just could not send it. It felt so out of touch with the outrage that is right now. So I wrote a new issue, this one you’re reading. It’s about being indifferent and disengaged and afraid. Or not. Read on and consider accepting the immense challenge before us all – pulling in the energy of love when it’s hardest to do. .

But going further, know that I’m a privileged, middle-aged, Jewish white man living in America. I have no idea what it’s like to be Black in this country. But I do know something about how to bring love into very difficult situations. And that’s ultimately what this is about. 

Indifference

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” So wrote author and holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel. I believe indifference is the main way most of us enable racism and the violence it brings. We pretend not to see what is in front of us. We ignore blatant inequities because, well, it’s just how things are. And we’re so busy. And does it affect us really? 

This latest horrific murder requires us to look in the mirror – unless we actively choose ignorance. Have courage. You can do this. Ask yourself these really hard questions:

• What wrongs do you ignore? 
• What keeps you indifferent?
• What will you do about it? 

Moral Disengagement

Underneath indifference is moral disengagement through dehumanization. And fueling that of course is fear. Dehumanization prompts one group of people to harm another group of people. After all, if “they” are not human like us, the logic goes, then the rules for how to treat humans who are like us don’t apply.

In business, moral disengagement through dehumanization occurs when we reduce customers to market share to be captured, employees to assets to be deployed, and competitors to faceless enemies to be destroyed. We’ve been taught this is necessary in business. That is a lie. It is not. Really, it is simply fear taking form.

But it’s been the dominant paradigm for a very long time: Business is war. Different is dangerous. It’s “we” vs. “them.” The Amare Way says no to all of this. It says we can and must put love to work in business and life; now more than ever. And it shows us how.

How to Bring in Love When It’s the Hardest To Do

Step 1: Acknowledge what is, starting with you. Focus on George Floyd, and feel what is in you right now – pain, sadness, confusion, fury – whatever it is, it is. Now name it. And breathe.

Step 2: Tell yourself you have the authority to change how things are, without denying what is. No one else controls what you’re feeling, so it’s up to you. This act of empowerment alone should shift your state a bit.

Step 3: Do one small thing that uplifts you and others, that is pertinent to this situation. Sign an online petition, put a sign in your yard, create a forum at work, make a donation, join a group, talk with your kids, call local officials, post on social media. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Say his name out loud: George Floyd.

Resources here and here and here. Black-led organizations to support here and here, with many more listed in the resources. Please share your approach too. We’re all students and learning together.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance.“

—John Lennon

Thanks everyone for tuning in to Amare Wave Wednesday! Do YOUR one amare thing today to improve your business and grow the wave!

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