I have been focusing a lot on my breath lately. The miraculous ability to inhale then exhale when no one taught you how. The space in-between breaths allows for the perspective of my thoughts to be released into the ether. It’s become second hand nature as soon as I awake: (In. I hate our President. Out. What else can I do but watch?) Information is power, but I've become oversaturated with context. Breathing allows me to not hold the fear in my mouth any longer than I have to.

I have been deeming this feeling as immobility, but with a type of retention that comes from listening. Sounds carry memories within the waves and I’ve learned to discern their changes in frequency. It’s a peculiar thing; how I can view one thing and see its beauty, yet hear another and understand its ugliness. Still, you must breathe: (In. Where did you go? Out. You are always right in front of me.)

Change always come from within. A desire to seek balance for overcompensation. Lately I’ve been able to find a map that directs me where to go no matter the circumstances. A stark change from walking into a room and the light not switching on when you know for a fact it did for everyone else: (In. I am feeling so lost. Out. I wonder where that light leads?)

I have understood a lot this past year and continue to learn with each passing breath. What I’ve uncovered is that knowledge never ceases growing into something else, sometimes euphoric or strange, but always something different. Now I’m hearing all the colors that never existed in the memories they carry. And I am excited, if not impatient, to make and hear and see new ones so I can finally tell their stories. Aren’t we all just trying to breathe? (In. Then. Out.)

The Million Women's March

The “Million" @WomensMarch originally began as a worldwide protest on January 21, 2017 and was the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. The Washington March drew 440,000 to 500,000 people, Los Angeles was estimated from 350,000 to 750,000, New York City reached estimates of 400,000, Chicago swelled to nearly 150,000, Boston reported over 100,000, San Fransisco’s rally attracted 100,000 and Oakland pulled in 60,000 more.

Worldwide participation in 2017 has been estimated anywhere from 2.6 to 5 million total. After the marches, official organizers reported that 673 marches took place worldwide, including all 50 states, on all 7 continents, including 29 protests in Canada, 20 in Mexico, and even 1 in Antarctica.

The mission of @WomensMarch is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. @WomensMarch is a women-led movement providing intersectional education on a diverse range of issues and creating entry points for new grassroots activists & organizers to engage in their local communities through trainings, outreach programs and events. @WomensMarch is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect.

The @WomensMarch movement advocates for legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues, including women's rights, immigration reform, healthcare reform, reproductive rights, the natural environment, LGBTQ rights, racial equality, freedom of religion, and workers' rights. 

The @WomensMarch also runs a program called “EMPOWER” which is an initiative for Women’s March Youth interested in making a change. Through a coalition with Peace First, Rise To Run, Teen Vogue, The Justice League NYC, The Gathering For Justice, and Rock The Vote their goal is to provide young people with the tools needed to create high school and college chapters that guide students in making a positive impact in their communities. Visit here for more information:

http://www.womensmarch.com/empower/

The 2018 LA March drew estimates of 500,000 - Chicago was estimated at 300,000 and the Mayor’s office in NYC officially estimated 200,000. Protesters also marched in Rome, Italy; Kampala, Uganda; Frankfurt, Germany; and Osaka, Japan.