by Herukhuti, PhD, MEd
Founder and Executive Director
Black Funk: The Center for Culture, Sexuality, and Spirituality
Editor-In-Chief
http://www.blackfunk.org

We are not going to invest in the scarcity or poverty consciousness that has gripped people around the world in response to the downturn in the capital, stock, and other financial markets. We understand the power of consciousness, particularly collective consciousness, to create realities that have tangible, material consequences in people's lives. We do believe that we are in a season that is, among other things, challenging the hyperconsumerism, excess, and indulgences that have characterized the consciousness of many folks in the Westernized world as well as those Westernized folks living outside of the Westernized world. This season offers, therefore, an opportunity for each of us in those two groups to think about how we will make use of the opportunity.

One way that I am deploying in my life to engage the opportunity is downsizing and simplifying. I know downsizing has a negative connotation when used as a tactic in corporations. Downsizing, in that context, means to cut roles or position lines, and, as such, to cut jobs. That's kind of what I mean here but in a locus that is closer to home.

Cutting Unnecessary or Unproductive Personnel

I am letting go anyone in my life who performs an unnecessary or unproductive role in my life. Gone through all my electronic address books, i.e., cell phone and messaging buddy lists, and deleted some folks. During seasons of excess, there's a tendency to keep on fools who serve no purpose or require much more than they contribute. But it's not a season of excess and that's a good thing. This season is about taking stock and making decisions about what's really important and who is really important to me.

I had the names of people in my phone who I didn't recognize or remember. What the hell? It was my attempt to maintain a just in case collection of folks. Do you know what I mean? Just in case I need to call them. Just in case I want to connect again. Just in case I remember who they are. Gone.

Reducing Redundant or Obsolete Roles

I am doing away with any role that I have played in the life of someone else or any role that others play in my life that no longer serves me. I will not be defined by the expectations, fears, or limitations of others. I choose to act from a place of authenticity not habit.

There are these co-created (by self and others) roles that can become routine and familiar. Without conscious reflection, these roles can persist past their usefulness and original meaning. I am letting go of these obsolete roles. I am letting go of the goof troop as well. The goof troop, a phrase coined by one of my godsons, is the category of folks who exist to serve a very limited need (e.g., sex) because they are very limited in what they can offer. Having five people who can only provide the same sole resource is not efficient. Finding one person who can reliably provide that one resource is better. If that person can offer additional resources as well, it is even better.