Kala Phillips talks to Desi Australia - a multicultural magazine for the Indi- Australian community
https://www.desiaustralia.com/sense-of-belonging/
Every day I continue to navigate a world that has been both fundamentally changed by recent events and is now making a more intentional effort to end systemic racism, discrimination by religion, colour, race, gender or sexual orientation, social injustice, and inequality. It is my hope that we start thinking of ourselves as global citizens and as a human race.
There are millions of languages, religions, races, castes, cultures but the common thread between us all no matter where we come from is that we are human. Diversity leads to differences, some of us make the effort to tolerate and accept, others work on inclusive practices, but we need to enable a sense of belonging.
As migrants and now citizens, we live in a lucky country where endless opportunities lead to life changing journeys. We have the ability to do what we love, learn without limitations and adapt what is authentic and inspirational to us. We bring with us our rich tradition and heritage, and we also embrace the new future, its wonderful history and where we will be forming our next generations.
The last 16 years, I have tried to learn new cultures, walked a mile in someone else’s shoes and listened to someone else’s story that changed my perception of a whole community. It has made me see others through a different lens, given me peace and purpose, made me more grateful for my life and family, and allowed me to give back to the less fortunate.
I am part of a forum called “The Yarning Circle ” where we founding members are from all walks of life – First Australians, LGBTQI+, women, migrants, refugees, or physically challenged. We work for the community and for change. One of my projects is to listen to the stories of some incarcerated women, who suffered years of domestic violence and out of desperation they committed crime. I found purpose in helping them to find a job, to be financially independent and gain their dignity.
My perception of them changed when I walked a mile in their shoes. I knew I had to UNLEARN my presumptions and hear their stories.
“We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.”—Max de Pree
