
12-Minute Body Gratitude Meditation Guide
Discover a guided 12-minute mindfulness meditation to cultivate gratitude for your body. Reduce stress and embrace the present moment with this simple practice.
Learn what microaggressions are, their harmful effects, and actionable steps to interrupt and heal from racial aggressions in daily life.
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights that communicate hostility toward marginalized groups. First coined by Dr. Chester Pierce in the 1970s, these actions create significant psychological harm despite their "micro" label.
Many scholars now drop the "micro" prefix because:
- The impacts are significant (anxiety, depression, racial trauma)
- They reinforce systemic oppression
- Frequency creates chronic stress for marginalized groups
Examples include:
- "You're so articulate for a [racial group]"
- "Where are you really from?"
- "I don't see color" (colorblind statements)
Common scenarios:
- Clutching belongings when BIPOC individuals approach
- Store employees following customers of color
- Consistently mispronouncing ethnic names
Systemic examples:
- Confederate flags in public spaces
- Office decor only featuring white professionals
- Inaccessible buildings for disabled individuals
Research shows microaggressions:
- Reduce workplace psychological safety (per Harvard studies)
- Create "racial battle fatigue" from constant stress
- Lower productivity and mental health outcomes
Before responding:
- Notice physiological reactions
- Identify which value was violated
- Choose response aligned with your principles
Try these phrases:
- "Help me understand what you meant by..." (clarification)
- "That comment could be heard as..." (impact vs intent)
- "In my experience..." (challenging stereotypes)
When you commit a microaggression:
1. Apologize without excuses
2. Acknowledge the specific harm
3. Commit to changed behavior
For workplaces/schools:
- Conduct implicit bias training
- Create DEIB accountability partners
- Audit environmental messaging
Practice this reflection when processing microaggressions:
1. Recall a related experience
2. Notice where you feel it physically
3. Identify which values were compromised
4. Visualize repair and forgiveness
Next steps:
- Download our [Microaggression Response Guide]
- Find a racial healing accountability partner
- Explore our full [Racial Healing Series]
Discover a guided 12-minute mindfulness meditation to cultivate gratitude for your body. Reduce stress and embrace the present moment with this simple practice.
Rhonda Magee discusses mindfulness, racial justice, and healing through compassionate dialogue. Learn how to transform bias with loving-kindness.
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