The cold in the early morning invigorates me as I do my sun salutations and mediation. When I finish my routine, it gives me clarity as I think about our world.

Progress happens slowly. When we become aware of a widespread problem, we have to analyze it, decide what its primary causes are, and determine the best way to solve those principal causes. We then have to let those attempts at solution to run their course for some time, in order to then measure their effect and compare them to the previous status quo. All this takes time.

But while doing all these things, each and every one of us can still contribute to the overall solution. On a personal level, every single person can recalibrate their awareness, can give more attention to the problem, and can constructively talk with others about it. We can all individually try to improve ourselves, our families, and our communities. This will not only effect change we can see, but change that will last.

I’m so far removed it’s impossible to fully understand. But the cold this morning brought me a deep recognition. These citizens, our fellow humans who died at the hands of unnecessary or excessive force… they’re gone. That was someone’s life… it can’t be brought back. Those were people, just like you or me, who were are now gone because of unfathomable apathy and hatred. That’s the pain that’s being experienced. It’s real.

We can be better, as a species, and we must be better. It cannot be said enough, until it is so far ingrained in all of us it becomes a hallmark of our history: Black Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter.

Contribute to the solution. Ensure humanity is better. Change the world.