Why you can't meditate your way out of oppression PLUS something weird

854 words | 3 mins 24 secs read time

In personal development circles, there is a lot of talk about limiting beliefs — deeply held beliefs that limit our ability to strive for more.

Understanding our limiting beliefs is important. It helps us see where we are getting in our way so we can continue to evolve.

BUT…

Every issue that holds women of color back isn't a limiting belief. Oppression plays a considerable role in our ability to achieve.

So when self-help books and coaches misconstrue internalized oppression for limiting beliefs, it sets women of color up to fail. It tells us that we should be able to cure a societal, systemic issue by examining internal thoughts and beliefs.

That's like saying that all you have to do to succeed is pull yourself up by your bootstraps without acknowledging that white supremacy stole the boots of marginalized groups a long time ago.

Women of color c…