The Cambridge dictionary defines meditation as “the act giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religions activity or as a way becoming calm and relaxed” or “serious thought or study, or the product this activity.”
As violence continues to erupt in Los Angeles following the senseless murder Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle, Russell Simmons is calling for peace.
In support Black Divinity Meditation Day — which falls on Saturday (April 6) and goes through Sunday (April 7) — the Def Jam Recordings co-founder is pushing the #BlackDivinityMeditationDay hashtag on social media in an effort to unite those who believe in equality for all.
“The purpose Black Meditation Day is a day self-reflection,” Simmons tells HipHopDX. “When we know the self, we know God. This self-knowledge is critical for all people. People color all over the world have had an especially difficult time. Due to colonialism and slavery, they have been cut f from their culture, religion and, in many cases, self-love.”
Simmons noted it was particularly important in the wake Nipsey’s death.
“Especially in light all the things that are going on, we need a global mediation day,” he adds. “In Bali, there’s a Bali Spirit Fest. People color aren’t included — not intentionally. It’s just a different world. Self-reflection is key. There’s no moment where we as a community can get together and mediate and share with each other that experience.”
I’m preparation for black divinity meditation day APRIL 6 …please join me for a short discussion and guide into a morning meditation Or look on my insta bio and download the app… https://t.co/hiWbgFGCKs
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) February 28, 2019
To fill that void, Simmons is supporting the #BlackDivinityMeditationDay initiative in an effort to inspire others to honor their own state or quality being divine.
“Black Divinity Meditation Day is a chance for people to look for their own divinity,” he explains. “People color are ten just treated as second-class citizens. People darker are treated differently. In Bali, white Indonesians are seen on the billboards.
“White supremacy is not an American-only phenomenon. It’s a European export that’s suppressed people color all over the world. This is for everyone to participate in, everyone who believes in equality for all. It’s about personal transformation. It’s about self-knowledge.”
Simmons, who has been practicing yoga and meditation for decades, calls Black Divinity Meditation Day a “day to activate.”
“Dig inside,” he says. “This is truly a day for us to look at our own divinity. It’s for everyone. The vibration is for everyone. Everyone who wants equality for all should give us 20 minutes meditation. Twenty minutes is a long time, but for those who meditate, they know that’s just about long enough to get into self. It’s about patience.
“Just sit and be patient and let the mind settle.”