Beyond the Noise: I Am Woke, and You Should Be Too
Before you decide whether or not to read, please know this is a reflection on empathy, awareness, and how we can better treat one another.
This article is not about politics; it is about humanity. It’s about how we treat each other – or at least how we should treat each other. It’s about reframing the term. You don’t have to agree with every modern use of the word to embrace the true values behind it.
I understand that for many people, the word now carries political baggage, and even frustration and anger, but this piece is an attempt to rise above the politics and take back the word.
What does it mean to be woke? At its heart, it’s about being awake — embracing awareness, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to kindness and compassion.
In everyday terms, being woke can be as simple as listening to someone’s experience without rushing to judge, argue, or dismiss it.
Like many words, ‘woke’ has evolved and been used in different ways, but at its core, it has always been about awareness. Today, it’s often used in derogatory ways meant to divide us.
I want to go back to something simpler… not because a word matters more than people, but because reclaiming its meaning can remind us of what we share.
Did you know that woke originally meant:
Being a student of history (and learning from history);
Recognizing and respecting others’ lived experiences;
Staying aware of injustices happening to others.
My hope is that by the end of this article, you’ll see the word less as a divider and more as a reminder of how we can show up for one another.
Just as we’ve become more aware of what we put into our bodies, it’s time to become more aware of how we show up for one another, because showing others kindness, compassion, and empathy are true signs of wellness.
To me, being woke and awake simply means being a better person, neighbor, friend, co-worker, parent, and citizen.
WOKE Reframed
Several ways and words could be used to reframe “woke,” but if we strip the word down to its best intentions, especially through the lens of health, healing, and wellness:
W - Wisdom: Learning from the past and staying conscious of the world around us.
O - Openness: A willingness to listen, grow, and understand other viewpoints.
K - Kindness: Choosing compassion and thoughtfulness over judgment and negativity.
E - Empathy: Feeling with others, understanding and relating to their situations.
Looking at this explanation, is there any reason for you to not be woke?
Why WOKE Resonates
These are the ‘woke’ values many of us strive toward. I don’t always live up to these ideals, but they are the values I strive for:
Being loving, caring, compassionate, kind, and empathetic toward all.
Being concerned about the health and well-being of every person, regardless of their gender, race, color, religion, orientation, etc.
Focusing on abundance, not scarcity, thus I have no concerns about others “stealing” what is mine – because it is all ours and there is plenty of it.
Enjoying learning about new cultures, and respecting the diversity of our society.
Understanding that none of us are perfect, including the generations of our families that came before us, and that we all have done things we are not proud of.
Knowing none of us are any better than anyone else, and we all deserve positive, equal treatment.
What Being Woke Looks Like
Here’s what being woke looks like in everyday life:
Listening actively to others’ experiences, especially those from different backgrounds, to better understand their perspectives without judgment.
Questioning assumptions and stereotypes instead of accepting them at face value, fostering a more open and fair mindset.
Speaking up kindly when witnessing unfairness or exclusion, using compassion rather than confrontation.
Supporting inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and respected, whether at work, school, or in the community.
Continuously learning and reflecting on personal biases and privileges, embracing growth with humility.
Choosing kindness and empathy in daily interactions, recognizing the shared humanity in everyone.
Advocating for fairness and justice in small ways, like supporting ethical brands, volunteering, or amplifying marginalized voices.
Final Thoughts About the Power of Being Woke
There is way too much hate, anger, distrust, and fear in the world today.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of being divided, we should be united – united in love, respect, compassion, kindness, and empathy for all living things.
Let’s stop the hate and build on love. Instead of division, let’s focus on compassion and understanding. Rather than reacting out of fear or misunderstanding, let’s be open to the truth.
Let’s choose togetherness, compassion, and understanding.
Finally, we don’t need to go around saying we’re woke, but we should be living our lives by these beautiful and inspiring principles.
Maybe being ‘woke’ isn’t about a label at all… maybe it’s simply about living awake with each other as members of the human race.
In terms of wellness, please remember that wellness isn’t just the physical… it’s also how we think, how we connect, and how we treat each other.
Additional “WOKE” Resources
If this article resonates with you, here are a few related pieces that I have published that explore these values more deeply:
Dr. Randall Hansen is an evangelist, educator, and thought-leader... helping the world heal from past trauma and the poor food system. He is founder and CEO of EmpoweringSites.com, a network of empowering and transformative Websites, including EmpoweringAdvice.com.
He is the author of the groundbreaking Triumph Over Trauma: Psychedelic Medicines are Helping People Heal Their Trauma, Change Their Lives, and Grow Their Spirituality and the well-received HEAL! Wholeistic Practices to Help Clear Your Trauma, Heal Yourself, and Live Your Best Life.
The third book in the Wholeistic Healing Trilogy is the game-changing The HEALing Revolution Diet: A Science-based Approach to Heal Your Gut, Reverse Chronic Illnesses, Lose Weight, Clear Your Mind, and Increase Longevity.
Dr. Hansen's focus and advocacy center around true health and healing journeys that results in being able to live an authentic life filled with peace, joy, love. Learn more by visiting his personal Website, RandallSHansen.com. You can also check out Dr. Randall Hansen on LinkedIn.
Expert advice on ways to make your life healthier, simpler, better, more fun!
