Woke

Finding a Connection to ‘Woke’ Without Claiming It

By: Dr. Anna Biela

29.12.2024 | Wrocław | 13:24

The word “woke” has been on my mind lately. Every time I hear it, I get this strange, heavy feeling, like it’s surrounded by negative energy. Some people wear the label proudly, while others seem to use it as an insult. I couldn’t help but wonder—what’s really going on with this word? Why does it feel so charged?

When I looked into it, I found that “woke” originally came from a place of empowerment. It started as a call to awareness in the Black community, encouraging people to stay alert to racial injustices and systemic inequality. It was about vigilance and refusing to turn a blind eye. Over time, it grew into a broader term tied to social progress and activism. But somewhere along the way, it became polarizing. People started weaponizing it, using “woke” as a way to shame or dismiss others, which muddied its original meaning.

That tension got me thinking about my own work and values. I wouldn’t call myself “woke,” but some of the ideas behind it resonate with me. The Heart Flow Art Movement, for example, is also about waking up—but in a spiritual sense. It’s about becoming aware of the energy that connects us all, the flow that exists in ourselves and in the art we create. It’s a different kind of awakening, one that’s focused on soul, connection, and remembering what makes us human.

When I look at the contemporary “woke” community, I see a group of people who are deeply passionate about creating change in the world. They challenge norms, call out injustices, and strive to create a society that is more inclusive and equitable. Their work is important, and their voices are necessary. But I also notice that this community, like any movement, can sometimes fall into patterns of rigidity and division. The intense focus on identifying what’s wrong can leave little space for what’s right—for connection, for understanding, and for healing.

It’s easy to see why this happens. Awareness of injustice can be overwhelming. Once you’ve woken up to the inequities in the world, it’s hard to go back to sleep. But in the process of fighting for change, we sometimes forget the humanity in one another. We see this in the way conversations around “woke” have become so contentious, both within and outside the community. There’s a pressure to perform the “right” kind of awareness, to align perfectly with a specific ideology. Those who don’t are often dismissed or attacked, even if their intentions are good.

For me, this is where spirituality comes in. Awakening, whether societal or spiritual, isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being open—open to new perspectives, to growth, and to the possibility of transformation. The Heart Flow Art Movement reflects this idea. It’s not about pointing fingers or defining what’s right and wrong. It’s about creating art that vibrates with energy, that speaks to the soul, and that reminds us of our shared humanity.

Art, I believe, can play a vital role in bridging the gaps within the woke community and beyond. A painting, a mural, or even a simple sketch can open up a conversation that words often fail to reach. Art bypasses the mind and speaks directly to the heart, creating a space where understanding can flourish. In this sense, art has the power to transform “woke” from a divisive label into a unifying energy.

The woke community and the Heart Flow Art Movement share a common goal: to wake up to the interconnectedness of life. But where the woke community often focuses outward—on systems, history, and structures—the Heart Flow Art Movement encourages us to also turn inward. The two are not in conflict; they’re complementary. True change begins within, and it’s only by healing ourselves that we can begin to heal the world.

Perhaps this is the next evolution of “woke”: a movement that not only identifies what’s wrong but also envisions what’s possible. A movement that’s grounded not just in justice but in love, not just in resistance but in creation. This is the energy I hope to bring through the Heart Flow Art Movement—a call to awaken to the flow of life, the vibrations of the soul, and the light that connects us all.