As we enter a new year, we enter another month of a global crisis and continued white supremacist violence. While holding the gratitude and reflections of entering a new year, I am also holding the collective grief of this time in our lives. For some, returning from this winter break might have highlighted the ways that working while caring for ourselves and our loved ones during a global pandemic can just be too much. What does it look like to truly care for ourselves and our communities during this time?
In adrienne maree brown’s book, Emergent Strategy, she asks, “Do you already know that your existence--who and how you are--is in and of itself a contribution to the people and place around you? Not after or because you do some particular thing, but simply the miracle of your life. And that the people around you, and the place(s), have contributions as well? Do you understand that your quality of life and your survival are tied to how authentic and generous the connections are between you and the people and place you live with and in?” By asking this, she highlights the ways that our wellness depends on our interdependence. How are we leveraging our relationships, communities, and connections, to make change and care for ourselves through love and empathy during such challenging times?
Through COVID-19, the importance of this community care, interdependence, and relationships, has been highlighted in some ways. This is seen in all the local community-led mutual aid efforts, community coalitions, Black-led grassroots organizing, and general access to wellness support from organizations that are pushing out information and mental health resources.
Through COVID-19, the importance of this community care, interdependence, and relationships, has been highlighted in some ways. This is seen in all the local community-led mutual aid efforts, community coalitions, Black-led grassroots organizing, and general access to wellness support from organizations that are pushing out information and mental health resources.
In this age of social media, zoom, and webinars, we have access to so much information. Talks and webinars from thinkers, activists, and academics that used to cost money to attend, are now being recorded and circulated for widescale access. Much of this information includes community wellness resources available on various platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and Clubhouse. Here are a few to note that center collective care, community, and healing:
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- Lama Rod Owens is an author, activist, and teacher who “has a blend of formal Buddhist training and life experience that gives him a unique ability to understand, relate and engage with those around him in a way that’s spacious and sincere.” He will be hosting a Love & Rage online course starting in February, and offers Medicine Buddha Practice sessions every Monday at 4pm. Check out his website for more information and his Instagram.
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- The Body is Not an Apology “is an international movement committed to cultivating global Radical Self Love and Body Empowerment. We believe that discrimination, social inequality, and injustice are manifestations of our inability to make peace with the body, our own and others.” Founded by Sonya Renee Taylor, check out their website for blogs, resources, online courses, and community. Check their Instagram and/or buy the book.
Got other great community care and wellness resources? Add them in a comment below! In times of such overwhelm, stress, and open wounds, let us take care of ourselves and each other.
Blog Post Written By: Mackenzie Boyle, Program Manager (SOAPS)
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