!Habari Gani! Nia – Purpose

As a 30 year old young woman, who has been on my healing journey for about 8 years with intention and focus, I still feel like a novice walking blindfold through a dark maze gathering nuggets of wisdom and finding tunnels of light along the way. I wonder if everything I have to say has already been said, if they are necessary and relevant, or if my words will be received at all. 

I am reminded, even children have something to offer.

It is fitting that today I am connecting with and reflecting on my throat chakra, in Sanskrit  विशुद्धी, which relates to communication, creative/expression, and integrity. This is day 5 of a 7 day cleanse, through Kwanzaa. The cleanse and Kwanzaa, which are both beautiful and filling, are for another time though.

I have been reflecting on healing as a concept, as a way of relating to self and body/mind/spirit/other, as a title/profession/vocational work, as a commitment, an intention, and action. As something that requires relationship and connection. I also use the word wellness when describing the “type” of work I do and offer. I would like to parse these out a little bit. 

My experiences and study have shown me that healing requires going towards the wound, in order to transform the energy to access more flow, connection to the present moment, authenticity in being who we are and want to be. Our bodies are built to naturally heal themselves. We have been conditioned to subdue these natural powers instead of work with them to enhance. Just like a physical wound may require direct sanitization or surgery, healing ourselves mentally / emotionally / spiritually / relationally requires acknowledging and moving towards the wound without becoming the wound itself. Close enough for impact. This is what it means to “do the work”. The work is not easy; it is alchemical. It is worth it and it is what we need in order to thrive and fulfill our divine purpose and potential. It requires us to tap into our Warrior Spirit and Alchemist Energy. I consider healing a journey, recognizing we are at war and constantly under assault energetically, spiritually, physically, psychologically, chemically. We must stay fortified, strong, and agile.

This work is collective work, because we are collective beings and species. We need each other. We need connection, belonging, and love. That is where the therapists, counselors, coaches, and guides can support us on our way. Find or build a Circle of care around you, where you are accountable to and witness/are witnessed by one another with intention. 

If healing is the journey, wellness is the practice.

My healing journey has led me to recognizing the need for and seeking out concrete tools and practices I can use in my day to day life, to help me stay well through the journey. These wellness practices are balms and medicines, reconnecting with our wholeness and center. They help us regain our agency, choice, and creative power. Wellness practices could look like eating natural and whole foods, living an active and balanced lifestyle, mind-body practices like breathwork/meditation/martial arts/yoga, speaking affirmations and prayer, seeking guidance and wisdom from elders or spiritual guides, embracing and loving youths, connecting with the natural world and elements, creative expression, returning to gratitude. The key here is that these are practices. It has been said that “our routines are our rituals”. 

Our power to create our reality is expressed through our rituals, routines, and daily practices. How we actually live our lives each moment.

I love to see conversations, businesses, gatherings, offerings of healing and wellness growing in the city. We are tapping in to the energies of abundance. 

Love. Power. Purpose.

Ground. Center. Align.

Ase’

-d.