She Strengthens

Embracing Cultural Heritage in Self-Care

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to acknowledge the cultural significance of self-care practices and their roots in traditional healing spaces and rituals. For Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), mainstream wellness often falls short, lacking representation and understanding of their unique experiences.

The Importance of Ancestral Healing

I recently had a thought-provoking conversation with my mother, who shared her desire to cleanse her home with a sage stick, a practice she learned in Panama. This sparked a reflection on the ancestral origins of such rituals and how they’ve been adopted by the wellness community without proper acknowledgment. It’s crucial to recognize the cultural significance of these practices and their roots in Native American and Indigenous culture.

Decolonizing Self-Care

This month, I invite members of the Black community to explore their ancestral heritage and traditional self-care practices. Research the ways your ancestors utilized essential oils, sage sticks, plant-based healing, prayer, and astrology. A great starting point is listening to the “Therapy for Black Girls” podcast on healing through astrology.

For those who are white, I encourage you to take this opportunity to reflect on the following questions:

• How have you noticed wellness being white-centered, and how can you use your privilege to shift this?
• Who are the healers, teachers, and mental health professionals you learn from? Notice their race and diversity.
• How can you continue to support members of the Black community throughout the year?

Supporting the Black Community

It’s essential to move beyond mere awareness and take action to support the Black community. Use your privilege to amplify BIPOC voices, learn from diverse sources, and acknowledge the cultural heritage of traditional healing practices.

Looking Ahead

Next week, I’ll be exploring the topic of intergenerational trauma and the significance of ancestral practices in healing not only ourselves but also our lineage. Until then, I wish you love, self-care, and a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage that shapes our wellness practices.

With love,
Minaa