Bearing Witness to the Wounded Healer: Pathways to Wellbeing and Rest
BIPOC communities and other historically oppressed and ignored communities have suffered under racist and patriarchal systems of oppression since the founding of our country. And, they have been fighting against these systems for just as long.
This fight against and within a racist society is taking a toll on our community leaders. Chronic stress and generational trauma are harming our physical and mental health and our ability to show up every day, as fully human. Burnout and fatigue, and subsequently its health and life impact, are disproportionately experienced by those who identify as BIPOC.
Bearing witness to trauma within a community involves a profound collective experience. It requires individuals to acknowledge and empathize with the pain of others, which can be both a burden and a shared responsibility. This process often reveals the depth of trauma and its impact on communal bonds, exposing the underlying issues that affect everyone. To this end, we call all elders, healers, guides, mentors, artists and community culture bearers and witnesses to the sacred process of rest that is our birthright. Please join us for a virtual event on October 19th from 1 PM to 4 PM CT.
In our time together, we will explore the healer’s journey by combining storytelling and somatic practices to create a powerful healing dynamic in our group. Storytelling allows individuals to articulate and share personal narratives, offering a way to process and externalize their experiences. This verbal expression can bring clarity and validation, helping participants make sense of their trauma or struggles. When alternated with somatic practices—such as body awareness exercises, breathwork, or movement—participants can connect their emotional and physical experiences, fostering a holistic sense of healing. Somatic practices help ground and integrate the emotions revealed through storytelling, releasing stored tension and promoting relaxation. Together, these approaches facilitate a comprehensive healing process by addressing the mind and body. The shared experience of storytelling and somatic work in a group setting also strengthens communal bonds, creating a supportive environment where individuals can heal together and build a collective sense of resilience.
Zoom Link will be provided in advanced.