reconnection, rebellion, refusal 🍮🍬🎉
Reclaiming, honoring, and celebrating...
Where are you experiencing these?
Several weeks ago, prior to the escalation of the conflict in Israel and Gaza, I watched another episode of "A Small Light" - a series about Miep Gies’ experience sheltering Anne Frank's family during WWII.
In this particular episode, Miep and her husband discussed if, and how, they could still celebrate, enjoy simple pleasures, or have fun in the midst of such horror.
It's an important question.
What does it mean to welcome joy alongside the realities of deep pain, suffering, and injustice?
What does it mean not to?
It's a common tension among those who feel deeply and invest consistently in addressing the deep-rooted problems of racial and social injustice.
In the face of oppression, entire populations have often had to hide or disconnect from significant aspects of their identities, including language, clothing, foods, hairstyles, and holidays.
It's been true in places and times like Western Europe during WWII, and it's been true in the United States. I can't count the number of clients that have been disconnected from parts of their heritage because they or their elders recognized the risk in being "different" from the "norm."
It can also occur at times when one doesn't want to be associated with their culture, which was true of my great-grandfather (who emigrated from Germany before WWII). He became so ashamed of his country-of-origin during WWII that he stopped speaking German. He did not want to be associated with the country and language that represented Hitler.
Perhaps there are similar examples of places and times of cultural distancing in your history as well.
What aspects of your family history, language, culture, or celebrations have been altered, faded, or lost?
One part of my daughter's cultural background that we are actively seeking to integrate is her Spanish/Mexican roots. This week, that includes recognizing and celebrating Día de Muertos.
Although not a part of my own cultural heritage, it is a beautiful part of her Mexican heritage.
We learn as we go.
Last year we built our first ofrenda, which our daughter was instrumental in constructing. It was an opportunity to grieve, celebrate, and honor loved ones who had died. The tradition facilitated memories, story-telling, and joy.
How might you reconnect and reclaim valued parts of your cultural heritage?
What parts of your culture can you appreciate and enjoy?
How can you honor the hardships and the lives lost through the choices you make in your life?
Sometimes, celebrations are an act of reconnection.
Sometimes, they are an act of rebellion.
Sometimes, they are an act of refusal to allow oppression to take any more than it already does.
Rather than choosing between honoring celebration or acknowledging suffering, how can you integrate and hold space for them both in your life?
You matter. You make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
***One of the centerpieces of my work is integrating understanding of our nervous systems into preserving wellbeing and maximizing impact for changemakers. If this would be of service to you or your organization, please reach out for a conversation. As this year heads toward a close, it's a great time to plan ahead for a strong and healthy 2024.
