Mindfulness Exercise of the Month: Yoga Nidra
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(This was included in a past newsletter yet is so useful, so it's here again!) Yoga Nidra is also known as yogic sleep. It is a meditation and relaxation practice crafted to increase mental, physical, and emotional rest and deep relaxation. This can be so helpful for an over-stimulated, stressed out brain, chronic body pain, and to support in falling asleep. Click
here
for a recording.
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Please take a moment to fill out the
Well-Being Pulse Survey
, so the school can know how you are doing and know how best to serve you.
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Self-Care for Activists
The now incredibly mainstream, white-washed term self-care was originally founded in the medical profession to talk about long-term care for the elderly and those experiencing mental health challenges, in the 1950's. Then, in the '70's, the Black Panthers were promoting self-care as a necessity for Black folx, to stay as well as possible while dealing with systematic racism, particularly in the medical field. In the '80's, Audre Lorde, a Black gay woman, wrote essays, many about the necessity of folx experiencing oppression and actively fighting against these systems, to take care of themselves while working tirelessly in activism. The above term is a well-loved quote from her. Her words helped to give folx permission to slow down and get to know their needs, which was, and still is, sadly a radical concept. Everyone deserves self- preservation, self-kindness, and self-care, especially those who have been and continued to be oppressed. As some folx have been tirelessly working for decades on anti-racism, anti-transphobia, economic justice, etc., and some folx are entering the arena for the first time, let's explore ways for those involved in activism to take care of themselves.
Sources: Nicole Stamp, Sadie Trombetta
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Tend to your physical needs.
Ensure you are sleeping enough, hydrating enough, nourishing with good food several times a day, and moving your body enough.
Pick a lane.
As much as you would like to be at every protest, donate to every non-profit, phone bank for every candidate, gently remind yourself that you cannot do it all, and choose the things that feel most important to you right now, recognizing they make shift with time.
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Spend time reflecting.
It is important to take time to notice all that you are learning in order to integrate this knowledge and these experiences into your being.
Give yourself a weekly Shabbat.
In Jewish tradition, Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown, people are intended to stop, relax, laugh with loved ones, spend time in nature. This full day of being helps to prepare for an upcoming week of doing. Find times during the week where you can incorporate this ritual, whether it be for a full day, a few hours, or 15 minutes each morning.
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Rely on your community.
Who do you trust who you can get vulnerable with? Ensure you’re continuing to stay in touch with friends, family members, co-workers, peers- for your sake, and for theirs. This could be a vital time to explore the concept of therapy or a support group.
Remember that justice is a marathon, not a sprint.
This work has been happening for centuries, and may well continue for the rest of our lifetimes. When you are burnt out and unable to give to yourself, it is quite challenging to give and show up for anyone else. Remember that this work is here for the long haul, it’s not a “we protest for a month and we will completely dismantle systematic racism.” While it is important to show up, it’s important to not burn yourself out in the process.
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July Journaling Prompts
Every month, you will be provided with journaling prompts to get you started, in order to reflect on the theme of the month, understand yourself better, and slow down mentally and emotionally.
How can I show up in this moment in a way that considers my strengths, practices, and capacity?
How can I continue (or start) to take care of myself when the world may feel unsettling and incredibly unknown?
What has been emotionally and mentally coming up for me during this time, and how can I sit with and grow from these feelings?
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Mindfulness Resources
Tara Brach Resources- psychologist and meditation teacher, Tara has many resources to support our hearts and souls
Insight Timer- free meditation app, highly recommend Jennifer Piercy's yoga nidra for sleep
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BU Virtual Wellness Resources
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Boston University School of Public Health
| sphwell@bu.edu
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