As a Black woman, a psychologist, and a yoga and meditation teacher, I believe that my activism is in the work that I do, daily. Since before racism became front page news.
As such, I try to commit to engaging in the same practices that I encourage for my clients.
Eat well. Get good sleep. Exercise. Set Boundaries. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Do Yoga. Meditate.
I’m not perfect, of course (if you’ve ever been my client you know that trying to be perfect isn’t my thing), but I put in the work and support others in doing the same.
However (COMMA)
What that looks like in the midst of a pandemic, social distancing, isolation, the awakening (finally) of the entire world to racism, social injustice and social unrest…self care has been, well, a bit…different.
Still, the message is consistently the same.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.
Many have questioned (with a skeptical face)….
“How do I take care of myself in the midst of all this chaos?”
Several have stated…
“If I’m not engaged all the time, I feel guilty.”
“I feel like I’m not doing enough if I’m not constantly “on.””
My response is consistently the same.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF.
I know you (we) are hurting,
I know you (we) are scared,
I know you (we) are in distress,
I know you (we) want change,
I know you (we) are conflicted,
I know you (we) are in pain,
I know you (we) are struggling.
I know you (we) want to contribute in significant and meaningful ways.
And truth is we’re tired, we’ve BEEN out here, and we can not continue to fight if we’re drained, exhausted, and emotionally and mentally spent.
And what you ain’t gone do is choose activism over your mental health.
So take care…
Take a break…
Take a breath…
Take your time…
Take up space…
Take a step…
Take a beat…
Take a day…
Take a step back…
Take a nap…
Take whatever you need, because this is not the time to be weary.
But still, what does that look like?
Well, it looks different for everyone, but here are a few things to get started.
UNPLUG.
Yep, I said it. Get off Instagram, get off Facebook, Get off Snapchat, PLEASE get off Twitter. Mute your group chats (tell them you’ll be back so they don’t worry). Step. Away. From. The. Phone. The constant 24 hour news cycle is a large source of anxiety and continues to amplify what is already scary, it feeds the fear. Of course I want you to stay informed, but the minute by minute update is not necessary.
REST.
Find moments of stillness and quiet that do not include bingeing a show or getting lost in a video game, but literally finding moments to get away, turn inward, and be with yourself. Think of it as a time to recharge, a time to refuel. You are not the energizer bunny.
GATHER.
Get with your tribe and process. Have a place where you feel safe to express the real side. The real emotions. The vulnerable side. The fear. The pain. The struggle. The tears. Go to people where you can be held and supported, not gaslighted (gaslit?) or dismissed. Seek support from the ones who get it, the ones who get you.
ENGAGE.
Do your role and do it well. You don’t have to do every role or be in every part of fight. In fact, you can’t. What you can do is be fully invested in the role that is yours to play, that is yours to attend to, that is yours to care for. Your ability to be fully immersed in (not consumed by) that role increase the opportunity for having a meaningful impact.
REPEAT.
UNPLUG. REST. GATHER. ENGAGE. UNPLUG. REST. GATHER. ENGAGE. UNPLUG. REST. GATHER. ENGAGE.
REPEAT.
This is vital. This is necessary. This is essential.
Because this is NOT the time to be weary.
If you are located in the state of Georgia* and interested in starting your journey, you can follow any of the steps below.
1. Contact us to schedule your first appointment and learn more about our services.
2. Review our Meet Us pages to learn more about our trauma trained providers.
3. Review our FAQs page to learn more about therapy at our center.
We look forward to being a part of your healing journey.
*Dr. Marcuetta Sims also sees clients in other states. Check her bio to learn more.