SUPPORT FOR BLACK PEOPLE DURING UNSETTLING TIMES

Written by Ayanna Molina

Over the last 3 weeks or so, some people have come to me with specific complaints.  These weren’t all “clients”; some were friends & some were family, too. The complaints were the same though: worse than normal feelings of anxiety, like something terrible was getting ready to happen + a feeling like not wanting to be in the world any longer (not suicidal, but more so “tired of the world”). All were still functioning normally (able to sleep, work, eat & relate normally) but definitely more anxious, sad and a bit paranoid. So, we have been witnessing the current political climate & dealing with mental/emotional fall out from facing the truth about the country we were born/raised in. We have also had to balance the everyday stress of living in an oppressed state, as well as recent stressors like the children going back to school, effects of flooding etc.
I think added to the cosmic shifts that are also happening, the system of White Supremacy is literally crumbling (which is related to the cosmic shift).
We feel all of this!
Take into account that there are things we can’t “see” or control, but still impact us like vibrations, frequencies & energies.
So what can we do?
Treat your body well: Eat high vibrational foods that we prepare ourselves (while thinking healthy, high vibrational thoughts). Include live/raw non-GMO fruit/vegetables at every meal. Drink only plenty quality water all day, workout daily (yoga, walking/running, dancing, intentionally moving the body to release stress & tension, going to the gym, etc.). Sit in the sun daily for as long as you can.
Treat your mind well: Use the tools that have proven to get you through tough times. For me the tools are: intentional journaling daily, listening to high vibrational music all day by high vibrational artists + singing to the top of my lungs when no one is around 🙂 (no music focused on sex, drugs, murder, hate, etc), using positive affirmations all day coupled with intentional deep breathing techniques (ex: inhale joy, exhale anxiety). Try: Intentional visioning of a world where ALL people are treated fairly and justice is real! Visualize a world where Black people and all people of color are strong, healthy, viable, self-sufficient and free from all oppressive systems! What does it look like? What does it feel like?
* If needed, make an appointment with a trusted therapist with good fit for your specific needs.
Treat Spirit well: Put your spiritual practice to work…everyday! This looks different for everyone. I won’t share my practice here for sacredness & privacy, but it may look like prayer, meditation, reading devotionals/psalms, lighting candles, chants, going to church, going to places that feel good to you (in nature, with great trusted friends/family, etc.)
You aren’t “mentally ill” if you’re feeling some anxiety right now & you are still able to function normally. This is the time to take the best care of yourself & your family. It’s hard to ensure you add all these pieces to an already full life, I know. In these days/times, you have to find space/time to take great care. Brothas & Sistahs, Mamas & Babas, YOU HAVE TO FIT IT IN!
If you are not functioning normally (not being able to go to school, work, not being able to take care of your home/children, sleeping too much/too little, eating too much/too little, having to use alcohol/drugs increasingly to cope, having relational problems with others (violence, withdrawal from people who love/care about you), dangerous/risky behavior etc. talk it over with a someone you trust. Consider reaching out for professional support. True Love Movement may be able to help. Call the Love Line: 504-309-5683. We will return your call as soon as possible.
If you are suicidal (wanting to die/kill yourself, have a plan to die/kill yourself or can’t stop thinking about dying/killing yourself) call the National Suicide Hotline IMMEDIATELY:1-800-273-8255
Or call 911.
Don’t deny your feelings.
Do take great care, Family. Get help if you need to.
Ayanna Molina, M.Ed, NCC, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
True Love Movement, LLC
NOTE FROM WCWM:
True Love Movement provides professional counseling services. We also wanted to share a few other healing resources that may be of assistance through these unsettling times.
ASCENT BLENDS
(Headquarters Barber Shop 1101 N. Broad Ave.)
Organic Smoothies prepared with love.
BACKYARD GARDENERS NETWORK
Get out into the gardener. Experience nature.
DETOX INTERNATIONAL
Cleansing/Detox
Cleanse your body. Also Kemetic Yoga classes available. Contact via website.
FROOT ORLEANS
TU-SAT 10am-6pm
Organic Fruit Bowls
2441 Bayou Rd.
Fresh fruit by the bowl.
ORIGINAL THOUGHT’s HEALTH FOOD & VEGGIE
WED-SUN 11am-6pm
2400 Bayou Rd.
Vegan, Alkaline, Whole Foods prepared for you.
SUPA NOVA FIT
Exercise/Personal Trainer
TEMPLE OF LIGHT – ILE DE COIN-COIN
PRIESTESS NANA SULA SPIRIT
Libation, Prayers, Spiritual Cleansing…
THE BREATH IS LIFE, SPA
Massage Therapist
504.430.1565
Relax a bit. Get a massage.

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