THE UNLEASHED VOICE MAGAZINE 2022 MAY-JUNE ISSUE MEET ANTOINETTE L. BURKS THE ANDROGYNOUS MODEL

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Healing Justice The Power of Personal Autonomy By Rodnisha Ford talent, or passion that when fully

expressed, creates space to thrive and encourages that life be lived fully and authentically. It is truly

I

a disservice to the world to keep

n a world where access to health and wellness is often presented

as a luxury, it can be a challenge to find and connect with spaces of

rejuvenation and healing. Though the distress of such obstacles are

real, it still remains that everyone deserves a right to heal. I invite you to consider these 5 ways to focus on healing by taking back your power in your health. While the healthcare system will fight to keep your money by keeping you sick and generally unwell, let me remind you that the

power to reclaim personal autonomy of your health, life, and overall well being is yours. May these words provide a sacred reminder that true

healing starts from within and can be cultivated by choosing to play an active role in facilitating personal healing, growth, and wholeness.

Cultivate the Spirit. Although it is a vital component of healing, spiritual health is often overlooked and

neglected. Many have only known

spirit to exist within the context of of cultivating spirit, it is not the only way. It is ok to cultivate a personal

path to connection with the Divine in ways that best serve and are in

What lights you up and brings you Nourish the Body. The body is

Rest the Mind. Mental stimulation

joy? Whose presence refills your

has an incredible ability to heal

attempt to stake claims on

mind in such reflection, try going

distractions grow exponentially

way to remind the individual spirit

intentional stillness into your

far larger than self.

and restore itself. This natural

phenomena is facilitated through receiving proper nourishment, adequate hydration, ample

movement, and plenty of rest. These foundational principles of health are more than mere

guidelines to follow, rather a way of life that centers vitality and physical well-being. Consider

what foods rejuvenate your body? How can you add more movement

into your day? Remember that you are in control and can have fun

abounds as numerous distractions

energy? If nothing comes to

your attention. Although these

outside to connect with Earth as a

by the day, choose to incorporate

of an existence within something

mind. Practice various forms of meditation, take thinking and

Express Creativity. As the

just be. Give yourself permission

creativity is often the first to be

to release stress and calm mental tension by redirecting mental

energy to a space of rest. You, and your mind, deserve it.

when you invite these special and creative parts out into the world?

Invite Play. Playfulness is easily lost in the hustle and bustle of adult life. Oppressive systems

have convinced us that fun and

play are things of the past, mere

childhood fantasies that now only exist as nostalgia. This simply is

not true. Humans are curious by

nature, and this curiosity is best explored in spaces of freedom

and fun. Since play is actualized

differently for everyone, make a

list of activities that bring you light excitement and joy, and then get out and do them. Give yourself permission to have a little fun.

abandoned and cast aside. In

Although these 5 reminders may

remember that self expression

work comes in sustaining them

these moments, it's important to and personal creation of any

kind are tremendously helpful in Inside everyone is a unique gift,

to sustain the body.

Rodnisha Ford

demands of life fight for attention,

fostering health and wholeness.

trying and exploring new ways

suppressing? What does it look like

and fill you with a sense of childlike

content breaks, or even carve out 5 minutes a day to simply sit and

What unique gifts have you been

religion, and while this is one way

alignment with personal values.

a powerful force of nature that

such awesomeness hidden inside.

Freelance Writer r.l.ford13@gmail.com | blackgirlwrites.com | She/Her/They/Them

seem simple to understand, the

as practices in your daily life. It is

passive work to read these words and agree with the sentiment, however, the challenge is in

being an active participant by

doing the work. How will you do

the work of cultivating health and wellness in your life today?

THE UNLEASHED VOICE |

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