CLASS NOTES • 29
Healing From Within
Robert Friesen ’71 and Bob Vickers ’71 celebrate Bobby’s birthday in Chicago.
Ssanyu Birigwa ’95 is an indigenous bone healer, Ugandan shaman, and narratologist. She describes her work as an endeavor to “bring in the intersectionality of how our stories are embedded into the ways in which we show up in life, and how is it that we can attune to these narratives that live in our bones, and in our bodies.” As the CSW community and so many around the world find themselves burdened with elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and tension, we asked Ssanyu to share strategies for slowing down and making space.
Set Intentions
Ignite a daily practice that’s going to propel you forward into the day with a positive attitude. One way to do that is to set an intention. Your intention could be to be kinder to yourself, to be a better listener, to rest when you feel tired, or not to judge yourself or others. “We’re all energy,” says Ssanyu. “There’s energy around us, we are energy, it propels that into the world. The universe can’t help but to conspire to make that intention be what it is.”
Remember to Breathe David Holzman ’71 and his dog, Natalie, running along the beach on Cape Cod.
although I do miss the day-today partnering with executives to address strategic and innovation challenges and may seek a project or two in the future. Seriously, think about my look from sophomore year. Was the first thought in your head, “He’s going to love working with the leaders of corporate America?” Our 50th reunion of ‘71 + Friends will most certainly be delayed for a year. Class members overwhelmingly opted for an in-person event and I am not foolish enough to try to reverse the tide. David Holzman ’71: My two favorite personal essays got published this year. Google “Heeding her invitation six decades later,” a story about my
mother and me, and “’60s summer Peugeot 404,” which is my version of “A La Recherche du Temps Perdue” (in search of lost time), the 404 being my madeleine that brings back the year in France. Besides that, I wrote a lot about HIV, COVID-19, microbiology, and pain medicine, and other medically related stuff for various clients, including Harvard Medical School. My dog, Natalie, a border collie, and I have probably run around 800-900 miles this year, mostly in Beaver Brook Reservation, but some on the Cape this fall. And I’ve had fun interacting with classmates on Facebook and a little bit via zoom. I’m hoping I will see you in person for our 50th in 2021.
Take a deep breath in and exhale out. Bring your hands to your heart and feel your heartbeat, your aliveness. Concentrating on your breathing will allow you to slow down.
Practice Gratitude
Develop a regular routine for acknowledging all that is good in your life. Keep a dedicated journal by your bed and write down five to ten things you are grateful for. It can be simple, Ssanyu says — I’m grateful my refrigerator works; I’m grateful that I have clean water to drink; I’m grateful I can walk.
Show Up for Yourself and Commit
“I’m East African. We drink coffee, I like my coffee,” says Ssanyu. “But if I can commit to making my coffee every day, why can’t I commit to just making an intention?” As you seek to integrate self-care into your life, allow yourself to start small, and be consistent. As habits form, and you begin to feel the benefits, you can then start to expand your practice. Learn more about Ssanyu’s work and practice at www.letgoandletlove.com and follow her on Instagram at @ssanyubonehealer. Photo credit: Shelby Gordon photography
