Methods-of-Self-Care

I wish I had been born into a world where it was unnecessary.This context of struggle and being a warrior and being astruggler has been forced on me by oppression. OtherwiseI would be a sculptor, or a gardener, carpenter - You know,I would be free to be so much more… I guess part of me ora part of who I am, a part of what I do is being a warrior - areluctant warrior, a reluctant struggler. But I do it, because I’mcommitted to life.”With that said colonization has affected the way that I livemy life in every single way. Once you’ve opened your eyesto injustice, you can’t just close your eyes to it if you have aconscience. My ancestors fought, struggled, starved to death,were murdered for the rights I have as a First Nations persontoday. I’ve been given not only the gift of that awareness, butI’ve also been blessed with many other tools to resist and aidmine and other marginalized communities. To waste any of thaton selfish endeavors would be spitting on the graves of all ofthose who came before me to be honest.How does self care help you resist colonialism?Self care has helped me take time to reflect on and becomeaware of the ways colonialism continues to shape the way Isee my self and my place in the world. Self care reconnectsme with an identity colonialism has attempted to make meashamed of and even completely strip me of. Self care remindsme that there are others in the struggle and that I’m not alone- even when it sometimes feels that way. Self care also remindsme not to feel guilty about the way that I live my life - thatliving and participating in a colonialist society isn’t a choice andI am doing the best that I can. And probably most importantly,self care prevents me from becoming so unhealthy that I amunable to participate in the struggle.What are some ways that you practice self care?As an Indigenous woman who has seriously become committedto her own decolonization journey, I do take time to pray andsmudge when I’m feeling especially shitty. Colonization hasnegatively effected the way that I’ve thought about religionand spirituality in the past and it’s something I consciouslywork on - reframing the way that colonization has shapedthe way I see the spiritual practices and knowledge of mycommunity in general.Additionally, I also try to surround myself with like-mindedindividuals as much as possible. There was a quote I sawfloating around tumblr once: ‘connect yourself with thosesearching for the same freedom’ I can’t find it but I definitelyidentify with the sentiment. Making friends with otherindividuals with similar world views has improved my lifeabout 100%. It goes back to feeling less alone and knowingthere are people who understand what you’re going through.Taking breaks from social media, reading the news, or justtoxic people in general has also been important. I mean, inthe age of social media people are constantly connected totheir friends and information. Luckily, I’m the only person everwithout a smartphone so just getting away from the houseand laptop has really helped in that area! Also learning todisconnect myself from unsupportive people where possiblehas been important. For instance, using my facebook accountexclusively as a place where I can keep in touch with those I’vebuilt a ‘community’ with has cut so much unnecessary anxiety,stress and drama in general.