Vulnerability, Healing, Community & The World We Want to Live In

Paintings!

Vulnerability

I personally find vulnerability incredibly difficult to sit in. Vulnerability reminds me of the phrase, "spilling your guts" which doesn't have a good connotation. But recently I've learned that vulnerability should be challenging--growth is uncomfortable, but that feeling is not eternal. Face your shame and turn it into bravery. Life is full of unknowns. Pushing yourself to embrace and hold pride in your experience is powerful. Being able to sit with the unknown and uncomfortable are incredibly valuable. It is the beginning of your healing.

Healing

Healing goes hand in hand with acceptance and unlearning. I liked the idea of embodiment when thinking about how to portray "healing." I was especially guided by the thought that healing is ultimately a non-linear journey, a form of resistance, and one you must begin yourself. You can heal amongst your community, but the work is done by you. There is unlearning, ideas and biases to dismantle, as well as acceptance of feeling and experiencing them with your whole being, something we rarely prioritize.

Community & World We Want to Live In

When thinking about the world we want to live in, I immediately thought of integrated communities and how they remind me of ecosystems. A view held by indigenous communities regarding a harmonious relationship with the land we live in. I thought about water and its significance in having ecosystems of its own and its significance surrounding rebirth. Very representative of community and a world we want to live in--A fluid, shapeshifting entity that gives life.

Activity with friends: Rebuilding Your Community!

My high school friends and I took different paths after graduation, making it difficult to keep in contact. We used to see each other every day, meeting at the entrance of the school early in the morning and walking together to our advisory classroom. I consider them to be life-long connections whom I can rely on and celebrate life milestones with. I had not seen my high school friends in months when we got together for this activity. It took a lot of effort to arrange a time that would work for all of us as well as a place to meet. Thankfully, my friend April offered her home to host our crafty endeavors. Before we got started, we went to shop for some beads and snacks. We had some drinks and reminisced about our times in high school together with fondness. It was amazing to reconnect and feel as though time had not passed, we were just girls having fun and being creative. we each made at least 3 bracelets and stayed up past midnight making them. Now we have bracelets which remind us of a time when we got to simply be, without a worry about anything else but each other's company. One more memory we can talk about at our next gathering.

Nani

One of Nani's favorite colors is purple. she chose purple beads for her bracelet as well as charms that read, "joy," "faith," and "love." One thing I greatly admire about her is her courage and faith. Nani has always been an example of what rising above adversity looks like. Showing kindness through turbulent times even when it's difficult.

April

April has always liked symmetry and warm, muted colors. She went for a mostly white/pearlescent color scheme. She's a more reserved person when it comes to her feelings. She's charismatic and full of compassion and care for those she loves. She never shies away from a challenge or a difficult conversation, which is very inspiring to me.

Mine

I chose a variety of pastel colors for my bracelet. I am someone who tries to stay in the shadows, never the center of attention. My friends call me the 'mom' of the group (although I am the youngest). I do my best to express my love and show my appreciation when around my loved ones. I hope my presence is received that way.

After not seeing my friend's for long, it was nice to hold space for each other. It felt like an informal circle where we could vent, laugh, and reminisce. Being able to hold this space strengthened our bond and how we communicate with each other. Knowing it was hard to meet because of resources and time made it so we communicate better about what resources we each have and what time we have for such activities. We share our vulnerable moments with more confidence that we can hold the space for it. We heal through acknowledging our challenging moments and knowing you are not on your own when it felt so previously. We build and strengthen our community when we gather and welcome others to share and hold our sacred space. How will you rebuild and create a world you want to live in?

Resistance! Playlist

Los Bunkers, "Bailando Solo"

The Strokes, "The Adults are Talking"

John Lennon, "Imagine"

Gill Scott-Heron, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"

Frank Ocean Ft. Earl Sweatshirt, "Super Rich Kids"

Green Day. "American Idiot"

The Cure, "Boys Don't Cry"

The Police, "Invisible Sun"

Manu Chao, "Clandestino"

Molotov, "Gimmie Tha Power"

Molotov, "Frijolero"

Ska-p, "Intifada"

Ska-P, "El Vals del Obrero"

The Radio Dept., "The New Improved Hypocrisy"

The Chi-Lites, "(For god's sake) Give More Power To The People"

Los Enanitos Verdes, "La Muralla Verde"

Los Enanitos Verdes, "Lamento Boliviano"

Duncan Dhu, "En Algún Lugar"

Los Prisioneros, "Tren al Sur"

Macklemore, "Hind's Hall"

Image via Instagram @yallaroza

Resisting the status quo can be done through various avenues--art, music, community building. I included these in my project because this project itself is a form of resistance. depicting difficult and unimaginable concepts, making time for rebuilding your connections and building your community, and being inspired by music that speaks of resistance have been my avenues. I am hopeful and ready to actively be sorry, be vulnerable, learn and have an open heart--I am willing to listen and seek understanding of myself and others. Our world seems limiting, and it honestly is for many, but your mind doesn't have to be. Be brave enough to dream of a world where you and your peers do not have to fear being surveilled, where we do not go hungry, where a college education is attainable, where your tears are not dismissed, where you can be angry and hurt. A world where mistakes are not met with violence and punity. A world where you can be and feel freely. A world where we can enjoy the company of others, our own, and all beings on this earth.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse