Love is a Verb
In a world where wellness often becomes a buzzword, detached from the deeper layers of our being, it's essential to remember that true wellness is deeply rooted in values. For the Black community, wellness is not a trend but a vital pathway to reclaiming our power, healing, and thriving amidst systemic challenges. This month's theme, "Love is a Verb," invites us to explore wellness through the lens of active love—love of self, love of blackness, love of community, and love of others.
Love of Self: The First Step to Wellness
"Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." These words by Audre Lorde remind us that for Black people, taking care of ourselves is a radical act of love. Wellness begins with the love of self. It's about making choices that reflect a deep respect for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Whether it's through nourishing our bodies with healthy foods, engaging in physical activities that bring us joy, or setting aside time for meditation and reflection, loving ourselves is the foundation upon which all other love is built.
Love of Blackness: Embracing Our Heritage
Loving our blackness is a powerful form of self-love. It's about embracing our heritage, our skin, our hair, and every part of what makes us uniquely us. James Baldwin once said, "To accept one's past—one's history—is not the same thing as drowning in it; it is learning how to use it." In loving our blackness, we honor our ancestors, our culture, and our history. We actively seek to understand and celebrate the richness of our heritage, which in turn nourishes our sense of wellness and belonging.
Love of Community: Fostering Collective Wellness
The African philosophy of Ubuntu, which means "I am because we are," highlights the interconnectedness of our well-being. Love for our community manifests in actions that support and uplift each other. It's in the communal yoga sessions, the shared moments of meditation, and the collective healing spaces where we find strength and rejuvenation. As Issa Rae champions for every Black person's success, our wellness practices should also seek to uplift the collective, fostering an environment where each member feels seen, heard, and valued.
Love of Others: Extending Our Circle of Care
Wellness transcends the boundaries of self and community to include love for others. It's about extending empathy, understanding, and support beyond our immediate circles. Malcolm X's call for justice and equality reminds us that our wellness is deeply tied to the wellness of all oppressed peoples. By advocating for mental health, supporting social justice initiatives, and practicing kindness and compassion, we embody love as an action that contributes to the broader wellness of humanity.
Conclusion: Wellness as a Reflection of Our Values
In embracing "Love is a Verb" as our theme, we are called to reflect on how our wellness practices are a direct reflection of our values. Wellness is not just about individual health but about how we engage with our blackness, our community, and the world at large. It's about making conscious choices that align with our deepest values of love, respect, and unity.
Let us remember that wellness, rooted in action-oriented love, has the power to transform not only ourselves but the world around us. As we move forward, let our actions reflect a deep and abiding love that nourishes, heals, and unites.
