From being forced inside indefinitely as the Coronavirus pandemic ravaged the earth, to witnessing our people all over the world victimised by the very officers sworn to protect our lives, this past year has been laced with tragedy, characterised by trauma which has had an adverse effect on everyone’s mental health. So, this year’s The NATIVE marked Mental Health Awareness week with a plethora of resources to help our community understand and properly care for their mental wellbeing.

As part of our Mental Health Awareness Week, NATIVE partnered with Eudaimonia Wellness for ‘The NATIVE Wellness Hub’ on Friday, a retreat that allowed a few members of our community to take a break as the week rounded up. The day was filled with restful and mindful activities that centred our guests, as well as thoughtful conversations that enabled us to share our own perspectives and digest the wisdom of others. Overall, throughout the day, we learned the best ways to look after our mental health and the wellbeing of those around us.

Kicking off with a Pilates class led by The Store House, Friday’s retreat included a conversational painting sitting, courtesy of The Art Room, where our guests flaunted their artistic skills through meaningful paintings that affirmed and manifested positivity through the use of colour. The following session was led by our Managing Editor, Damilola Animashaun, who shared her experiences with music journaling. Listening to songs such as “Born Tired” by Jhene Aiko and Tems’ “Free Mind” the music journaling session encouraged our community to find new meaning in songs, and to use the words and melodies of others’ healing to engender our own. With tears, laughter and engaged conversation, this activity was a moving end to a peaceful day.

Brought to you by Eudaimonia and The NATIVE, this weekend’s Wellness Hub was an opportunity for our guests, currently going through stressful times, to push pause, reset and re-centre, in order to ensure that our days ahead stay brighter than the dark times we have overcome.

Watch a round up of the day’s events below:

 

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Featured Image by Dante Karibi-Whyte for The NATIVE Wellness Hub

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