by Kehisha Wilmot
Communication is at the baseline of all connections. Though, not all forms of communication are as easy to notice as others, for they cover a wide range of languages: Stretching through all forms of movement. Holding space in an ocean of symbols, along with a collection of sounds. We have found many ways to share our thoughts, feelings, and realities with each other. The one I would like to focus on with this set of activities is internal conversations.
About the ones that no one else gets to hear. The stories and concepts that fill our mind with words, images, sounds, and stories.
To start, I invite you to take part in this exercise with me.
- Find a place to sit or lay down that feels good to the body
- Close your eyes
- Breathe in
- Hold just for a moment
- Breath out
- Give yourself permission to be in this moment
It’s in these moments where we step away from the need to produce for others to be with ourselves in the moment, for ourselves. We are both our biggest supporter, and our harshest critic, for we know so much more about the process along the way. We say all of the steps, make mistakes, break thoughts, and embrace possibilities to help challenge racing thoughts, or internal anxiety when things are not going as planned.
I often repeat this list to myself. Hopefully you will join me.
- You have time.
- You can breath.
- You can not control things outside of yourself.
- You will make it to the other side.
- You got this.
During the regional gathering for the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance, I was reminded of the importance of challenging my inner thoughts as I worked through reminding myself it’s okay to take a moment to fix things. As well as that, something not working right away is not going to completely ruin the experience. Sometimes we need to be our own coach in the corner at the boxing match. Other times we need to be the friend reminding us there are here for us.
For a slightly more different type of conversation. I would like you to look into a mirror or a front facing camera and say the following things out loud.
- I am worthy of love
- I am worth the time it takes
- I am enough
- I am valid
- I am talented
- I am wonderful
- I am funny
- I am me
Thank you for taking these steps with me, for joining me through this journey. I hope you have a wonderful day. May the stars shine bright in your sky.
____
Kehisha Wilmot (they/them) is the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Community Engagement Coordinator for the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance.
