People have a right to think their thoughts based on their knowledge of self, world history, and lived experiences. They have a right to feel their authentic feelings from their own perspective. I respect the loss of a family member; and despite the passage of time, I myself still mourn my child and my parents. However, I also respect my Afrikan Ancestors and acknowledge a moral and ethical responsibility to honour their lived experience. A lived experience that transcends into a legacy of institutionalised oppression, exploitation, betrayal, and human rights violations.
The Impact of Enduring Trauma
In addition to post-traumatic stress syndrome, there is ‘enduring’ trauma. Enduring trauma can be explained as the continuing course of events that continue to traumatise. This includes being in toxic environments, such as domestic violence, workplace violence/bullying, and societal events. The continuing proximity to toxic people and even exposure to spaces can trigger a person to experience post-trauma symptoms. It is apparently impolite to speak of the impact of trauma for fear of upsetting the privileged, the delusional, the perpetrators, and their allies.
I reserve the right to be an Afrikan woman with feelings. An obedient law-abiding Spirit having an Earth experience. Human rights and justice have been repeatedly denied to the people who experienced Maangamizi, enslavement, colonialism, and more. There is no commonwealth as wealth is not common in certain places and spaces. I feel the psychological, spiritual, economic, and social risk of enjoying the liberty of freedom of speech that permits my expressing this and appreciate the concerns of family and friends and allies who fear for my safety. Simply based on the fact that I am making this expression. These expressions attract online attack, otherwise known as social media trolls, as well as distancing, otherwise known as disassociation.
The Cost of Speaking Out
Speaking out can result in being attacked by narcissistic victim-makers. Resistance to something that I don’t agree with is seen as deviance that must be punished by attacking, discrediting, and profiling which in actual fact, is more about the perpetrator than their target. It is important that my Spirit not be suffocated under the weight of fear. The invisible weight of oppression and the existing mourning of my Ancestors and indigenous peoples, I just cannot betray them under the weight of fear and I will not pretend to do so.
The Need for Empathy and Justice
Equality rights and justice command that Afrikan and indigenous peoples be afforded the same empathy and sympathy we are being directed to exhibit. Poorly veiled brutality of human trafficking and enduring trauma outweighs any gains that are made by campaigns or inclusion rhetoric. I am not afflicted with Stockholm syndrome nor am I delusional.
Crimes of genocide and ecocide in the continuum of chattel, colonial, and neo-colonial different descriptions of enslavement and control negatively impact me and populations whose minds, hearts, bodies, actions, and interactions have them conflicted and engaging in self-hate. Therapy is required by Culturally competent and confident therapists only! Therapists who don’t fall apart in the presence of those of us expressing our trauma.
The Role of Life Coaching in Healing
However, the effort to suppress my authentic self and silence my voice is fatiguing. I am already fatigued by the trauma and mourning of so many of us who are simply guilty of ‘Living While Black’. This is where understanding what life coaching can help with becomes crucial.
Life coaching can provide a supportive space to explore these challenges, helping individuals reclaim their voices and navigate their trauma.
Understanding what can life coaching help with is vital in addressing these deep-seated issues. A personal life coach can offer guidance, support, and practical strategies to overcome obstacles and promote healing.
SisDr
Life and Leadership Coach Specialising in Cultural Sensitivity
Personal Life Coach | Afrikan-Centred Author | Speaker | Activist
For further information and support on speaking your truth and healing from trauma, connect with me here.