Welcome to The WELLS Healing Center and our monthly newsletter. We're so happy to have you.
From Dr. Della's Desk:
Dear Friends,
In the next month, I urge us all to pause and embrace uncertainty. In our pursuit of wellness, equity, love, liberation, and survival (WELLS), we often overlook the fertile ground of ambiguity. This is a space where liberation and transformation flourish.
Lola Olufemi reminds us that "The otherwise requires a commitment to not knowing." We’re invited to shed the burden of exhaustive understanding and knowing — instead, let’s embrace the freedom found in acknowledging our uncertainties. Saying "I don't know" is not a weakness but rather a courageous openness. Where there are gaps in our knowledge, we find seeds of creativity, curiosity, and revelation.
At a recent talk, Foluke Taylor discussed this concept, drawing our attention to Harriet Jacobs. When we consider Jacobs' hidden sanctuary — a space of invisibility and resilience — we recognize that despite her circumstances, she defied oppression by crafting her narrative in the shadows. The gap between what is seen and what is hidden became a fortress of resilience.
Now you might be wondering, but how is embracing uncertainty related to our collective liberation and wholeness? Well, the uncertainty and ambiguity is actually crucial to liberating ourselves. Healing is a revolutionary act — a courageous dismantling of oppressive structures. It is within this realm of uncertainty that we challenge the status quo, dismantle oppressive narratives, and pave the way for liberatory possibilities.
So, I invite you to explore your own gaps — the spaces where you’re uncertain. Are you willing to honor the unknown? Can you find solace, peace, creativity in ambiguity? Let us luxuriate in the "I don't know" and allow it to work its magic of liberation.
In my personal healing journey, I've found profound wisdom in the stillness of the "stuck place.” I have even included the idea in one of the affirmation cards from my forthcoming Healing Journey Workdeck. Affirm with me:"I sit in the stuck place. There is wisdom in the stillness." This principle has been transformative, guiding me to surrender to the healing process and embrace uncertainties. Through introspection, I've discovered a wellspring of creativity, self-love, and trust within the stillness. It's from this place of vulnerability and growth that I've crafted all of the affirmations within the Workdeck, each imbued with insights from my journey.
If you're feeling called to explore these transformative principles further, I invite you to pre-order the Healing Journey Workdeck here. May these affirmations serve as guiding lights on your path to healing and wellness.
Warmly, Dr. Della
GET CONNECTED WITH WELLS + FRIENDS:
Support WELLS Collective Members + reach out if you're in need: We're so excited to announce our new initiative to help get folks connected to the resources they need - Filling Their WELLS. If you're in need of some support, you can fill out this Google Form letting us know how we can help. And if you're looking to help others, check out this page of our site with current campaigns. We'll keep this page updated with the information from anyone who fills out our form, and we'll keep you all posted in our monthly newsletters.
Can you make a connection for a post-doctoral job opportunity? One of the first people we've included on our Filling Their WELLS page is Meagan Stewart (they/them), a PhD candidate in human development and family sciences who is set to defend their dissertation this summer and is looking for work! You can read more on their background/expertise here and connect with them via email.
Our sister brand, Blafemme, has just launched their first physical offering! The Blafemme Healing Journey Workdeck includes 36 Affirmation Cards with reflection prompts + a Journal for your healing journey. And The Workdeck is currently on presale for 10% off! All preorders will receive their decks in June. You can check out the beautiful deck and learn more about its creation here.
WELLNESS TIP - emotional wellness
Take some time within the next month to reflect on vulnerability and what it means to you. Feel free to share your reflections with us on Instagram: @wellshealing
What did you learn about vulnerability growing up? Are you still living out those lessons?
Are they serving you or getting in the way of the you that you most want to be?
Remember how it felt for you when you were able to be vulnerable. (For example: did you receive care afterwards?)
Where can you practice being more vulnerable?
What are the signs that you know it's safe to let your guard down?
Examples: the person has taken accountability for past transgressions against you, they’re disclosing intimate things with you that they don't share with others, or the length of the relationship.
Remember that your vulnerability can start small and grow over time!
"...and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength." - Audre Lorde
STAY CONNECTED - SOCIALS:
Follow us on Instagram and like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on all our events and opportunities!
And if you liked the wellness tip above, be sure to check out our sister brand Blafemme for more gems like this.
Thank you for being a part of our community, The WELLS Healing Center Team
Comments