The term “self-care” has been overused, misused, and even abused. When people speak of self-care, they liken it to massages, pedicures, facials, lavish trips, or any number of experiences that come with a price tag. Instead of self-care, Audre Lorde, womanist, scholar, and activist uses the term self-preservation. “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” Since neither of those words truly speak to the transformative power of what happens when we commune with Mother Earth, the word I identified to ground this movement is “self-restoration.”
The word restoration holds two interconnected and distinct meanings that add depth and meaning to this conversation. First, “rest.” There is sacredness in the space of slowing our bodies and minds. Second, “oration.” Oration speaks to the power of stories that are passed down from generation to generation and gives rise to the importance of speaking life over ourselves and those around us.
*As delivered on the May 2, 2021 TEDx Talk
Studio Art and Self-Care Concepts w/ Dr. Barbara Parker-Bell, PsyD (*dates in bold represent the eco-art therapy days)
Spring 2021 Art Projects
February 8, 2021: Eco-outing 1 of 3 (Photo elicitation)