In the past few years (amidst the process of doing a decolonizing interpretive dissertation), a powerful spiritual experience led me to a search to connect with my ancestors. I've bought books and read but I've found myself needing more. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get off the waitlist and attend the Filipino Well Being Training Summit. Here, I got to see/meet the people whose books I read. Presentations from Virgil Mayor Apostol on the Traditional Healing Arts of the Philippines & Prof. Leny Strobel on Kapwa & Babaylan-Inspired Principles of Self-Care had me feeling like a 1st year in college having profound moments of learning that gave me a deeper understanding of myself & my community (and had me dying they were hilarious!). And, of course when technical difficulties came up, we had an impromptu choral moment. It was incredibly beautiful to witness generations of Filipino organizers in the room and to participate in honoring their mentors/ancestors. So grateful for the experience yesterday ❤ #FilipinoWellbeingTrainingSummit #FilipinoHealing #Kapwa #LenyStrobel #pinayism #babaylan #Filipino #ethnicstudies #Decolonize