How can we decolonize notions of health, being-well and beauty?
Western values tell us that our worth is determined by ability to replicate unrealistic and often racist images manufactured by mainstream media. Why is this "healthy" instead of going for a walk with a loved one?
Yesterday I was told that I am beautiful because I embody the literal bodies, stories, strength and bones of my ancestors. My Nookoum, my grandmothers, my Mother and my sister. Suddenly, self-judgement unfolded into pride...
Pride that I carry my ancestors in my dark eyes, my happy belly, my strong hands and full mouth. Pride that I am enough.
When I honour my body - I honour my ancestors.
That my/our value is not determined by our appearance but rather our ability to love, to hold, to laugh, to listen, to make food, gather medicines, rub sore feet, to hold space, to honour, to remember...
Then I saw this....
"I thought to myself, that maybe our legs are thick because our ancestors had to be strong and close to the land, because our ancestors spent so much time on hunts or constantly on the move with the changing of the seasons. That maybe, just maybe, our ancestors needed legs like tree trunks to guide them through the land. I remembered that our arms fought rebellions and carried our babies while we worked."