Sister, Heal Thyself

Almost 400 years later, and we're still succumbing to the struggles of our past.

Lasting effects of stress have riddled our bodies, and taken the air out of our chests.

Black women have over-loved others, and under-loved ourselves to the point of unknowingly sacrificing our own health.

I used to dance.

I used to fly free until my body trapped me.

Used to sing loud until the air in my lungs disappeared.

Used to stand tall until my spine gave way to the stress of my everydays.

I used to move elegant. Like queenly. Like gold piece.

Like rivers cover rocks and boulders with no question.

Just owning the land I walked on.

She was ill!

But now, I'm more ill than chill.

Trying to find my peace in the quiet breezes, but my body stays screaming.

Waves of pain crashing up against my body from within my body.

Attacking myself.

The doctor said I have FMS - a condition that causes chronic pain and develops from stress.

Yes, 22 year old me has been diagnosed with this condition that feels much more like a disease.

My body accepting the hints and notions from other parts of my body like, “Yo, maybe we should just be broken.”

Because not too long ago my x-rays would show that I have scoliosis.

Trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders.

The weight of the world got heavier as I got older.

Dealing with a Sojourner complex that no one could excuse.

I had wrapped myself up in other people’s issues.

I had to take pause... and reflect. I had to find a way to take my life back.

But today I have found that there is more to healing than just taking medicine.

My sister, it is time to look within.

Time to look to healing hands and the life force energy, Reiki.

Time to look to Mother Earth to find some healing of worth.

Time for us to sit and listen to some drums.

Listen to the past to see how you overcome.

Find your healing in the rhythms passed down.

Heal your soul with those ancestral sounds.

Well “how” you say do I find my path to healing from within.

There are many ways we can let this healing begin.

I spoke to an elder and what she had to say was that we start with balance so this healing we can convey.

Be grounded and centered in the path that you have chosen.

Realize that mind, body, and spirit are all interwoven.

Create a sacred space that you only fill with light.

Pray to your ancestors who have already paved the way for you to make it through your night.

Beat the drum until your fear and pain disappear.

Clear the air until your vision of healing is near.

You can place your pills and medicine back on the shelf, because today, my sister, it is time to heal yourself.

- Serenity Stone