BODY HEAL

In April, we came together for a trauma-informed yoga class and panel on intersection of trauma and healing at the JCC Harlem. We wanted to learn about traditional and alternative forms of healing, and what self-care can look like for individuals and communities.

The afternoon began with a beautiful yoga class led by Tara Tonini

Tara is a Hatha and Kundalini yoga and meditation teacher, Birth Doula, Master Reiki Healer and currently working on her Master's of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. She approaches each healing modality through a trauma-informed lens.

Before the yoga class started, Tara sat with each person, talked with them, and gave them a flower to carry with them after the event.

After yoga, we took a break and enjoyed some amazing snacks -- green juices, granola, and CBD gummies! We then gathered as a community to hear from our thoughtful panel, moderated by Seyi Adeyinka, a medical student, public health researcher, and full spectrum doula.

Our panelists came from different parts of the wellness universe and each brought a special perspective to the panel. After leading us in yoga, Tara joined the panel, bringing in her experience as Director of Curriculum Development and Mentorship at Exhale to Inhale. We heard from licensed psychotherapist and owner of Therapy Brooklyn, Marissa Moore; advocate for sexual violence survivors, Tt King; and psychotherapist in private practice specializing in working with folk of color and LGBTQ folk, Kenya Crawford.

“SELF-CARE ISN’T ALWAYS AN EASY INSTAGRAMMABLE MOMENT”

— KENYA CRAWFORD

Our panelists and moderator: Seyi Adeyinka, Tt King, Marissa Moore, Kenya Crawford, and Tara Tonini.

They shared not only their professional insights, but their personal stories, and we could not be grateful that they helped us make space to heal. They spoke about building effective and sustainable self-care practices, gave us tools for short-term and long-term healing, and helped us feel seen. We are grateful for everyone who was a part of this important event!

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As always, a big thank you to our Body Politic volunteers who helped to put this event together!

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