Community News
Soulful Wraps: Workshop embracing alternative methods of caring for your physical and mental health
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Once again, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper has been asked to be part of an event that provides the community with a unique opportunity to embrace alternative methods of caring for your physical and mental health.
We have to address two critical aspects of well-being: mental health and breast cancer awareness. These are topics that touch the lives of so many in our community. Our decision to be part of an event that brings these discussions under one roof is rooted in the understanding that mental health and breast cancer are interconnected. They are part of a larger conversation about holistic well-being.
Mental health is often overlooked, and yet, it’s integral to our overall well-being. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges impact our ability to navigate difficult situations, such as a cancer diagnosis. Likewise, when we talk about breast cancer, it’s not just about the physical aspect. The emotional and mental toll it takes on individuals and their loved ones is immense. Actively tackling these topics enables us to offer our community a more holistic approach, addressing both the visible and invisible battles. We understand that no two journeys are alike, and the strength of our community lies in our ability to support one another.
We are inviting you to come join the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper team on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, for a relaxing, stress-free morning of mindfulness, self-reflection, and hands-on head-wrapping tutorials — facilitated by designer and entrepreneur, Adoch B. Acemah! She has collaborated with The Olive Branch of Hope to bring us a workshop that focuses on discovering the keys to balance your: body, mind and soul for complete well-being. Guests will have an opportunity to delve into the historical significance of headscarves and explore the benefits of journaling as a means of healing through self-reflection.
I had a chance to sit down with Derrick Springer (Senior Project Manager, Olive Branch of Hope), and Adoch B. Acemah (Founder, Latam Wic), and we had an engaging and indispensable dialogue about the importance of this event.
“The Olive Branch of Hope has been around for 20 years. As the son of Founder, Leila Springer, I saw her through her journey, and I heard her talk about support and organizations that are focused on Black women. It was through my mother that I learned the cultural needs and what was important to our community.” Derrick Springer shares.
“I got involved two, or three years ago and I have been helping the organization move forward strategically; it is my job to put the organization in a better position to grow, and we are doing this by partnering with different organizations so that we can take our message of strength and resilience and expand across Canada.”
“I came across Adoch at a Black book fair, and I was looking at her amazing artwork. I think I came back at least four times, and we had a conversation about what she does, and we connected on a spiritual level. I felt and saw the connection, and her story of overcoming and resilience, and channeling this into something that can help women overcome life circumstances and breast cancer.”
“I bumped into her again, and then we realized that we had to sit down and figure out how to take her talents and help serve the community. How do you move from surviving to thriving? Her work was very well suited for our target community.”
I have met the beautiful Adoch on several occasions and I have always been intrigued with the light that she shines in this sometimes-dark world. She shared with me her take on the current partnership with The Olive Branch of Hope.
“I was led to do this,” she began. “A friend of ours invited me to this event, and I ran into Derrick again. Journaling is the comfort needed. It is not your hair that makes you beautiful, it is the beauty from within. I am able to teach something that comes to me very naturally, so it works. We had several meetings about this, and said, Let’s do it! I find this as a way to not only support people going through breast cancer but support their supporters. Even if they use the 3, 3, 3 method with the journal, or the five love languages, this event is only the introduction to the many events that are to come.”
“There is so much power with putting pen to paper. There are so many different ways to journal. Journaling has been glamourized, and people put a lot of pressure on themselves. It is about getting whatever is inside out.”
I am really excited for this weekend, especially when I saw what guests a chance will have to experience:
- Journaling and Meditation
- Introduction to Journaling – 5 Love Languages
- Goals vs. Intentions – Intention Setting Journaling
- Gratitude Journaling – 3-3-3-1 Method/Challenge
- Headwrap Workshop – Introduction to Head Wrapping
- Cultural Appropriation vs Appreciation – How to Wrap – Hands-on Exercise
- Discovering the healing methods of Journaling
What are the benefits? Guests are going to learn how to:
- Nurturing Space for Self-Dedication
- Prioritize Self-Love
- Build relationships (Accountability Partner Support)
Having a reliable accountability partner adds crucial support to the journaling journey. This partner serves as a beacon of encouragement, aiding in staying motivated and on track with goals. Guest will also get first-hand experience with the traditions and cultural relevance of head wraps which include:
- Facets of head wrapping, where tradition meets style and functionality
- Learning how headwraps shield against the elements, offering both practical and cultural significance
- Exploring how headwraps serve as stylish reflections of culture and personal identity
- Uncovering the symbolic depth of headwraps, connecting individuals to: tradition, beliefs, and communities
- Understanding how head wraps can be a source of comfort for those facing medical hair loss
LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE. Get Your Tickets Today!
** The 100% cotton headwraps are created with love and designed to be worn in various styles. While many choose to wear them as headwraps, they can also be used as fashionable accessories or accent pieces. The key is to wear them with love and confidence, and there’s no incorrect way to showcase their beauty.