My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts

by Resmaa Menakem

ADD SOFTNESS TO YOUR LIFE Since your job is often difficult and hard-edged, it’s important to build some soft things into your life—on a regular basis. I don’t mean teddy bears and rainbows, but simple, everyday practices that help your body feel good and stay (or get) healthy. Here are some options: • Get enough rest. Every human body needs sufficient sleep and relaxation. • Learn and regularly practice a form of silent meditation. This can be secular (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), religious, or something in between (insight meditation or Zen meditation). • Do yoga. I recommend basic, easy stretching poses—not hot yoga, Power Yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga, or anything else difficult or expensive. • Get plenty of pleasurable physical exercise. This can be anything from walking to boxing to competing in triathlons, as long as it feels good to your body. • Get regular massages. Massage therapy feels wonderful and is excellent for reducing stress. Many health clubs offer massages at reasonable prices. Get massaged at least once a month if you can. • Take long walks. Ideally, walk in the neighborhood where you work. This will help you get to know the people you have pledged to protect. • Go dancing often. Line dancing, ballroom dancing, square dancing, folk dancing, and ordinary boogying all count. • Download and use a stress-reduction or grounding app. Some examples include Inner Balance; Stop, Breathe & Think; My Calm Beat; Calm; and Mindfulness Training. A...