What is Liberation, Really?
Liberation, in essence, means the act of setting someone free from oppression, either societal or internal. It’s a term that goes beyond the simple act of release — it’s about regaining lost rights, identities, and genuine self-expression. It encompasses a vast arena of historical, social, and personal contexts, with decolonization and whole-self healing being two integral parts of this journey.
How Does Decolonization Factor Into Liberation?
Decolonization is the process of deconstructing the effects of colonization, both on lands and minds. It’s about dismantling the systems, values, and ideologies set by colonizers, aiming to return autonomy to the colonized. The act of decolonizing can be seen as the initial step towards liberation, as it aims to undo centuries of oppressive structures and ideals.
For instance, when a country gains independence from a colonial power, it isn’t just a political move — it’s a significant step towards that nation’s liberation, regaining its identity, culture, and autonomy. Similarly, decolonizing the mind involves unlearning imposed values and relearning one’s original cultural and personal values.
Why is Whole Self Healing Integral to the Liberation Process?
To understand the importance of whole-self healing, one needs to comprehend the depth of wounds colonization leaves behind. These wounds aren’t just physical or geographical; they’re emotional, psychological, and spiritual.
Whole-self healing aims to address and nurture these deep-seated traumas. It’s about recognizing and understanding these pains, and then actively working towards healing them. True liberation isn’t possible until one has embarked on this healing journey — because liberation isn’t just about external freedom, it’s about internal peace and acceptance.
How Can One Start Their Liberation Journey?
Starting the liberation journey is an introspective process. It requires:
Understanding one’s history: Delving into personal, societal, and historical contexts to understand the roots of one’s oppression.
Actively decolonizing: Challenge and question beliefs, systems, and structures that don’t serve or resonate with one’s identity.
Embarking on whole-self healing: Seek guidance, therapy, or community support to address traumas and work towards healing them.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Liberation?
Several misconceptions surround the idea of liberation:
Liberation is just a political process: While politics play a role, true liberation encompasses personal, societal, and emotional freedom.
Once decolonized, one is liberated: Decolonization is a step towards liberation, not the end goal.
Liberation means complete isolation from past oppressors: True liberation is understanding one’s past, healing from it, and moving forward with autonomy and identity intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can an individual be liberated while living in an oppressive society?
A: Yes. While societal structures can be oppressive, personal liberation can be achieved by understanding, decolonizing, and embarking on whole-self-healing.
Q: How do I know if I’ve achieved liberation?
A: Liberation is a continuous journey rather than a destination; just like healing. It’s about feeling at peace with oneself, having autonomy over decisions, and feeling free from internal and external oppressive chains.
Q: Is it possible to aid others in their liberation journey?
A: Absolutely. By being supportive, understanding, and providing resources or guidance, one can assist others on their path to liberation like we do in the Make Shi(f)t Happen online healing community.
In Conclusion
The journey to liberation, intertwined with decolonization and whole-self healing, it is an ongoing process. It requires effort, understanding, and above all, the will to break free from chains, both seen and unseen. As you move forward in your liberation journey, remember to continually question, learn, heal, and grow. And always remember, true liberation starts from within
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