It has been almost a week, and I am still trying to find words to express the sorrow I am feeling following the abhorrent and targeted acts of violence against Asian women in Atlanta. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident of hatred or white supremacy as of late against Asian and Asian Americans. That fact in and of itself is devastating.
Delaina Ashley Yuan, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Sun Cha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Paul Andre Michels, we honor and remember you.
Members of the Asian and AAPI at Bay - we see you. This is not okay. Hearing about harm to our Asian elders, women, and an entire community leaves one particularly distraught. You are supported, you are seen, and you are cared about. Know that the counselor’s are here to listen, offer support, resources, and space. To echo the words of Vice President Kamala Harris: “We won’t be silent. We won’t standby. We will always speak out against violence.”
Allies, we are also here for support. We encourage you to also take care of your mind and body, and to check in on your Asian and Asian-American friends and family. It is important to follow their lead and ask if they would like to talk first. Respect their space and wishes. Sometimes it is just so helpful to know that someone is there and is reaching out. No matter how much you might want to help, it’s important to be cognizant of the space people might need.
Stay mindful of how your mind and bodies are processing and storing this now more than ever. Practice mindfulness, turn off the news when you need to, hydrate, listen to calming music and watch calming/funny shows instead of emotionally intense ones, exercise to help move the internalized trauma somatically out of your system. And breathe.
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Follow @advancingjustice-aajc on Instagram, as they “work to advance the human and civil rights of Asian Americans and build an equitable society for all”. Although spots are currently full, they are adding more bystander intervention trainings in partnership with Hollaback! as quickly as they are able to meet demand. Check back and register at ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention. The trainings are free.
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Chanel Durley is a Trauma-Informed Wellness Coach and is offering space alongside Mandel Lum to focus on Breathwork to promote Collective Healing. This will include Breathwork Meditation, journal prompts, and witnessing through sharing.
This space is centering the AAPI Communities, however Allies are welcome. This is a donation-based session. Sign up here.
