intersectional islands

Listening to one’s own body can be a precious tool in the learning curve of self-care. When we make our well being a priority, simple words such as “I am not feeling great” and “I need space” become a powerful relief for tensions. Usually understood as caring for the essential things, such as taking a shower, cooking a meal and going for a walk, our ideas of self-care are also shaped by elements of capitalist mindset. Constantly keeping oneself busy and productive, and pushing through hard work is praised and rewarded in our societies, even when it comes with the cost of ignoring the needs of our bodies and our minds. In this episode, Kelly shares with us why being the only Black person in the working environment can affect one’s mental health and how she managed to find her way out of this situation. We also talk about the tricky role of social media in relation to self-care when following people who have similar experiences as you.

How do we perceive our needs for self-care as bodily sensations? How to be able to pay your rent and still do things that feel good for you? How to become aware of our boundaries and how to communicate them? Social media: a source of inspiration or an overwhelming experience? If we understand self-care as a learning curve, how can we continue or even begin this journey?

__________

Originally from Birmingham UK, Kelly (she/her) is a vibrant and charismatic soul singer based in Berlin.

Currently working on her first single“Take Me Back!” which started as a new skill to learn to pass the time during lockdown, but has now fast become a way to use her creative energy and start doing what she has always wanted to do without any limitations!