In the just concluded Healing Soulidarity Virtual Project (HSVP), Ìmọ́lẹ̀ of Afrika Centre (ìAfrika), a holistic research and praxis institute that is advancing restorative healing and Ubuntu culture across Africa underscores the crucial role of healing soulidarity (ubuntu) in society.
HSVP campaign was designed to cultivate online conversations centred around healing justice, communal wellbeing and Ubuntuism. HSVP featured a series of enlightening conversations that explored the diverse and multifaceted nature of healing. The project gathered insights from contributors across spaces and experiences, offering unique perspectives on what healing means to them, what they do for their healing and how they walk with others in healing soulidarity for a more connected humanity.
Several contributors, such as Dr. Ifunanya Dimaku, describe healing as a holistic integration of the body, mind, and heart. Ehikioya Ataman, views healing as synonymous with freedom, allowing one to navigate situations with a degree of equanimity. His sentiments about freedom are echoed by Ablavi Gokou-Adjaka, who defines healing as the regeneration of the self, rooted in inner freedom, optimism, and awareness while recognising our limitations as humans. Dr. Toyin Ajao advances this understanding by viewing healing as self-discovery, soul alignment, and freedom.
The intergenerational and collective dynamics of healing are highlighted by Ayomide Olude, who links personal healing to broader social change, emphasising that healing, for her, is about transforming oppressive systems to address intergenerational trauma and injustices. At the same time, Randriarimanana Lalaina finds healing in reconnecting and being at peace with her thoughts.
All contributors further underline what they are doing for their wellbeing in cultures that stigmatise mental health and emotional vulnerability through DIY and community-based holistic approaches. Dominique Dryding and Grace Jennifer Samuel regularly meditate, dance, eat nutritious food, read inspiring books, and engage in continuous learning. Mx Emmanuella David-ette, Dike Nwike Ojeah prioritise finding solace in solitude, seeking closure, listening to music, engaging in sports activities, journalling and practising heart-based reflections.
For Esther Olubi, enjoying nature, gardening, and professional therapy once a week are key aspects of her process while surrounding herself with like-minded individuals. Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, Nnedinma Ulanmo, Adé Adéniji, and Clinton McDubus, strengthen their inner worlds through activities such as ritualisjng their joy through resting, listening to uplifting stories and music, embracing solitude, and journaling, respectively. Tosin Odunlami highlights practising self-talk, deep breathing, meditation and prayers.
What stands out from all the contributions is the intentionality to cater to mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, not only in the moment but as a sustainable practice rooted in resilience, empathy and self-care.
The contributors revealed working in healing soulidarity with their society, communities, friends, and families through empathetic and attentive support, embracing non-violent communication, and creating safe, brave, and responsible spaces for one another to thrive and dismantle the nagging oppressive systems that keep perpetuating cycles of woundedness.
HSVP is one of the many initiatives of ìAfrika rooted in a healing justice framework to spread restorative healing and promote Ubuntu culture across Africa through holistic and empirical restorative healing research and praxis. By addressing and transforming contemporary manifestations of intergenerational and collective trauma, ìAfrika aims to promote social cohesion and improve the structural, cultural, relational, and personal wellbeing of Africans.
We vehemently echoed Miriam Rose’s insight that ‘When we heal ourselves, we heal our ancestors from wounds that run deep in our family. When we heal our ancestors, we heal the world from wounds that run deep in humanity.’ We invite you all to join us in this collective journey of body, heart and mind healing.
A version of this Press Release can also be found on the Guardian News