On October 30, 2024, ìAfrika hosted its first post-HSVP virtual event, “Why is Intergenerational and Collective Healing Crucial in This Age of Polycrisis?” The event hosted by Restorative Healing Researcher and Practitioner, Dr Toyin Ajao, featured guest speakers Ayomide Olude, Project Manager of The Eco-anxiety Africa Project, and Adé Adéniji, a Coach and Group Facilitator.
Dr. Toyin Ajao began by reflecting on the recently concluded Healing Soulidarity Virtual Project (HSVP) campaign, which served as the foundation for this follow-up event aimed at exploring how diverse communities understand healing and practice healing soulidarity. The session opened with Adé leading the participants in a grounding meditation, creating a reflective space where everyone could connect with their emotions and prepare for an open, honest conversation. The moment of collective stillness laid the groundwork for open, heartfelt participation, with attendees sharing feelings ranging from curiosity to inspiration in the chat.
The conversation moved to exploring the widespread impact of trauma. Adé started by differentiating between intergenerational trauma, which originates within the family, and transgenerational trauma, which is shaped by broader societal and collective experiences. Both speakers defined intergenerational trauma as a wounding of the soul (by tapping into Mariel Buqué’s insight), impacting a person’s mind, body, and spirit, and emphasised the need to normalise conversations about trauma. They also discussed the different types of traumas, which include individual, intergenerational, and collective, and highlighted how these intersect, impacting mental health, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural identities.
The speakers further shared examples from their personal experiences and work, with Ayomide highlighting the need for healing and awareness across generations as unhealed trauma can be passed from parent to child. This aspect of the conversation ended with a focus on the emotional impact of trauma and the importance of understanding what happens inside us because of external events.
One of the main points emphasised by the speakers was the need to normalise conversations about emotional and mental wellbeing as a crucial step in addressing trauma. Adé shared that simply checking in with friends and loved ones about how they are feeling—not just about external issues but their inner worlds—could make a significant difference. He further spoke about the importance of recognising that healing is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event, stressing that waiting for the “perfect” moment only stalls progress.
Ayomide spoke of her experiences facilitating group conversations where participants felt safe enough to share personal stories, highlighting how moments of vulnerability create space for deep connection and understanding. She also emphasised the need for resources such as time and spaces for communities to come together and engage in activities that nurture connection.
As the conversation expanded to the effects of trauma on society, Adé talked about the need for spaces where all generations feel included in discussions about healing, advocating for practices like storytelling and cultural gatherings that are meaningful to different age groups. Ayomide echoed this, emphasising that healing cannot be limited to individual efforts; it must be a collective process that are intergenerally building shared resilience and trust.
The event wrapped up with a reminder that healing begins with recognising one’s worth and the worth of others and doing so through self-compassion and compassionate connection. Participants joined in a powerful affirmation led by the Host by chanting, “We are enough, we are worthy, we have what it takes to navigate life because we are possible.”
The session closed with expressions of gratitude from the speakers, leaving attendees inspired and eager for continued conversations.
The discussion laid the foundation for the upcoming webinars planned for November and December, in line with ìAfrika’s commitment to nurturing spaces for meaningful dialogue and growth.
If you missed this event and would like to catch up in this powerful conversation, kindly find the full session made available on YouTube HERE.