
Decolonising Trauma
Welcome to Decolonising Trauma, where I aim to shake up the way we think about healing, trauma, and transformation. This podcast was birthed in order to shed light on alternative perspectives that contribute to our collective wellbeing.
As a curious rebel and a fellow traveller on this transformative journey, I want to inject a different tone and a fresh vibration into these conversations.
Decolonisation isn't just about historical colonisation; it's about reclaiming our narratives and healing practices. But this podcast isn't exclusive. It's a space for dialogue, unity, and transformation for everybody. To solve problems, we must first shift our mindsets and foster connection.
I firmly believe that we can't make progress by sticking to the same old paths; sometimes, a little rebellion is necessary to pave the way for something greater. Join me to explore the unconventional ways in which we can transform our individual and collective trauma.
Get ready to challenge paradigms and embrace a future of joy and liberation.
Decolonising Trauma
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[00:00:00] Yemi: Hey fam. So it's currently the 6th of November in the United States of America and you have to forgive me because I am recording this from my phone once again because I just can't be fucked to go and find my mic, uh, microphone. So I'm hoping you can forgive me for not being perfect and from decolonizing my trauma of perfection by just making do with the resources I have.
[00:01:04] So we've just found out, um, a couple of hours ago in the States that Trump will be the 47th president of America. And it's been interesting witnessing a lot of thoughts through text messages with friends. Um, but also social media, which I must admit is a big part of my knowledge intake. And I know that I have to practice that with care because we can't assume all sources of truth come from that or even traditional media.
[00:01:34] But I just wanted to do this podcast mainly for me, because I'm realizing I'm struggling to pay attention to anything I'm doing and just feel like I want to speak to someone. But I noticed that everyone I speak to tends to be, well, most of the people I'm speaking to are either at despair of Donald Trump being the next president.
[00:01:56] And the few minority of my good friends, um, who are really happy and really feel like, you know. America has been saved because of his, you know, upcoming presidency. the day before the electoral votes were coming out, I felt very heavy, not lethargic, very heavy. Like, I felt like I was holding onto mass consciousness.
[00:02:19] Now I know that because I do know I have a tendency to pick that up and I just didn't want to do anything. My desire to produce was close to nil. And I'm impressed I even got anything done. And I took a good friend's advice and I went for a lie down. I picked my son up from school and we just sat and had ice cream, which was God awful.
[00:02:42] Uh, so I gave it to him because we just eats anything and just sat in the sun. And that was really good for me. Really good for me and had a good night's sleep and woke up to Confirmation of the news that he indeed is gonna be president.
[00:02:58] I was afraid That's what it is. That's what it was. I was afraid I was afraid That the norm as I know it was no longer gonna be that the safety I have been feeling In the conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, that the inclusion of queer communities who just want to be themselves, that the conversation around climate change and how this is impacting everything we're doing.
[00:03:29] Ah, the conversations on a woman's right to choose have all given me a sense of safety. That I feel bringing Trump in puts at risk. End. I also understand those scarily majority who understand, sorry, who want Trump to be in power because their sense of safety is also at question, their sense of identity, something that they have had for all of their lives in most cases, that the raft of misinformation, disinformation, and yes, a number of attacks on Trump and his character, which is questionable when he speaks.
[00:04:26] Um, the fact that they feel their safety is at risk. And I truly believe that until we all stop and pause to hear each other in regards to what our fears are without calling names or fear mongering, of which I heard someone share on news, I think it was CNN, that both parties in particular, the major parties, The Republicans and the Democrats have used fear, like the Democrats definitely used fear to get voters to not vote for Trump, you know, you know, likening him to Hitler.
[00:05:05] FYI, you do know there are people in the world that felt Hitler was a great leader. So until we stop gaslighting ourselves and really start to do the work on the world we are in, and know that there are aspects of parts of the world we do not like that still exist within us or have at some point in our lives.
[00:05:27] We will struggle to make the change we want. And I'm speaking to everyone. Now, I'm really aware that the way I'm speaking gives the impression that had I had the privilege of voting, because I can't vote yet in the States, that I may have voted for Kamala Harris. That's not really obvious. And in this instance, we'd never know.
[00:05:50] Because I also look at the people who have been crying for the ceasefire in Palestine, for the people who have been who feel that Kamala could have done more to talk about a ceasefire and to mention it. For people who were not willing to cast their vote for Trump or Kamala, knowing full well that wherever they casted their vote, one of them was going to win.
[00:06:15] I also understand them. You're giving me a choice of two people that I do not want. And you are telling me that that's the only choice I have. Fuck you. I get it. And this isn't kumbaya, because as you can hear in my tone, there is nothing, uh, graceful or typically ladylike about some of the words I use.
[00:06:41] But let's, let's change gears. Let's really change gears. There's a whole group of people who are celebrating and there's a part of me that's really happy and joyful for them. They believe they have got what will give them the safety for them to continue to live, to survive and thrive. Get curious about that.
[00:07:01] Maybe lean in and say, what is it? They know that I don't, and let's see how long we can suspend judgment for. And then we've got the other group people who really on the face of it, really wanted something different. And my goodness, we would, we would've got something different. I know some people would've thought we may not have got everything we wanted.
[00:07:20] We would've got something different. Because the minute you have somebody in a different body holding a position that has been held by predominantly white male bodies for centuries. There'll be something different, even if they do not hold all the power,
[00:07:38] and yet we are still where we are. We are still now in the aftermath of realizing that President Trump will be the president from 2025. But how are we? What are, what are those of us who don't work in politics? What are those of us who aren't going to be working for the Trump administration or the Democratic Party anywhere in the world?
[00:08:01] Because FYI, this affects all of us. around the world. Now, just because it affects us doesn't mean it controls us. And this is the other thing I want to talk about. There are many people. Is it Erin Lyons, who I'm just loving her work? Carrie Samuels? Like, these are people who I know play in the fifth dimension, a place that I am making my playground more and more.
[00:08:25] And no, it doesn't mean I am voiding myself of the responsibilities in the 3D. I am here for the human experience. Shit, I'm even here for the tough parts of the human experience, of which this no doubt is one. But the 5D allows us to realize that this illusion that Whichever political parties and power, whichever representation of that, um, party kind of controls or is going to decide everything.
[00:08:53] Let's not make it so doom and gloom. Because it, it doesn't have to be. And I know there are constraints and I talk about this all the time when I get on stage. And I know that it is hard to digest. But fam. Just consider what an alternative world looks like. Where we all can love each other. Hmm, even in disagreement.
[00:09:19] And as I said that I got, I got a download of the person that says fuck loving someone who wants something that literally challenges my freedom.
[00:09:32] Deep breath, pause. The thing is, I agree, but now what? Because if you don't see my pain and I don't see your pain, we're going to damage each other. And I promise you there will be some people left behind. Through the obliteration, there will be some people left behind. And if it is your will to be some of those people left behind, we're going to have to change our approach.
[00:10:00] That's it from me. Hoping this reached you in a way that allows you to nurture your grief, your sacred rage, honor your celebration, and um, continue to give grace with love. I love you.