The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis was a catalyst for long-overdue calls for justice.
As a Black person, its tiresome to educate, rebuke, clarify, and uplift.
A plethora of emotions such as hopelessness, helplessness, and anger are all rightfully present.
Marina Esmeraldo
In response, Gardner is encouraging Black people to practice radicalself-care.
Nurture yourself as best you’ve got the option to, holistically, she says.
Our bodies often presentphysical manifestationsof emotional and psychological distress.
Thats the punch in of person I am.
Being hours away from the nearest protest has been difficult, so Ive coped by living vicariously through others.
Unpacking feelings with a Black therapist
Teletherapy helps me.
I was finally able tofind a Black therapistwho was a good match.
Im trying to find the balance between staying informed without being obsessed.
My alone time looks like keeping up with myyogapractice and walking my dogs.
Im anxious, frustrated, and angry.
Thats my alone time.
Talking to close friends on the phone every day
I lean on my friends.
Im staying up later, and I wake up with feelings of intense frustration.
To avoid internal chaos, I call my closest friends daily.
Photographing the protests
Photography is my passion.
I was nervous about taking photos, but nobody has bothered me at all.
It makes me feel like Im a part of it.
I also want others to see whats going on because Ive seen everything from being on the front lines.
I dont have to go off of what the news is telling me.
Im here myself.Greg C., 33, Oakland
9.
For me, that means preserving my physical and mental health and my social interactions.
I needed to do at least one thing a day for myself.
Meditating and hugging her children
I turn off social media and TV.
Just taking a break from the screen for a few hours does wonders for me.
Then, while it is quiet, I meditate to get centered and to regain balance.
If I feel like that isnt enough, I hug and squeeze my twins.
This is very therapeutic for me and very annoying to them [laughs].
They bring me hope.
Listen to your body and honor what its telling you, Gardner says.
Does that mean more sleep, more water, less phone interaction, or experiencing joy and play?
Whatever it is, do more of it and incorporate other things that will lift you up.
Youre allowed to take care of yourself.
Youre allowed to experience peace and pleasure.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
