What is activism really about?

The political vs the personal

As a therapist, I’m surrounded by a strong rhetoric that places a lot of responsibility on the individual. This is the dominant narrative of pop psychology. I’d like to see more responsibility being placed on systems and culture that make us sick. Recently I got to exprience this first hand and I want to share my experience.

I had the privilidge of attending a sacred fire ceremony on Meanjinn Turrbal country where people are working hard to protect sacred land. A stadium that will cost $32billion is being built, works commencing despite submissions being put in by local Aboriginal Corperations. It’s devastating.

On my walk back to the car late at night, I spent some time conversing with the most magnificant spotted gum tree. Having travelled to most cities in Australia and many around the world, it’s one of the things I love and am in awe of about Meanjinn. The trees. I’ve never lived in a city before, they’re usually environments that are too busy for me but Meanjinn is calling and I’m staying partly becuase of the significant presence of bush in and around the city. Where I currently live backs onto a beautiful reserve filled with Bloodwoods, Tallowwoods, Spotted Gums, Tawny’s and Koala’s and I’m only a 15min drive into the city.

After conversing with this beautiful gum, during which, I was gifted with a poem and a beautiful message (keep reading and you’ll find it), a couple who were walking their dog started chatting to us. They talked about the sadness they felt for losing access to this green space in the city, so close to home.

They continued to talk about how devastating it was, the decision to build a stadium here and then they also mentioned how incredible it was to see the the amount of people come together, sharing their feelings about the decision, trying to stop it from happening.

The next morning I spoke with a friend and my partner who shared their guilt and sadness about the outcome. Police arriving in the middle of night, moving people on from a beautiful gathering. The guilt of not being able to do more, the guilt of the massacre and deaths in custody that exist in the generations of the leaders who were directing this movement, the guilt of survival, the guilt of priviledge.

Don’t let the guilt of what was lost take away from everything we gained, was my response. As sad as it is, decay exists. And as unfortunate as it is, death will visit. This doesn’t mean we don’t stand up for what we believe in or fight the fight we need to but perhaps we do it, knowing that the gift we’re receiving is the connection we’re experiencing. This is what I truly felt that night.

Sitting under the full moon light, by the warmth of a sacred fire, yarning with old friends and new, learning about the most ancient culture and one of it’s languages, building confidence in my knowledge to defend it. Dumbirbbi; Koala in Yugerra language. This is what it’s about and I will continue to fight the fight, the fight will continue for the rest of my life.

I didn’t see the night as a loss because to see it that way would be to give those who are sick with greed, the satisfaction of a win. We are the winners. For we are more deeply connected to one another, to country which we are part of. Remembering who and what we are. What a gift. Thank you to the Goori Camp Embassy for holding such a sacred space and allowing for deep connection.

Connection is our protection.

So when I say I’d like to see more narrative that focuses on systemic violence and oppression, how this impacts our well-being, what I mean is; I see an opportunity for connection in our collective activism. In a system that thrives from me feeling isolated, alone and disconnected; I’m winning when I’m at ease in connection.

here is the poem…

Goori Camp Embassy - Saving Victoria Park

as I wrap my arms around
the presence of elder gum tree
I think about the sadness that fills this place
the sadness of destruction and decay
I hear a whisper “don’t be afraid”
of death
nothing lasts forever
notice what does exist
coming together, connecting
despite our differences
so that we can remember
so that we can remember
how to be together
how to be together

For more information about the work of the Goori Camp Embassy, follow their Instagram page here

And if you’re interested in the type of therapy that does consider the broader societal and cultural impacts on our well-being or lack there of, I offer 1:1 counselling that’s inclusive and accessible. My focus is on community, connection and creative expression. Please email me at theheartlightway@gmail.com for more infromation. I use a sliding scale payment option including a concession rate of $60 for 60 minutes which I’m currently offering to anyone who identifies as an activist or advocate.