Mental Health Ofrenda: Power in Practice

*Photos contributed by Magaly Arredondo Lopez*

Mis queridos familiares y amistades,

The beginning of the year was a period of hibernation, rest, and even sadness for me. November – February are months when I typically experience seasonal depression. These days were shorter and the sunlight was dimmer. My body and soul felt cansados. Necesito descansar en estos tiempos. My being – mi alma – so desperately needed rest during this time. Not only that, but this January and February were marked by some painful, trying times at work.

Por eso, spring was the change I needed. My body yearned for a shift in the seasons and the emotional weight I was carrying around. This past month was a call to action from my higher, intuitive self. Eres suficiente. Eres más que sufrimiento. I am enough. I am more than suffering.

Power in Practice

Last month, I found myself thinking a lot about the word practice. I thought about how one way we define the word practice is doing an activity until we are skilled or excel in it. However, when I think about the word practice, I also envision habits or routines we incorporate into our day to day that are centered around wellness or spirituality. For years, I have heard people reference their “meditation practice.” En otras palabras, a practice is something we generously put care, time, effort, and routine into.

As I stepped into the spring season and tried to shed some emotional weight, I thought about what I wanted to practice for myself. What would move my mind, body, and soul away from feeling stuck or stagnant to feeling more loose and fluid? In the past month, I practiced saying yes and practiced community. My friend Meli invited me to two crawfish boils knowing I hadn’t tasted crawfish before and I said “why the hell not?” The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) hosted a Spring Day of Wellness and I joined in on outdoor yoga with my friend Gaby. My friend, Kerstin, invited me to go out for dinner and to see a random band at the Empire Control Room & Garage, and I danced my heart out until I was sweaty and tired. The past few weeks reminded me of the autonomy, power, and joy I have in my life. They reminded me to embrace the people close to me and embrace the power of yes, today, and every day.

Mi Ofrenda Para Ti

Entonces, what if we faced this new season with the intention to practice something new? Que si practicamos algo nuevo? Maybe at this point you are wondering “well, what do I practice?” Aquí tengo unas ideas para ti:

Practice curiosity. Have you ever wondered what the name of a plant, bird, or insect is? Look it up! Use apps like Seek, iNaturalist, or Merlin Bird ID.
Practice playfulness. Find a new board game or bust out the good ‘ole basta and mash on a piece of paper. (Shoutout to my sister who loved playing these games with me growing up!)
Practice novelty. Is there a new museum, hiking trail, movie theater, or music venue that’s been on your radar? Go! Invite an amigx or familiar. Go try a new experience!
Practice gratitude. Write letters or emails to loved ones and share a reason you feel grateful for them. Or take the time to reflect and write what you are grateful for before bedtime.
Practice mindfulness. Is there an activity you do every day (going on a walk, having a cup of coffee, doing your makeup, etc.)? What if you took the time to slow down and notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel throughout the activity? What if you slowed down and paid attention to what you are feeling in your body? Muévete. Respira. Move. Breathe.

Y qué vas a practicar tu? What practice(s) will you pour love and energy into these coming months? Whatever you do and however long you do it, I hope it brings you grounding and closeness to your higher/intuitive self. Cuídate, familia. Un momento a la vez. One moment at a time.

Gentle note: Sometimes we need a little help. If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, suicide, or is simply having a tough time, consider reaching out to the following numbers. No estas solx.

Si quieres ayuda / if you want help: