Community Statement: Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practices
Edited by: Jessica Taylor Regan, BSW. Anti-Oppressive Educator and Mental Health Advocate
The information provided by Lifethroughspirit is not a substitute for Western medicine, therapy and general medical best practices. Instead, it operates as an additional tool for your holistic healing journey. The services/posts/recommendations offered by Lifethroughspirit social media pages are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. Any information or advice given by Lifethroughspirit is not a resource to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical or mental health condition. Using any information or advice provided by Lifethroughspirit is solely at the client's discretion and risk. Lifethroughspirit shall not be held liable for any damages arising from the use of any information or advice provided.
Lifethroughspirit is committed to actively engaging in anti-oppressive practices and decolonizing spiritualism by acknowledging and challenging the ways in which systems of oppression have influenced traditional spiritual practices and beliefs and by centring the voices and experiences of marginalized communities in my work.
Commitment to Anti-oppressive Practices
Lifethroughspirit is committed to anti-oppressive practices and decolonizing spiritualism in a number of ways, including:
Acknowledging and educating themselves on how systems of oppression, such as colonialism, racism, and white supremacy, have influenced traditional spiritual practices and beliefs.
Centring the voices and experiences of marginalized communities in their work and actively seeking out diverse perspectives and teachings.
Be mindful of their client relationships' power dynamics and actively work to dismantle them.
Creating a safe and inclusive space for clients of all identities and backgrounds to explore their spirituality and healing.
Incorporating practices that promote social justice and activism in their work
Being active and vocal in the community about their commitments and actively engaging in anti-oppression work.
Being open to feedback and willing to learn and adapt their practices as needed to align with these commitments.
Challenging the cultural appropriation and commodification of spiritual practices.
Being mindful of the privilege in the field, and actively working to make spiritual practices accessible to marginalized communities.
Being aware of how their own privilege and cultural background may influence their understanding of spirituality and actively working to expand their knowledge.
Lifethroughspirit services are influenced by their background in Italian Folk Magic/Italian Folk Medicine.
Italian folk magic/medicine and indigenous spiritual practices are two distinct traditional beliefs and practices. Italian folk magic, also known as "la Magia Popolare," or Italian Folk Medicine, also known as Benedicaria, is a set of beliefs and practices that were passed down among the common people of Italy and it often incorporates elements of Roman Catholicism, as well as pre-Christian beliefs and traditions. These practices and/or rituals often include amulets, charms, herbs and plants, blessings, cleansings, devotions, connecting with spirits/ancestors, laying hands, and traditional prayers and incantations for a variety of purposes. This information is often passed down orally through family and community. "It can vary from family to family and from individual to individual" (Edwards, 2015). In contrast, indigenous spiritual practices are the practices of the various indigenous groups and communities that have been passed down from generation to generation and are deeply connected to the natural landscape and the culture of the specific group.
Articles to reference:
Benedicaria – The Blessing Way of Southern Italian Folk Medicine, Part 1 – Gail Faith Edwards
Benedicaria – The Blessing Way of Southern Italian Folk Medicine – Part 2 – Gail Faith Edwards
https://therootcircle.com/blog/2020/5/8/strega
https://therootcircle.com/blog/2020/11/12/what-is-a-witch
https://www.italianfolkmagic.com
Influence of Catholicism
Lifethroughspirit acknowledges the violent and genocidal impact of Catholicism on historically marginalized communities such as the 2sLGBTQ+ community, Indigenous, First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities, and Black and Brown folks of the global majority. While Folk Magic has direct ties to Catholicism, Lifethroughspirit operates through an anti-oppressive lens to Catholicism by inclusive and anti-oppressive approaches to spirituality and Catholicism. One way to do this is by embodying a practice that directly acknowledges and addresses oppression and discrimination within the Catholic community. Some of the principles of inclusive and anti-oppressive Catholicism include:
Recognizing and challenging systems of oppression: This includes recognizing how systems of oppression, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and classism, operate within the Church and society at large and actively working to challenge and dismantle them.
Valuing diversity: This includes recognizing and valuing the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the Catholic community and creating spaces where all voices can be heard and respected.
Centring marginalized perspectives: This includes actively listening to and centring the voices and experiences of marginalized groups within the Church, such as BIPOC folks, LGBTQIA+ people, women, and people with disabilities.
Practicing intersectionality: This includes understanding how different forms of oppression intersect and affect individuals differently and working to address these intersections in a comprehensive way.
Prioritizing justice and equity: This includes working towards creating a Church and society that is just and equitable for all people, regardless of their identities or backgrounds.
Constantly reflecting, learning and growing: This includes continually reflecting on one's biases and privileges, being open to learning and growing, and being accountable for one's actions.