A New Beginning
I attended the Women and Physical Power Workshop,1 led by Teresa Enrico.2 As an older African-heritage female, at first I did not feel that this was a workshop for me. But I found that it was just right for me! I was able to discharge some of the old discouragement I had carried around for years. I could tell3 where the oppression of older women had stored in my body and where I had given up on playing and being physically active.
Teresa asked us what games we remembered playing as girls. She also asked us at what age we’d had to give up on playing. These questions helped me think about the oppression that has held me captive and kept me from discharging old hurts related to physical fitness. The more I discharged, the better I thought about allowing myself to play and be more physical, and the more I could tell that I have a body that is just right.
Despite the oppression of older women, I was able to stay connected to others and make the workshop work for me. I have been able to use it as a new beginning in being more involved with my body and reclaiming my ability to be physical and play.
Harlem, New York, New York, USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail
discussion list for leaders of women
1 A workshop held this past August on the East Coast of the United States
2 Teresa Enrico is the International Liberation Reference Person for Pacific Islander and Pilipino/a-Heritage People.
"Tell" means notice.