A holistic research and praxis institute that advances restorative healing and Ubuntu culture across Africa, Ìmọ́lẹ̀ of Afrika Centre (ìAfrika) has emphasized the importance of healing and the crucial role it plays in the society.

At the just concluded Healing Soulidarity Virtual Project (HSVP), several contributors, such as Dr. Ifunanya Dimaku, described healing as a holistic integration of the body, mind, and heart. Ehikioya Ataman views healing as synonymous with freedom, allowing one to navigate situations with a degree of equanimity. His sentiments about freedom are echoed by Ablavi Gokou-Adjaka, who defines healing as the regeneration of the self, rooted in inner freedom, optimism, and awareness while recognising our limitations as humans. Dr. Toyin Ajao advances this understanding by seeing healing as the process of self-discovery, soul alignment, and freedom.
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The HSVP campaign was designed to cultivate online conversations centered on healing justice, communal wellbeing and Ubuntuism. HSVP featured a series of enlightening conversations that explored the diverse and multifaceted nature of healing. The project gathered insights from contributors across spaces and experiences, offering unique perspectives on what healing means to them, what they do for their healing and how they walk with others in healing solidarity for a more connected humanity.

The intergenerational and collective dynamics of healing are highlighted by Ayomide Olude, who links personal healing to broader social change, emphasising that healing is about transforming oppressive systems to address intergenerational trauma and injustices, while Randriarimanana Lalaina, finds healing as reconnecting and being at peace with her thoughts.

For Esther Olubi, enjoying nature, gardening, and professional therapy once a week are key aspects of her process while surrounding herself with like-minded individuals. Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, Nnedinma Ulanmo, Adé Adéniji, and Clinton McDubus, strengthen their inner worlds through activities such as ritualising their joy through resting, listening to uplifting stories and music, embracing solitude, and journaling, respectively. Tosin Odunlami practises self-talk, deep breathing, meditation and prayers.

All contributors further underline what they are doing for their wellbeing in cultures that stigmatise mental health and emotional vulnerability through DIY and community-based holistic approaches. Dominique Dryding and Grace Jennifer Samuel regularly meditate, dance, eat nutritious food, read inspiring books, and engage in continuous learning. Mx. Emmanuella David-ette and Dike Nwike Ojeah prioritise finding solace in solitude, seeking closure, listening to music, engaging in sports activities, journalling and practising heart-based reflections.

What stands out from all the contributions is the intentionality to cater to mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, not only in the moment but as a sustainable practice rooted in resilience, empathy and self-care.

HSVP is one of the many initiatives of ìAfrika to advance restorative healing and promote Ubuntu culture across Africa through holistic and empirical restorative healing research and praxis. By addressing and transforming contemporary manifestations of intergenerational and collective trauma, ìAfrika aims to promote social cohesion and improve the structural, cultural, relational, and personal wellbeing of Africans.
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