What is your relationship with freedom? That is one of the questions posed to those who attended the MGH Institute’s Juneteenth celebration on Tuesday in 1CW. Asked by Dzidzor (Jee-Jaw), a Ga-Ewe folklore, performing artist, author, and entrepreneur, the question wasn’t asked to generate discussion or find an answer but one of the ways she included those in attendance in a unique moving meditation experience that also celebrated the memory of those honored during Juneteenth.

Dzidzor encouraged the participants to walk, letting their bodies take them on whatever path it wanted while being aware of what they were feeling physically and emotionally.  She shared words and ideas from history, books, and other sources to connect the meditation journey to those honored by the Juneteenth holiday, who dreamed so many into being. She also related the experience to the importance of slowing down in our daily lives.  

“All of our ancestors taught us about the power of slowing down and pausing and remembering,” shared Dzidzor. “Remembering their existence, remembering who we are, remembering where we come from, but also that we're not machines, and at some point, there needs to be a practice of, what am I saying in this moment? What is happening within my own body? That's how we preserve ourselves and history and the lineages that we cover.” 

For the School of Nursing’s Program Lead, Prelicensure Namica Thevenin, taking part had a lot of value. 

“I feel like this was needed because I'm going to go right back to work and be busy but to just pause for an hour, and reset and be present with myself, I feel like I gained something by coming,” said Thevenin.

Hosted by the Mission, Values, and Community Excellence (MVCE) Office, the event finished with attendees writing down how they planned to slow down, pause, and dream. MVCE provided items that people could take with them for their own restoration and replenishment such as sensory stickers, Juneteenth bookmarks and pens, scented shower steamers, and an assortment of calming teas. 

“I hope people were able to walk away feeling energized and connected,” said Director of Community Excellence, Education and Programs Callie Watkins Liu. “To me, Juneteenth, really is about dreaming and freedom. It is about connecting in with yourself and reflecting on how and where you want to be. Dzidzor opened a up a powerful opportunity to do just that. I am grateful that we were able to bring this to the IHP community this year. Hopefully. we will continue doing sessions like this for Juneteenth in the future.”