Tea With Tameka

“Caring for myself is not self indulgence, it is sel preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” Audre Lorde

Self-care: care for oneself, healthcare provided by oneself without the consultation of medical professional.

Self care isn’t new the term was coined back in the 1950’s to describe how patients who were institutionalized could cultivate a sense of self worth through acts of care and preservation. It spread in the 1960’s as part of the Civil Rights movement to make sure activist and protestors were taking care themselves and others around them. For the activist and protestors it was also about more than health and fitness but a political statement because Black people had to focus on taking care of themselves because of the government and medical agencies denying treatment. The Black Panther Party was a great example of what community self care should be they offered wellness initiatives that included medical professionals, counselors and aid programs at no charge.

Self-care strictly based off of its origins is more than paying for that exclusive membership to the gym or an afternoon getting mani/pedi with your girlfriends. Self-care is different that treating oneself. Self care is caring for yourself so that you are at your best self for society. If we look at the Black Panther Party model we should be thinking of not just ourselves but all ensuring that are neighbor as has access to wellness and self care.

What are some ways that you do self care that has minimal cost?