In June, we embarked on a journey to Sydney for the Wesley Mission Youth Mindfulness Retreat, an experience we were grateful to be invited to deliver Sisters Healing Space Workshops with the young people attending the retreat and staff. In this blog post, we invite you to join us as we reflect on the profound moments and insights gained during this enriching retreat.

Mindfulness and Cultural Connections

This retreat was carefully designed to help us embrace mindfulness while recognizing the significance of our cultural backgrounds. Sisters Healing Space facilitated two unique workshops, “Pressed but not Crushed” and “Planting Healing Trees,” with a strong focus on mental well-being. We strongly believe in destigmatizing mental health and wellness practices, and this belief shines through in our workshops. Our primary focus was on well-being, equipping young people with essential mental health tools, and fostering an inclusive journey into mindfulness. This approach allowed us to connect deeply with our cultural roots and personal identities while learning about mindfulness through a culturally informed lens. One participant expressed, “The workshop helped me form a stronger connection with myself, and the tools provided aided me in managing my emotions more effectively.” Another participant shared, “Through these workshops, I found inner peace within myself and with those around me.”

Highlights from The Workshop

Emotional Well-being and Mindfulness

Our workshops explored with the young people practical emotion management techniques, including deep breathing and connecting with nature. These methods were designed to integrate wellness, cultural practices exploring their identity and cultural roots. One participant aptly said, “I gained insights into better managing my mental health and discovered valuable techniques, including the power of the breathing exercises.” Another participant noted, “These workshops introduced me to new ways of coping with personal challenges.” A third participant emphasized, “The breathing exercises were particularly instrumental in maintaining emotional balance.”

Early Intervention and Empowerment

Our workshops are crucial in early intervention, especially among young people, and in exploring our identity and self-esteem. We introduced mindfulness techniques and emotional resilience strategies, empowering the young people to recognize and manage stress and anxiety at an early stage. The safe environment we created encouraged open conversations about mental well-being. Furthermore, incorporating cultural identity and heritage into the workshops fostered a sense of belonging and cultural pride, protecting young individuals against mental health challenges.

Inner Peace

A  remarkable outcome of the workshops was the discovery of inner peace. Our workshops prompted self-reflection, enabling young individuals, to reflect on both their external and internal selves. This introspective journey allowed them to explore self-esteem and navigate the challenges of conforming to societal influences. “These workshops allowed me to find inner peace within myself and with others,” remarked one participant.

Acceptance and Identity

Our workshops significantly contributed to promoting self-acceptance and connection with their cultural identity. Delving into the significance of generational strengths and family traditions highlighted how these aspects can be passed down to the younger generation. We explored generational strengths and family traditions, recognizing their impact on our cultural identity. “I learned to accept myself and my cultural identity. These workshops helped me recognize the strengths I’ve inherited from my family and culture,” shared one participant. Another young person simply yet profoundly stated, “I understand the identity of my roots.”

Ancestral Reflection

Their reflections extended beyond oneself and included their ancestors and family members. This broader perspective allowed them to explore the roots and  lineage. One participant said, “Yes, it made me reflect not only on myself as an individual but also on my ancestors and family.” The workshops also touched upon the potential for inter-generational healing, emphasizing that just as trauma can be passed down, so can healing. Reflecting on their lineage, young people were able to identify that their ancestors have passed on more than just wounds but also generational gifts.

Self-Discovery

The retreat served as a platform for personal exploration, allowing them to uncover aspects of themselves, their culture, and their history that resonated with them.

Thank You

The Wesley Mission Youth Mindfulness Retreat in Sydney transcended mindfulness. It represented a profound exploration of holistic mental wellness, cultural understanding, and self-discovery for us as young individuals. The reflection and feedback highlight our Workshop and collaboration’s positive impact on us by empowering us to deepen our self-awareness and strengthen our connection to our cultural heritage through mindfulness. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wesley Mission Team  and the exceptional young people who actively participated in these transformative workshops. Your journey and growth inspire us, and we look forward to continuing this empowering work together.

Our Workshops:

Booking Sisters Healing Space for a workshop ensures a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed experience. We can provide workshops nationally and internationally, tailored to meet your needs. Our expertise is delivering seminars for diverse groups, including CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities, First Nations, FDV (Family and Domestic Violence) shelters, and refugees. Our past collaborations with organizations like Zointa House, Ngaala Djookan Healing Center, and work with survivors of sexual abuse and FDV showcase our commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces for healing and growth. Contact us to explore how our workshops can benefit your community or organization.