Claiming Each Other

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: Identity, Inclusion, Belonging, Resilience, Emotional Intelligence, Community Building, conflict resolution, somatic healing, decolonisation, cultural heritage

Decolonising Minds and Bodies

Lorie Solis explores the generative potential of conflict, the significance of somatic healing, and the complexity of embracing mixed heritage and ancestral practices to foster belonging and connection across divides.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Lorie Solis explore the journey of reclaiming identity and belonging. Lorie, a profound healer and educator, shares her transformative experiences in reconciling her heritage and addressing personal traumas. The discussion delves into how Lorie's move to Portugal, near Europe's first slave market, prompted crucial self-reflection about her mixed ancestry, thus facilitating her healing journey.

Lorie Solis, a somatic trauma worker, body worker, educator, herbalist, and healer, brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insight. With a Puerto Rican mother and a Mexican American father with native roots, Lorie embodies a complex identity involving both coloniser and colonised lineage. Her work, particularly the "Claiming Each Other" methodology, is designed to build resilient connections across various divides. By treating conflict as a creative force, Lorie helps individuals navigate deeply personal and ancestral conflicts through a somatic approach.

The episode highlights the impact of societal expectations on personal identity and explores how somatic practices can align one's values with their actions, fostering authenticity. Joanne and Lorie touch on the challenges faced by those with mixed ancestry in finding a sense of belonging, both in the US and Europe. The conversation addresses the importance of confronting one's heritage with curiosity and resilience, especially amidst complex social and political climates. Lorie also discusses the significance of somatic healing in managing conflict and de-escalating tensions, offering practical insights for listeners.

Lorie explains how her practices have led to self-knowledge and personal fulfilment, emphasising the necessity of community and connectedness in overcoming feelings of loneliness. The episode underscores the importance of viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth and the courage required to deviate from familiar but unfulfilling paths. Joanne encourages listeners to consider their own lineage and identity, and engage with the Inclusion Bites community to foster ongoing conversations about inclusion and belonging.A key takeaway from this episode is the transformative power of addressing one's heritage and personal traumas through somatic practices. Lorie's insights into reconciling complex identities and building resilient connections offer valuable guidance for anyone navigating the multifaceted journey of self-discovery and belonging. This episode provides practical tools for viewing conflicts as generative forces and aligning personal values with actions, fostering a deeper sense of authenticity and community.

Published: 14.11.2024

Recorded: 07.10.2024 Episode Length

Duration: 1:02:42

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
The Inclusion Bites Podcast #134: Claiming Each Other
Other Links
seechangehappen.co.uk SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Timestamps

Relationship Deal Breakers in Modern Times: “But in these last years, we’ve seen a lot of deal breakers around really big topics around the pandemic and around the me too movement and Black Lives Matter and trans liberation and Palestine, Israel.”
— Lorie Solis [00:13:08 → 00:13:22]

Grassroots Activism: “I’ve always been very politically active on grassroots levels in the states. But my activism or what I consider my activism has really moved towards focusing on my community scale relationships.”
— Lorie Solis [00:15:09 → 00:15:23]

The Power of Vulnerability: “And that challenges my opinions sometimes on who I think Israelis are, for example, and what I feel about the Israeli government to sit and care together and to be let in to their unique vulnerabilities. It’s really a privilege.”
— Lorie Solis [00:16:12 → 00:16:29]

Decolonization and Land: “When you speak to indigenous people across the globe, decolonization necessarily means land back.”
— Lorie Solis [00:22:48 → 00:22:56]

The Power of Reindigenization: “So decolonization for me is about a deep dive into my belief systems and how I embody them, where those came from, and purposely reconnecting to my indigenous landscapes.”
— Lorie Solis [00:24:00 → 00:24:13]

Decolonising Ancestry: “I when I do somatic decolonisation work with people that don’t have names, places, dates, don’t have access to that data, we go into the mind body, and we trust the wisdom of that with curiosity to see what kinds of landscapes are we really drawn to.”
— Lorie Solis [00:29:58 → 00:30:15]

“Dealing with Conflict”: “Conflict can feel like disconnection from someone I love and care about that’s saying they love and care about me, but yet they’re presenting some opinions or material here that’s making me feel uncared for, unseen.”
— Lorie Solis [00:30:53 → 00:31:01]

Healing on Unexpected Levels: “To have a space, like, literal space and time to be with those things gave me the opportunity for healing on a level that I didn’t even know that I needed.”
— Lorie Solis [00:37:37 → 00:37:49]

Healing Through Connection: “And I know that when I start to feel lonely or disconnected, that can lead to crabiness, resentment, some hostility, some bitchiness. Right? And then I’m more apt to create conflict. When I when what I need is connection.”
— Lorie Solis [00:46:46 → 00:47:05]

Brain and Ideology: “And people with more, like, liberal or progressive views are they’re activated with their insula in the brain, which is able to actually handle more complexity without the perception of external threat.”
— Lorie Solis [00:59:16 → 00:59:28]

Definition of Terms Used

Somatic Healing

Definition: Somatic healing is a therapeutic practice that treats the body-mind as a unified whole. It involves integrating both cognitive and body-based methods to align thoughts and values, facilitating authenticity and personal agency.
Relevance: This practice is essential for those looking to heal from trauma, as it addresses both the psychological and physiological aspects, promoting holistic well-being.
Examples: Techniques such as body scanning, breathwork, therapeutic touch, and movement exercises are commonly employed in somatic healing.
Related Terms: Mind-Body Connection, Embodiment, Trauma Therapy, Psychosomatic
Common Misconceptions: Many believe that somatic healing is unscientific or solely based on physical exercises, while it actually has a strong psychological component and is supported by evidence-based approaches.

Decolonisation

Definition: Decolonisation refers to the undoing of colonialism, where a nation establishes and maintains its dominance over dependent territories. It involves reclaiming power and autonomy, alongside cultural and spiritual restoration for indigenous peoples.
Relevance: Decolonisation is crucial for addressing historical injustices, restoring land to indigenous communities, and fostering reclamation of cultural identity and traditions.
Examples: Land back movements, policy reforms to support indigenous rights, and efforts to revive native languages and customs.
Related Terms: Postcolonialism, Reparation, Cultural Revitalisation, Autonomy
Common Misconceptions: Some view decolonisation solely as a political endeavour, overlooking its cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous peoples.

Generative Conflict

Definition: Generative conflict is the concept of viewing conflicts as creative forces with the potential for growth and positive change, rather than as purely negative encounters.
Relevance: Recognising the generative potential of conflicts can transform relationships and communities by fostering deeper understanding and resilience.
Examples: Constructive debates in team settings, conflict resolution workshops, and family mediations that lead to stronger relationships.
Related Terms: Conflict Resolution, Creative Tension, Mediation, Relational Dynamics
Common Misconceptions: Many perceive conflict as inherently destructive, failing to see the opportunities for dialogue and improvement that it can bring.

Edge Worker

Definition: An edge worker is someone who operates at the fringes of established communities or social norms, often acting as a mediator or bridge between diverse groups.
Relevance: Edge workers play a crucial role in fostering inclusion and understanding across different social, cultural, or political divides.
Examples: Community organisers who bring together various groups, activists working on intersectional issues, and educators addressing marginalised voices.
Related Terms: Social Bridging, Intersectionality, Mediation, Boundary Spanning
Common Misconceptions: Edge workers are sometimes seen as outsiders without influence, but they are often key agents of change within their communities.

Ancestral Practices

Definition: Ancestral practices involve engaging in cultural, spiritual, and traditional activities that honour and connect with one’s heritage and lineage.
Relevance: These practices help individuals maintain a connection with their roots, providing a sense of identity and continuity amidst modern life.
Examples: Indigenous ceremonies, storytelling traditions, herbal medicine, and family rituals passed down through generations.
Related Terms: Cultural Heritage, Traditions, Spiritual Practices, Lineage
Common Misconceptions: Some may view ancestral practices as outdated or irrelevant, not appreciating their profound impact on personal and cultural identity.