ABSTRACT
This paper will explore the interconnection of the body-science, specifically neuroscience, of how our bodies survive the trauma of interlocking systems of oppression, and which parts of our nervous systems, brain and body, are necessary to connect to effectively create systems change.
The overall purpose of the work is to offer a detailed description of how vital our relationship with our body sensations, breath, and movement is to our capacity to engage in anti-oppressive healing relationships with ourselves, others and our communities. Additionally, the piece will highlight how necessary it is to include a trauma-sensitive relationship with our body-based epigenetic survival patterns as foundational to the solutions that we co-create for social justice and healing work. The paper concludes with questions for the reader to utilize in applying the body-based science of trauma-sensitive relationship design & anti-oppressive systems change.
