The 7 Days of Kwanzaa: Day 2 - Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
Kujichagulia means self-determination. To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. One of the most detrimental consequences of slavery and colonization was being stripped of our identity and sense of knowing who we are. In his book, "Breaking The Chains of Psychological Slavery," Dr. Na'im Akbar wrote the following excerpt:
“In order to address the problem of "breaking the chains of mental slavery" there is a simple but important idea that must be understood. This idea is actually true for all human beings but has special importance for the people in the current condition of Black people. This idea is that human beings are a very special form of creation; we have a very unique place in nature. We are the only life form in nature who operate based upon our self-consciousness. As human beings, our limitations rest only in ignorance. We must acquire consciousness of who we are and what we have been in order to operate to our full human capacity (pg. 29).”
Being that our minds are largely developed by the indoctrinations of others, we have become separated and disconnected from our inner spirit where our true authentic identity exists. The longer you experience this disconnect the more you are separated from the spirit of yourself.
To start the journey of awakening to your true identity, you must first understand the three distinct parts of the human self: the body, the mind/soul, and the spirit.
The Body - the physical manifestation of your inner self. The shield that protects you and the home of the mind & spirit. Our bodies give us the capabilities to physically carry out the desires of our mind/soul and inner spirit.
The Mind/Soul- This is the programmable part of yourself that does not awaken until you have exited your mother's womb. This is the part of ourselves that is domesticated from birth, easy to manipulate while we are young, and difficult to alter as we age. It is made up of our trauma, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs and is also comprised of three complete parts: the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the unconscious mind.
The Spirit- This is the immutable part of ourselves. Some believe that our spirit was here before the existence of our bodies and minds and will continue to be after they cease to exist. Thus, existing as the part of ourselves that is immortal. Here lies our true self-identity, consciousness, self-awareness, and higher-self. It holds our ability communicate to our higher power, engage in self-healing, connect and love, and experience the supernatural.
In order to awaken to your identity and sense of self, you must decolonize and deconstruct all the indoctrinated, conditioned, and socialized beliefs of your mind. You must heal from your past trauma and the trauma of our ancestors. This is best initiated with a trained mental health therapist that can help guide you along your journey to healing.