Hi Reader,

Heads up, this will probably be one of the longer emails you read today, but trust me—it's going to be worth it.

So, I’ve been thinking…

Is it just me, or have you also noticed that mental health and wellness have become hot topics lately?

I mean, it makes sense given the many issues we’re facing as a society: from gun violence to disparate treatment in healthcare, workplace burnout and discrimination, a mass exodus from spiritual organizations, higher rates of depression, and the list goes on and on and on…

Oftentimes, the conversation around mental health and wellness so quickly becomes all about self-care (i.e., getting massages, setting boundaries, etc.)

Now don’t get me wrong, self-care is important—but it doesn’t lead to wellness.
Well, why is that? When we are focused on self-care, we tend to do just that—focus on ourselves, by ourselves.

Malcolm X once said, “When [I] is replaced with [We], even illness becomes wellness.”
Bottom line: We need each other.
​Wellness occurs in community!

But, we can’t have wellness without wholeness.

The truth is…
… somewhere along the way, we learned to mask ourselves.
However, in masking ourselves, we’ve hidden or even released pieces of ourselves.
We’ve given up… our wholeness.

Think about how easy it is to bring only pieces of ourselves into certain spaces.
At work, we choose professionalism over personality.
In our homes, we give in to our roles and overlook relationships.
And in our communities, we choose distance over connection.
​How can we truly experience wellness if we aren’t even being our whole selves?

What if I told you that you could bring your whole self into EVERY space you inhabit?

For me, this year has been a gift and opportunity to not only step into this conversation more boldly for myself, but to support others that I love and respect to do the same.

I've gotten to work with a diverse range of clients—from small teams struggling to untangle knots of miscommunication, to global corporations paralyzed by poor team dynamics and the imbalances of power.

This has brought me face to face with folks in states of frustration, confusion and even despair, uncertain of how to show up fully for themselves and in their relationships.

What I love most is that our collaborations never just skim the surface, but always inspire breakthroughs and lasting change.
​The work is real, sometimes hard, and always transformative.

Because of this, teams who otherwise would be stuck were able to build tangible skills and actionable practices in areas that once held them back—eliminating barriers for bringing their 'whole selves' into every situation, and getting them closer to wellness.

So I ask…

With less than 100 days until 2024, how will you connect more wholly with yourself and those around you? And not rhetorically - I’d really love to hear from you! Press ‘reply’ and let me know what’s on your heart.

Know someone who might benefit from reading this? I humbly request that you forward this message to at least one other person you love, admire, and respect and have them [follow me & subscribe here].

Are you part of an organization or team that would benefit from speaking, training, or consultation support? Interested in my work? I’d love to connect! [Book a consultation call with me to share about your vision for your team or organization.]​

Until we meet (in your inbox) again.

P.S. Be sure to keep an eye out for more good news, resources & inspiration that I'll be sharing soon. Together, we'll create a community of wholeness and wellness.

--

In Ubuntu,

Dr. Ebony White
Founder & CEO, Sikhona Sanctuary LLC
e: info@drebonywhite.com
w: www.dreboywhite.com​

Ubuntu | I am because we are, and because we are, I am.