By Dr. Portia Lockett, Contributing Writer
I was in complete awe of God on Saturday, July 13, 2024!
When you intentionally listen to God and follow His instructions for an assignment, and it comes to fruition in a massive way, all you can do is say thank you for allowing me to be an open, willing vessel. The Azal Benne Lockett Foundation collectively presented a day of Permission.
For over two decades, I have supported individuals grieving from various episodes in life. It only makes sense to provide tools and resources through our foundation to help those grieving for a variety of reasons. The goal of the ABL foundation is to offer the necessary resources to help them navigate their journey of grief by helping them heal, offering them hope and holding their hearts as they travel on the grieving journey.
Approximately 200 people attended this unique experience, which included moments of prayer and meditation to help clear our spirits. We listened to speakers who shared their personal grief stories, mental health experts, and enjoyed music and comedy. The event also featured interactive conversations, African dancers and drummers, and much more. Everyone left feeling totally uplifted, with their cups overflowing.
There are six components of the Permission To… Day.
Permission to Grieve: This provides a platform for grievers to share their stories and receive feedback from mental health experts and clergy on how to navigate their grieving journey.
Permission to Heal: This offers resources and educational tools from a holistic approach to help individuals move to the next level of their journey. Some may benefit from one-on-one therapy or counseling, while others might thrive in a group setting. For some, a more intense approach, such as Trauma Release Therapy or Sound Healing, may be appropriate.
Permission to Live and Laugh: This component is quite therapeutic, as it allows individuals to release endorphins, which help reduce stress. Laughter is indeed great medicine; it has been scientifically proven to boost mood, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall well-being. The Bible also affirms this, stating that laughter does the body good like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). By encouraging moments of joy and laughter, we aim to provide a natural and effective way to heal emotionally and physically.
Permission to Move Forward: After carefully assessing how far we have come on our journeys, this component focuses on the mechanisms we can put in place to continue moving forward without feeling guilty. Moving forward can be challenging, especially when dealing with grief, but it is essential for healing and growth. We provide strategies such as setting realistic goals, practicing self-compassion, and creating a support network to ensure individuals feel empowered to take the next steps. It is important to acknowledge that moving forward does not mean forgetting or dishonoring the past but rather embracing a future where one can find joy and purpose again.
Permission to Celebrate: After putting in the work and receiving the assistance needed to move forward, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate one’s accomplishments. This component emphasizes the importance of acknowledging personal growth and milestones, no matter how small. Celebrating can take many forms, from sharing your achievements with loved ones to treating yourself to something special. It could also involve reflecting on your journey and expressing gratitude for the progress made. Celebrating reinforces positive behavior, boosts self-esteem, and provides motivation to continue on the path of healing and growth. Remember, every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
For more information on grief support, you can reach out to the Azalbennelockettfoundation.org
Dr. Portia Lockett
For more inspiration regarding grief and other subject matters visit me at:
DrPortiaLockett.com
IG: Portia Lockett
Face Book: Portia Lockett
LinkedIn: Dr. Portia Lockett