Inspiring Insights Episode 11: Unlearning Wellness with Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (she/her)

We had the honour of hosting Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (she/her) this week. We talked about how to connect with our selves as we navigate our biases in wellness in this Inspiring Insights episode. Widely known as a critical thinker, diversity policy guider, and social change maker, Dr. Cyndi gave us some very thoughtful insights.  We shed light on how we can dismantle white supremacy, unpack wellness and health, discuss language and inclusivity in women's health spaces, and so much more.  Topics included: ‣ What is Health Equity? ‣ The importance of language & inclusivity in women’s health spaces, healing circles, and community groups ‣ What is "lived experience" and what is not? ‣ Removing the shame that is associated with NOT having lived experiences - overcoming the sense of helplessness and the negative self talk around not being worthy enough to speak out. ‣ The assumptions that wellness providers make about our health and their patients' goals and WHY that is problematic ‣ How-to find a considerate practitioner who doesn’t make assumptions and has inclusive language ‣ And lots more!  Who is Dr. Gilbert? Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, ND (she/her) is a naturopathic doctor, author, and faculty member at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. She has over 12 years of experience working with patients from marginalized and/or vulnerable populations, including Indigenous and racialized communities, people who are homeless or street-involved, people living with complex mental health issues, people who use drugs, people living with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people living in poverty.  Cyndi also facilitates cultural competency training for NDs, as well as providing curriculum and policy guidance to naturopathic schools and private clinics. She is the founder and Co-Chair of the Inclusion Diversity Equity and Advocacy (IDEA) Committee at CCNM as well as the Associate Editor for the Vital Link, the peer-reviewed journal of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Cyndi also sits on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors. Cyndi's latest book, Forest Bathing: Discovering health & happiness through the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, published by St. Martin's Press, is available wherever books are sold.  Check out Dr. Cyndi's educational courses: https://drcyndind-school.thinkific.com/  Download the Neutralizing Medical Terminology PDF she mentions in the video here: https://mailchi.mp/5997a74f186f/lgbtq2s4hcps  *IMPORTANT NOTE:* The business formerly known as Kween Wellness has changed its name to one that doesn't appropriate or commodify a term coined from the black & LGBTQ ball-culture community. We would like to apologize for this mistake on our part and have responsibly rebranded to be more inclusive of communities that we'd like to collaborate with and boost up in the future. We met with several community partners and took into account the lived experience of those in our community as we made the decision to rebrand as Reawaken Co. We stand as an example of a business un-learning, and as an education platform we are committed to do more work to raise the voices of culturally sensitive practitioners -- those who, just like us, have committed to actively unlearning systemic injustices often found in discrete ways in our health systems. No one should fall through the cracks again.  For clients, we focus on helping self-identified women navigate the alternative wellness realm so they can live healthier and have a more enjoyable experience as they access alternative wellness & care.  Do you know of an inspired health practitioner that needs their message boosted? Do you know of a self-identified woman in need of good quality, inclusive, alternative wellness providers?  Send them our way. Thank you.  #inspiringinsights @reawaken_co