A LETTER TO OAKLAND FAMILIES ADDRESSING Dear Families,
In the wake of a turbulent year marked by insecurity, fear, anxiety and grief, many are left in disbelief over the unprecedented insurrection that unfolded in the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6th. We watched the assault on American Democracy and the destruction and blatant disregard of federal property and public servants. Many of us likely feel exhausted. This event adds to the compounded stress for Black, Indigenous People of Color who have gone through so much including exacerbated hardships of systemic racism and inequity illuminated by COVID-19, the emotional toll and labor of rallying against police brutality, and a volatile election season. We understand the pain of this moment is not isolated. As we face the ongoing resurfacing of institutional racism, we must collectively seek ways to heal ourselves and our community. Today we want to remind our community that we all stand on the shoulders of our ancestors who experienced and overcame unimaginable challenges (slavery, the walk of tears, the fight for civil rights, fleeing homelands due to violence and persecution, the Jim Crow era, genocide, Exclusion Acts, WWII and border separations, interment camps, civil wars, etc.). Our ancestors’ strength and resilience is embedded in our DNA and we can call on that ancestral medicine and wisdom to aid us in our healing. We want to remind parents and caregivers that right now self-care is absolutely essential. Loving, supporting and being present with your family and loved ones is a balm for times like these. Lotus Bloom remains committed to uplifting and supporting Oakland families to come together as a community to provide children with a rich learning foundation. Most of all, we want you to know that you can count on us to continue providing family-centered programs and resources that center you, your healing, your growth and empowerment. We encourage you to take care of yourself and nurture your connection with loved ones, take time to breathe deeply, practice moments of mindfulness, incorporate gratitude, recharge in nature and seek ways to nourish your soul. We love you and we are here for you, always. In Caring Community, All of us at Lotus Bloom
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THE POWER OF PLAY by Lotus Bloom Social Media Intern, Evan Quan Evan Quan is a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley, pursuing a degree in Cognitive Science and Data Science. Evan has a demonstrated commitment to empowering and encouraging young people in counseling, STEM, and learning contexts. This commitment led him to the opportunity to staff a position of Social Media Intern at Lotus Bloom in the summer of 2020. Over the course of his internship, Evan worked closely with content of Lotus Bloom's soon to be published Playgroup Curriculum. In the culminating project of the Social Media Internship, Evan introduces core learnings about the power of play and the invaluable role of care givers in supporting children's learning and fulfillment. Evan draws upon his own experiences working with youth to translate Lotus Bloom's evidence-based practices for a fresh and encouraging take on early childhood education and child development. When we think of play, it can be imagined as a chaotic free for all--children yelling, cardboard and crayons strewn everywhere, a scene most families are already used to. However, with the support of caregivers and parents, play can be so much more than chaos! Play is a way to empower and develop young children. From ages 0-5 and even beyond that, play is the primary way children are able to learn mentally, physically, and emotionally. When supported, play can foster an environment where children are able to cooperate and create together, turning something routine and boring like math into an exciting project to tackle.
Easy Wellbeing Tips for Smoky Weatherby Rha Bowden, Director of Learning and Community Initiatives Hey there, Community.
In the spirit of health and wellness I thought it would be a good idea to share some health tips to improve our lung health during these smokey days. Here are some natural remedies to promote lung and respiratory health. Garlic: The anti-inflammatory properties along with a high level of allicin helps to fight infections and reduces inflammation. Garlic has also been considered by many as being an effective remedy in improving asthma and can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Apples: An apple is healthy, loaded with nutrients, high energy, high fiber, low calorie food. Its flavonoids and the wide variety of vitamins, and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, helps us to maintain a strong immune system and a healthy respiratory system. When we have healthy respiratory functions, we can fight off lung diseases and prevent them naturally. Ginger: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties ginger will help to clear your lungs naturally. You can add ginger to various dishes as it is a widely used herb. Also you can add it in your morning tea.You can also use it to prepare ginger tea blended with some lemon in it. This is beneficial to remove toxins from the respiratory tract. Green tea: Drink a cup of your favourite herbal green tea before going to bed to release toxins in the intestine that can lead to constipation or other stomach ailments. You should refrain from overloading your lungs with tedious work during this purification process. A Letter in Solidarity with the Black Community |
AuthorDanielle Royston-Lopez is the Director of Development at Lotus Bloom Archives
January 2021
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Lotus Bloom
555 19th Street, Unit 131 Oakland, CA 94612 Tel: (510) 735-9222 |
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please call to make an appointment Monday - Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed All photos are a gift of local photographer Emmalaine Berry |
Lotus Bloom is a 501(c)3 non-profit. 51-0662715
Copyright © 2018 Lotus Bloom - All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2018 Lotus Bloom - All Rights Reserved.