Asian History Month & Mental Health Tips – with Jen Maramba

In recognition of Asian Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, I am so honoured to have my sister-in-law Jen Maramba share her insights on mental health awareness along with how she celebrates her Philippine Culture.

A strong presence in the community, she is known as Mama Jen to many and was called from a young age to follow a healer’s path. As an artist and healer, Jen has developed and facilitated arts healing for community groups, organizations and individuals. Her current work in eco-art healing, creates space for individuals and groups to explore the healing power of nature and communicating with nature through a creative process of visual art, sound art and movement.

Jen’s portrait is featured on a mural at the Bentway in Toronto as part of the Memory Work Collective (Mothers of Invention). The movement of this group assembles around notions of healing and ancestral intelligence.

First off, tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I am a mother, partner, daughter, sister, tita (aunt). I am a full-time energy healer, sacred witness and community worker in the the land of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and continues to learn and embody the teachings & sacred contracts of treaties of these lands and waters in the city known as Guelph.

I honour my ancestral lineages of Pangasinan and Panay Island, from the islands commonly known through the colonial name of the ‘Philippines’. 

What does Asian Heritage Month mean to you? 

Asian Heritage Month to me is an opportunity to celebrate my cultural heritage alongside my communities. It is also an opportunity to learn and celebrate other cultures and ancestral lineages from shared lands and waters of ‘Asia’. As a parent, it’s an excellent time to talk with my kids, Kawayan (13), Kaleo (8), nieces and nephews about what it means to identify as Asian and / or to question our shared identity.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture? 

As I celebrate Asian Heritage Month, I reflect on my journey of rediscovering and connecting with my heritage and culture. Growing up in a diasporic upbringing, I realized that there were many aspects of my Filipino culture and heritage that were not emphasized by my parents. With the support of technology and privilege, I have been able to learn more about my culture from a decolonial perspective and in many ways, I feel like I am learning alongside my parents, elders, children and community.

While my family takes pride in being Filipino, there has also been a sense of shame that stems from the pressure to assimilate to Canadian and Western culture. However, through exploring traditional food, music, history, art, and indigenous practices, I have found a sense of joy and freedom in celebrating my culture with my family.

Learning about my heritage and culture has allowed me to better understand and appreciate my roots and has given me a stronger sense of identity. The joy of witnessing my parents remember and take pride in their heritage is one of the most joyous gifts to witness. Witnessing my children, nephews and nieces also take pride and celebrate their cultural heritage in their own ways also brings me so much joy and seeing each one of us be grounded in our identity, in our own ways.

What can others do to celebrate or recognize Asian Heritage Month?

Take time to question and understand what or why Asian Heritage Month is important. Attend local events or support causes that amplify and uplift Asian Heritage. 

Try new foods, learn about the history (locally or even of other places)! There is so much information and events happening, especially in most cities. 

How do you care for your own mental health? 

As someone who has worked in the community as a mental health worker and social service worker, I have learned the importance of discussing and uncovering different ways to express my thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. It is crucial for me to engage in open conversations about my well-being. Personally, I have taken the time to find a therapist whom I trust and feel safe with, although it was a process. Being a person who ponders and questions extensively, it is essential for me to connect with individuals who understand and empathize with me. As someone who was brought up in a home where you don’t question your elders and you follow instructions, these are things I am reclaiming for myself.

Ritual and ceremony that honours my ancestors is also an important act of celebration and connection that supports my psycho-spiritual well-being. It provides a creative and meaningful practice to honour and make offerings to the ones before us – even if I did not get the chance to meet them in person, in this lifetime. My mind is not separate from my body, emotions and spirit. This is an embodied practice to care for my whole-self alongside therapy and community care.

In my life, I have encountered many individuals who share similar thoughts and concerns regarding breaking generational toxic and harmful patterns. These patterns may have originated from my upbringing or cultural influences. However, it is important to clarify that this is not about placing blame on my parents or guardians. Instead, it is about identifying strategies that contribute to my overall well-being, foster healthier connections with family members, and enable me to be the best possible parent for my children. This wellness work is particularly challenging because it addresses the need for recognition, validation, and nurturing that I felt I did not fully receive from my guardians due to time constraints or a lack of tools, while navigating life in Western society.

By addressing these patterns and seeking to break them, I am simultaneously celebrating and uplifting the beautiful ways in which I have been nurtured, as well as the privileges of having access to a wealth of family history and culture. It is important to acknowledge that not everyone has the same level of access, which is why I am committed to working within my community to provide support and resources.

I also cherish conversations like these, as they provide opportunities for self-reflection. Such discussions allow us to confront fear and discomfort, addressing the underlying causes of our unease and questioning our perception of happiness and peace. By delving into the roots of our distress, we can work towards healing and personal growth…and we don’t need to do it alone!

I know that you and the  family have evening routine of gratitude.  Can you share more about that and why you feel it’s important for your family to practice gratitude.  

In many ways, holding a moment of gratitude at the end of night is to support our reflection of the day with one another. Life can be so busy that we forget to be grateful for the simple blessings of everyday life. It’s a moment to hold space and listen to one another, appreciate one another and people in our lives and to challenge our mind + heart to ground in the ‘good’ things in life! My partner Alex and I want to instill a sense of mindfulness and spiritual practice that is reflective, in understanding our privileges and also holds space for embodying thriving energy!

Are there any additional techniques that you would recommend?  

During the pandemic, I developed a ritual of setting multiple timers every hour or couple of hours. When the timer goes off, I give myself permission to pause and take a break from my thoughts or whatever activity I was engaged in. This allows me to take a deep breath and check in with myself for just 1 minute. The brevity of this time period ensures that it won’t disrupt my tasks significantly. Even when driving or attending to my children, it creates a moment to be fully present with my thoughts and emotions, and perhaps even attune to the people and environment around me.

If you’re ready to delve deeper, exploring a connection with your ancestors (in a way that feels safe and aligned with your beliefs) can be a supportive approach to experiencing their guidance and tapping into the profound wisdom they offer. There are many ways one can create connections with their ancestors. This connection can extend not only to you but also to your family and future generations, providing invaluable support and insight. One deep yet fun exploration is to cook an Ancestral meal that holds memory for you, a memory of a loved one , your family or culture. Don’t be afraid to follow a recipe and not get it “right” and allow yourself some autonomy to recreate the meal in a way that feels good for you and your body.

When in doubt, be gentle with yourself and celebrate that you, your body and your life is living proof that your ancestors and descendents are moving through you in wondrous ways. That your culture and heritage is in your blood, memories, hair, skin, eyes, nose and even in the unique ways you express yourself.

So, where can readers get more information and find more about you?

You are welcome to peep my website at www.jenmaramba.com or follow me on Instagram @jenmaramba 

Thank you Jen for the honour of featuring you.

Shine Lily XO