Black Lives Matter – Forgiveness, freedom and a fresh start

How we can all reconcile from our hidden colonial history

It has been a completely unique and world-changing year so far. In this blog post, AUM owner Hansa Pankhania looks at how her experiences of growing up in the Colonial Era in Kenya, are still very relevant today and how we can use this to make this world a better place.

’There is a lot of British bashing going on now, with the media coverage on the history of slavery, colonialism and black lives matter. There is no doubt that exploitation happened.  

Is it time for those affected to forgive? After all, Nelson Mandela’s famous quote after his release from prison was

 ‘I would still be in prison if I did not forgive.’

The path of recrimination, revenge and war does not solve anything except put us back into our mental prisons. As someone who has lived in Kenya during the colonial era, I would suggest it is time for all of us to let go of the shackles of anger and injustice, and make a fresh start as equal human beings. Aim to be part of a fair human race and no other. Treat each other with love and compassion. That is the only way forward.

There is also room for gratitude. The British built railways and the infrastructure that has been beneficial economically to those countries. It is because of the colonial distribution of labour across the world that Indians and other communities have a global base and an advantage because of the English language.

We can make a lot of good from a bad situation by claiming our freedom. Let us forgive and make a fresh start into the human race where we are all brimming with respect and care for each other.’

In her autobiographical book Best of Three Worlds, Hansa offers a solution to the issue of the mental shackles of colonial shared history. She explains how we can reconcile our past and make a fresh start.

 The book will:

  • Educate you on shared colonial history and enable reconciliation
  • Immerse you in the richness of Indian, African and English cultures
  • Help you benefit from Eastern and Western health techniques and philosophies
  • Show you how to gain confidence and self-belief.

Best of Three Worlds is a true story, giving you a first-person insight on life for African and Indian communities in Kenya and India during the Colonial Era. It has a first-hand account of when Kenya got its Independence from Britain, as well as the events before and after Independence. 

Hansa also passes on values, experiences, universal and natural mindfulness-based principles and practices, that have helped her to deal with these stressful times, sustain wellbeing, resilience and direction in her life. The lessons learned and practices she adopts are from three continents, from which her ancestors originate, and are tried and tested over generations.  

Her aim is to share these insights with a wide audience, for these to be a catalyst for seismic positive changes that will break down the barriers between different sections of society.

To read more get your copy here

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