Scholar of the Month: Mar Wilson

Mar is a member of the 2019 All Ways Up Cohort and a sophomore at Colorado College where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Ethnobotany. Mar is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and in his spare time, he enjoys hiking, yoga, cooking and spending time with friends and family. We want to thank Mar for leading three virtual Yoga and Mindfulness classes for our scholars. #WellnessWednesdays

1. How are you doing during these uncertain certain times? What are you doing to provide balance?

Overall, with COVID-19 and BLM movement taking place, I am doing ok. I am taking this time to hold space for me to work on myself and take it one day at a time. What I have been doing to provide balance is a lot of painting and eating.

2. Despite everything that's going on, what accomplishments are you most proud of? Any future plans?

So far I have bought a website and domain to create an online community/ health and wellness platform for black healers. I just completed my yoga training and I finished level two of my Holy Fire Reiki training. But my favorite accomplishment thus far has been raising rosemary seedlings and starting my journey with plant medicine.

3. Did you experience any type of Zoom or digital burnout from the transition to remote learning? If so, how did you address it or recuperate?

I did experience Zoom and/or digital burnout from the transition to remote learning. Especially headaches every so often. I address this by taking a lot of mental health days and breaks from my phone.

4. What are some of your favorite activities that keep you active or out of the house while social distancing and stay at home orders are in place?

A lot of community conversations among a variety of online groups, painting, talking with plants, a lot of eating, and yoga.

5. What are some healthy tips you can give to our community about adjusting to the new normal?

As you see everyone completing projects and/or see people on social media who look like they are being very productive, just know that holding space for yourself to rest and/or unplug from the world is productive. This isn’t a time to compete, instead it’s a time for self-healing and holding space for one another to grow into the best that we can be. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep and pick up that book that you have been trying to read for months.

Take this time for yourself.