Building a Legacy of Wellness in the Filipino Community
Written by Ariel Landrum, LCSW
Co-Lead, Therapin*y Kapwa Network Greater Los Angeles Chapter
October is Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino diaspora. As Filipinos navigating life in the United States, we often grapple with balancing the collective wisdom of our Filipino roots with the individualistic values of American culture. This tension between community-centered kapwa and personal independence can be challenging to reconcile. Yet, in this balancing act, we find opportunities to create a new legacy—one that honors our ancestors while thriving in our present.
In celebration of this month, the Greater Los Angeles Therapin*y Chapter proudly reflects on our theme: PAMANA: Legacy of Wellness. We aim to create spaces where healing, emotional freedom, and wellness can flourish across generations, ensuring that the values of both cultures unite in our pursuit of well-being.
Wellness, for us, is not merely the absence of illness—it’s a holistic journey that embraces the health of the body, mind, spirit, and community. It’s about integrating the wisdom of our past while paving new ways for the next generation to flourish. As a chapter, we held space for an open and heartfelt dialogue with our members, who shared their reflections on the themes of wellness and legacy. Through these conversations, several guiding principles emerged:
Breaking generational cycles: Moving away from emotional numbness and disconnection patterns, replacing them with openness and health consciousness.
Advocating for Balance: Encouraging moderation in all aspects of life—whether it’s emotional regulation, work-life balance, or health choices—to promote a sustainable and healthy way of living.
Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge: Actively rediscovering and integrating Filipino ancestral healing practices that have been lost or overlooked, such as herbal remedies, communal healing, and spiritual practices, to reconnect with our roots and cultural identity.
Fostering joy and emotional freedom: Supporting the next generation in experiencing all emotions without shame while embracing inner child work to heal past wounds.
Making space for marginalized voices: Actively decolonizing wellness practices to ensure inclusivity for marginalized communities, recognizing their right to well-being.
By embracing these guiding principles, we actively honor the wisdom of our ancestors while creating a new legacy rooted in healing, connection, and collective well-being. This journey embodies the value of kapwa, recognizing that our well-being is deeply interconnected with that of others. It is not a path we walk alone—it’s a shared movement toward nurturing wellness across generations.
To support this, we invite you to explore practical ways to create your wellness legacy. Whether through personal practices, family traditions, or community advocacy, these actionable tips will help you embody the spirit of PAMANA: Legacy of Wellness in your daily life.
Actionable Tips for Building Wellness Legacies
For Individuals and Families:
Engage in Inner Child Work: Reflect on your upbringing and how it influences your present emotional well-being. Permit yourself to heal by acknowledging your emotions and making room for joy. Breaking cycles of emotional disconnection starts with allowing yourself to feel.
Reclaim Indigenous Knowledge: Discover the richness of Filipino ancestral healing practices, whether it's through herbal remedies, meditation, or community rituals. Incorporating these practices can be a powerful way to reconnect with your heritage and improve your health.
Create Family Wellness Rituals: Small, intentional daily practices can foster a healthier family environment. Prioritize mindful eating, regular movement, and stress-reducing habits to build a legacy of health your family can carry forward.
Find Support from a Therapist or Healer: Connecting with a therapist or healer can guide you as you navigate your wellness journey. Explore the Therapin*y network to find a professional who understands the cultural nuances of your experiences and can support you in your path to healing.
For Therapists, Healers, and Community Leaders:
Practice Advocacy for Wellness: Your voice is crucial in advocating for accessible mental health and holistic care in the Filipino community. Whether in your practice or community work, promoting equitable access to resources will help decolonize wellness and create space for marginalized voices.
Connect with the Professional Community: Join wellness groups or participate in case consultation events like ours. Our monthly consultation group, held every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, offers a space for Filipino professionals to come together, share insights, and discuss wellness strategies for our community. RSVP at info@wellnesswithandreajakucs.com to join the conversation and contribute to building this collective legacy.
Provide Culturally Affirming Care: As therapists and healers, creating spaces that honor our shared cultural heritage is vital. Use trauma-informed approaches that respect the lived experiences of the Filipino diaspora, making room for ancestral wisdom and decolonizing traditional care models.
Share Your Wellness Legacy
As we build this legacy, we encourage you to reflect on your journey. Whether you’re working to break cycles in your family or advocating for change in your community, every step counts. Reach out, connect with others, and share your story. Together, we can build a legacy of wellness that honors our past while nurturing our future.
