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Violent Histories and Repair: Exploring the Critical Study of Systemic Violence and the Preventative Power of Wellness Practices
Systemic violence is embedded within the institutions and practices that govern societies, and its effects can be deeply ingrained over generations. While much focus has been placed on healing trauma after its occurrence, this article explores how wellness practices can serve as preventative interventions — not just to heal, but to interrupt cycles of violence before they take hold, utilizing mind-body practices and community rituals to foster a culture of awareness, safety and perseverance.
Historically, systemic violence — whether rooted in colonialism, apartheid, or patriarchy — is not merely a series of violent acts but a cultural phenomenon that is normalized through both institutional practices and social rituals. As scholars like Foucault (1975) and Hooks (2000) have pointed out, the normalization of violence often occurs in ways that obscure its deep institutional roots. Critical theory stresses how power structures perpetuate forms of subjugation that not only inflict physical harm but create lasting psychosocial trauma.
However, focusing on wellness as a preventative measure offers a way to intervene before trauma becomes embedded. Yoga, breathwork, and somatic practices are not simply recovery tools; they can be used to build resilience and provide individuals with the tools to resist early forms of harm. As Bessel van der Kolk (2014) and Pat Ogden (2006) have…