E117. Everything And Everyone All At Once - with Gidai Maza, Speaker, LMFT

“We all create this idea that we’re OTHER, rather than, ‘our experiences may be other, but, actually, our emotions are identical.’” - Gidai Maaza

Ever Forward Club’s Ashanti Branch is joined by Gidai Maaza. Gidai is a son, father, husband, and community member. Having survived the refugee camp experience with his mother by way of Ethiopia in the early 80s, Gidai turned his trauma into awareness and insight that inform how he views people's pain. Now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, we’re excited for you to see how Gidai has reimagined the mask analogy into a framework that helps him stay grounded and connected to all of humanity.

(8:15) Gidai introduces himself, his Ethiopian roots, his work in the mental health field, and his ties to Fresno, California. Then, he and Ashanti compare group work to one on one support and therapy.

(14:35) Gidai why he believes there is no front and back of the mask, but rather two halves of the same whole. His “kid part” - a 2-year-old boy who’s observant, quiet, and comes from survival; 10-year-old boy in transition; and a 16-year-old boy that is angry. His “41-year-old part” - wise, grounded, emotionally present, rational, spirited.

(22:55) In response to Gidai, Ashanti changes his mask and reflects on equanimity. Then, he reflects on all the years he’s spent stuffing his thoughts and emotions, and how this stuffing eventually comes due.

(26:55) Ashanti describes his 15-year-old self and his 7-year-old self, and how these places in life were pivotal in shaping who he became and how he interacted with his teachers.

(35:15) Gidai explains how our experiences may be different but our emotions are identical.

(38:05) Gidai breaks down acknowledging and guiding one’s emotions and feelings as opposed to catering to them.

(42:40) Ashanti and Gidai compare and contrast the experiences of Africans and African Americans.

(49:45) Ashanti and Gidai conclude their conversation and reflect on all of the things they’ve covered.

(55:45) Gidai shares how you can get in touch with him.

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Connect with Gidai Maaza:

Instagram: instagram.com/gmaazalmft

Facebook: facebook.com/GidaiMaazaLMFT

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Create your own mask anonymously at millionmask.org

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Connect with Ashanti Branch:

Instagram: instagram.com/branchspeaks

Facebook: facebook.com/BranchSpeaks

Twitter: twitter.com/BranchSpeaks

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch

Website: branchspeaks.com

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