105: "My learning is your learning." Boundaries & discovering individual agency through Kapwa with Cynthia Marie Antonio Siadat

This episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UMw6RoRzzNQ

Cynthia, Jen & Nani have a heartfelt discussion about the internal friction commonly felt by Pinays trying to uphold their identities as both Filipinx & as Americans. On one hand, we thrive in our collective nature, or Kapwa - our shared Filipinx identity, found at the heart of our Filipinx culture. But on the other hand, as we traverse through the American diaspora, we also feel pulled to investigate self-exploration. The friction between the two leaves us at a disadvantage in learning how to navigate our lives honoring both sides.

Stressing the importance of storytelling, the three conclude that sharing the lessons we learn in our individual journeys of healing & decolonization actually helps our brothers & sisters to increase their awareness of the connection between their own identity & mental health, in turn advancing our collective as a whole. Even though it can feel like a constant juggling act, integrating healthy boundaries with our families creates space for a new objective appreciation. Through this practice we learn to lean on family as our systems of support, rather than developing a codependency crutch.

Cynthia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Vallejo, CA currently residing in LA who has held her 100% virtual practice since pre-pandemic times. She also shares how she carries Kapwa into her work aesthetic, especially when working with BIPOC clients, and how helping them to connect with their own identities by way of their culture makes way for incredible transformation. In her journey of learning to honor her own mental health needs, she aims her professional focus using one simple question: "how can we allow those outside of our community to experience the beauty of Kapwa?"

To get in touch with Cynthia, join the support group she hosts on Clubhouse @cynthiasiadat. You can also connect with her on Instagram @livingfullyig or visit https://www.iamlivingfully.com/

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Huk Rebellion - Kerkvliet
• Amazons of the Huk Rebellion - Vina Lanzona
• Loneliness - Cacioppo & Patrick 
• Brown Skin White Minds - David 

For all those from Pampanga to share in pride, if helpful: Cynthia's grandfather's name is Tomas Calma (Kumander Sol) & her grandmother's name is Virginia Calma. 

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ABOUT US: From 2019 to 2024, The Filipino American Woman (TFAW) Project was a podcast that strengthened Filipino voices one conversation at a time through all things life, culture, and personal development. Learn about the latest happenings of the show, which'll be announced SUMMER 2025: TFAWPROJECT.COM

ACADEMIC PAPER: Special thanks to the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies at UC Davis for the opportunity to present our academic paper, Pinay Podcasters: Building a Self-Sustaining Community Through Storytelling, Collective Healing & Learning, and...

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