The Opening Lotus

01/12/2025

The Opening Lotus was featured in the newspaper as part of the national observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

I did have a little “oh wow, that’s quite a headline” moment and the photos made me blink twice, but the article itself… yes! That part I truly love.

I’m grateful that the story highlighted what matters most:
💜 the importance of safe spaces
💜 trauma-informed support
💜 healing pathways for women and families
💜 and the need to keep these conversations alive

If this piece helps raise awareness, encourages understanding, or lets even one woman know she’s not alone, then the visibility is worth it.

Thank you to everyone who continues to stand against gender-based violence, to advocate, to educate and to support survivors.
May we keep doing this work with courage and a strong sense of community. 🌿

🌸 The Opening Lotus
Counselling | Restorative Justice | Facilitation

📞 299-8416 | 491-2840
📧 [email protected]
🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theopeninglotus
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EVERY year, from November 25-December 10, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a call for unified global action to end violence against women and girls in all its forms.

28/11/2025

🌿🎧 Listening Is Also Activism

During the 16 Days of Activism in 2025 as we focus on ending digital violence 📱 💻 🖥️ it’s worth naming something that doesn’t trend easily because:

Not all action is loud.
Not all activism is visible.

Sometimes, activism looks like listening:

Listening without interrupting.
Listening without minimising.
Listening without rushing to fix, advise, or defend.

In my work, I’ve learned that many experiences of harm, especially digital harm, are deepened not just by the act itself, but by what comes after, the secondary trauma:

The disbelief.
The silence.
The “are you sure?”

Trauma-informed practice teaches us this: being heard is not a courtesy, it is a protective factor. When people are listened to with care, safety begins to return to the body. Trust begins to rebuild. Dignity is restored.

So during these 16 Days, alongside policies, posts, and pledges, I’m holding space for this quiet but vital work:

🪑 Sitting back
👂 Listening fully
🤝 Staying present

Because cultures change not only when we condemn violence but when we learn how to listen differently.

💭 During these 16 Days, what does listening look like in your workplace, your community, or your online spaces?

28/11/2025

🎧Podcast Episode Alert: Safeguarding in the Caribbean

I had the privilege of joining Dave Niven on the 'Social World Podcast' to talk about safeguarding in the Caribbean... exploring how trauma-informed practices, local realities and collaborative resilience can shape safer futures. 🌿

This conversation reminded me of the importance of pausing to reflect and share openly. Sometimes the experiences we carry quietly are the ones that most need to be voiced, not just for ourselves, but to encourage and inspire others.

A heartfelt thank you to Dave for creating this platform and for highlighting voices from across the globe. 🙏

🎙️ Listen here: Safeguarding in the Caribbean - Episode with Amanda Ackbarali https://socialworldpodcast.com/episode/safeguarding-in-the-caribbean-amanda-ackbarali

This is the first in a series of podcasts talking with key people in the region to understand the challenges posed by trafficking, all forms of slavery and with...

19/11/2025

Feeling grateful to see my piece published in today’s Newsday for International Men’s Day. 💙

If it encourages even one meaningful conversation about men’s wellbeing, then it has done its job.

Thank you to everyone who takes a moment to read and share 🌿

In the past, boys often heard phrases like “be a man” or “boys don’t cry,” shaping them into men who felt they had to hide their emotions rather than express them in healthy ways.

27/10/2025

1000% true

When we share our stories with people who listen without judgment,
shame loses its power.
Healing begins where safety exists —
in spaces where we’re seen, not fixed; heard, not silenced.

Find the people who hold your truth gently.
That’s where your freedom lives.

23/10/2025

✨️

17/08/2025

Today, I hold in prayer the families of those who tragically drowned in Toco and Mayaro recently. Imagine people so familiar with the waters, yet suddenly taken. May they be surrounded with compassion and comfort 🕊️🙏

Sometimes, the most powerful support we can offer is not in words, but in presence. When hearts are broken, listening creates space for healing. 🌿

Let us remember: listening is love.

🌸 The Opening Lotus 🌸
Counselling | Restorative Justice | Facilitation | Consultation

📞 WhatsApp: 1-868-299-8416 | 491-2840
📧 [email protected]
🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theopeninglotus

📲 Follow us:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube →

https://youtu.be/NBEfo8_wjIs?si=_R8h2VxLbNQjdNxz

Discover the healing power of listening in times of grief and crisis. Amanda from The Opening Lotus shares reflections on presence, silence, and compassion, ...

17/08/2025

🌷Sunday Gratitude 🌷
Lord, thank You for breath in my lungs, peace in my spirit and the gift of a new day. May my steps today be guided by love and peace 🕊️

Wishing everyone a blessed and restful Sunday 🌿✨

15/08/2025

Remembering my first ever video recorded for The Opening Lotus 🪷back in 2019. Can't imagine this year makes it 7 years✨ in operation, serving others, since starting on November 5th, 2018🌿

Many thanks to all of you who have supported over the years.
May you and your families be blessed ✨

Love,
Amanda
The Opening Lotus🪷

14/08/2025

I’m stepping out with something new, The Grateful Ache 🎙️podcast.

This is where I share the real, unfiltered stories 📜 of motherhood, mental health, and the quiet moments that shape us everyday🌿 It’s a lil shaky 🫣 still but... honest and straight from the heart.

Whether you’re a parent, a professional juggling a million things or just someone who loves a good heartfelt story, I welcome you here. 🤗

This is the beginning of a journey I’m inviting you to walk with me.
We’ll grow 🪴together, share stories and find strength in the everyday moments that shape us.

🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Mn5J4yEEgRJOyGQCYgtMW
📲 Save it for later, share with a friend and let me know what you think, I’d love to hear from you. 💬

Reach me at: https://linktr.ee/theopeninglotus

14/08/2025

What you water grows:)

11/08/2025

🪷Welcome to The Opening Lotus🪷

We offer counselling and other services to help you navigate life's challenges.

For a full list of our services, clients, and conveniences, please see the attached image.

Ready to book? Scan QR code in image or click here to learn more: https://linktr.ee/theopeninglotus