For those of you who are familiar with basketball skills and principles, you will be fully aware of what is called being a “triple threat” on offense. This is an athletic stance that allows a player the ability to pass, shoot, or dribble (thus the triple threat). It is a stance that offers the player the ability to be flexible in how they approach the game. With a triple threat stance, you strive to keep your opponent on their toes as you have access to the full range of offensive skills to be used strategically and in service of your team.
When it comes to wellness, from an African-centered perspective, one could also use this idea of triple threat not to work an opponent in a game, but to work your wellness and healing options. Dr. Erica Mapule McInnis of Nubia Wellness and Healing in the United Kingdom uses the term “Triple P” (Purpose, Pivot, and Pace) to help support people to build spiritual and psychological fortitude.
Triple P: Purpose
As human beings, our struggle is real. There are times in life when we are in the struggle, and seeking to continually heal and reveal optimal functioning. In my estimation, purpose serves as the driver of what it means to be a moral human person endowed with compassion, multiple intelligences, the ability to love, connect, and be nurtured, and also have the means to protect. From the perspective of Yoruba folks of Nigeria, it is believed that all humans have been born with a purpose in this world and our precious human life allows us to uncover and continually reveal what that might be. This has been conceptualized as the Divine self (Akbar, 2003). The connection with this divinity of Spirit allows for harmony and balance.
Triple P: Pivot
For me, pivot means you have the ability to move with, maneuver around, and stay flexible in one’s life approach. Pivoting could be with how you work with and transform emotional experiences. Folks have the capacity to adapt and effectively cope with life stressors including the impacts of multiple oppressions such as racism. Folks can also move beyond mere coping toward healing. Pivoting also means that one can use their wisdom to assess situations and experiences to determine the appropriateness of pursuing a new pathway. In basketball, pivoting is a gift as it allows a player to see multiple angles that may not have been witnessed if staying static or staying with the status quo. This could be navigating, transforming, and finding allies in transforming intersecting oppressions and discrimination. Move! Pivot with grace! Discover the opening!
Triple P: Pace
Thirdly, Dr. McInnis suggests pacing oneself according to what is needed in life. This is a practice of engaging with readiness and building with commitment and discipline. The right pace means that one can sustain through the inevitable ups and downs of life. I believe that purpose, pivot, and pace move together with synchronicity.
Pivot toward your purpose using a pace that allows for continued movement toward healing and wellness. This means not being deterred on the path and finding those people, plants, animals, trees, water that help to support, sustain, and allow you to also find refuge and rest when needed.
References
Akbar, N. (2003). Akbar Papers in African Psychology. Tallahassee, FL: Mind Productions & Associates.