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Vicky Kenny
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Buenos Aires, Argentina - Vancouver
Art by Emily Honderich
Vicky Kenny story
Vicky Kenny was born and grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to Vancouver in 2004. She is a yoga instructor and works as a Spanish interpreter for Vancouver Association of Survivors of Torture (VAST), where she also teaches trauma-sensitive yoga sessions. She is committed to her mission to create a safe space for healing and to share her experiences as an immigrant woman to empower and inspire those around her.
Inspiration Within the Chaos
Life under COVID-19 has been challenging, yet surprising, with moments of inspiration. Over a decade ago, I settled in East Vancouver with my now 14-year-old daughter in a Housing Co-op with friendly neighbors who have become like an extended family.
As the quarantine started, an initial period of uncertainty when losing my summer job as a Foodie Tour Guide brought me back into survival mode, resurfacing memories of my childhood, under Argentina's military dictatorship during the 70s. With the support of a Women's Organization and practicing yoga, I began to discover some positivity within the chaos. Offering yoga classes via Zoom with a refugee organization and working as a Spanish interpreter kept me connected with the world. Sharing the benefits of this ancient practice offered an oasis from feelings triggered by isolation.
This pandemic has brought light on relevant issues like precarious eldercare, misuse of power, inequality, and discrimination. Many feelings to process, accept and surrender individually and collectively. To be born again, inspired, and committed to a new world that respects diversity, acknowledging that each human being has the right to basic needs. We all need to feel accepted, loved, and valued as a precious piece in the puzzle of existence.
"This Pandemic has brought light on relevant issues, like precarious eldercare, misuse of power, inequality, and discrimination. Many feelings to process, accept, and surrender individually and collectively; to be born again, inspired, and committed to a new world that respects diversity, acknowledging that each human being has the right to basic needs."