Imhotep (why do I say this? ). ***There are some spoilers in this post. Please be aware of that if you have not seen the movie, Black Panther***. 

 

All of the analyses of Black Panther and how to create Wakanda in real life have been really inspiring and necessary. It’s a good way to talk about change for people of the African Diaspora and the film is revitalizing important conversations in communities. It has sparked people to learn more about African history and the Black Panther party just to name some examples. However, there is one analytical approach that I have not seen. As a psychologist, I have a habit of thinking of people’s (and my own) internal worlds. In addition to the social and political ways to understand this film, there is utility in thinking about Wakanda as our own internal world of peace, strength, justice, and abundance that we are all trying to create. Several elements in the film Black Panther provide useful metaphors for internal processes that are psychologically healthy and necessary and align with Kemetic yoga and philosophy. The following four elements of the film highlight aspects of internal worlds to create psychological health for an optimal living, not just survival.