Year of Yes – June Recap

June is my favorite month of the year because it’s my birthday month 😊

Back when I was young and naïve, and the pandemic was in its early stages, I hoped it would be under control by my birthday. Ahh, the innocence of youth. In June, at least in my city, things got worse and I remain voluntarily sheltered in place.

Nevertheless, I had several opportunities to live into my year of YES:

The Institute for Embodied Living

I am someone who is in her head A LOT. I came across the work of Elizabeth Dialto years ago and she has helped me learn how to drop into my body. She is the creator of a practice called Wild Soul Movement. It’s all about getting into the body and accessing the wisdom that is there.

In June, she launched the Institute for Embodied Living and I am thoroughly enjoying being a part of it. She offers weekly classes that invite a connection to the body’s wisdom. There is no pressure to perform in a certain way. The invitation in every class is to simply listen to your body as you follow her guidance for the movements.

Intentionally dropping into my body continues to be one of the tools supporting me as I navigate the world right now. The Institute has been a great addition to my practices.

Emotional Emancipation Healing Circle

I’m going to be honest, after George Floyd’s murder, I NEEDED to get around more black and brown people. In June, I found a couple of ways to do this virtually and it has been a balm for my soul.

The first is a healing circle led by Erika Totten, co-founder of Black Lives Matter DC. She holds these circles every other week and I could cry when I think about how good it feels to be a part of them.

There is laughter and joy, mingled with anger and sorrow. Space is held for all of what we as black people are feeling right now, and it is such a gift for me. I feel my soul exhale each time we gather, and I am VERY thankful I said yes to joining. 

21-Day Black History Bootcamp

Another connection with my black sisters I found in June was a 21-day walking challenge led by GirlTrek. GirlTrek is the largest public health nonprofit for African-American women and girls in the United States. They encourage black women to use walking as a practical first step to inspire healthy living, families, and communities. 

In June, they hosted a 21-day walking challenge dedicated to “honoring the footsteps of our foremothers”. Each day we walked for at least 30 minutes to remember the black women trailblazers who came before us. From Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison to Ida B. Wells and Octavia Butler, it was a month-long celebration of black women.

Summertime meant I was out walking early to avoid the heat. But I completed the challenge and look forward to participating in the next one currently slated for August. In the meantime, I’m still getting out and walking, another tool to get me in my body more.

Vision Board Check-in

I’ve been leading Vision Board Workshops for years. However, last month was the first time I hosted a mid-year check-in with workshop participants. The world has radically changed since January. I wanted to provide a space for participants to reconnect with their boards to see what new wisdom is being revealed.

It was wonderful to hear all the surprising ways people’s boards are unfolding. Even if it isn’t how they thought it would, things are still manifesting. These sessions reminded me of the sheer magic of the vision board process. I’m glad I said yes to doing this mid-year check-in.

Podcast Interview

In June, I recorded an interview for the Earth Sea Love podcast hosted by Sheree Mack. The goal of this podcast is to encourage people of color to connect with the great outdoors. Sheree lives northeast of England and has a real passion to see black people come back into deep connection with the Earth.

On the podcast, I was able to share the role nature has played in my journey. Both the sea and the woods have helped heal my soul and it was a joy getting to share my story.

My Birthday

Speaking of joys, I celebrated my 48th birthday in June. The celebration looked different this year, but I still made the best of it. As I get closer and closer to my 5th decade of life, I am saying YES to making these years my best ones yet. I’m committed to being stronger and healthier than I have ever been, both mentally and physically. My birthday was a reminder to say yes to me again!

Whew! I had a busy month 😊 Now, I want to hear from you. What fun did you get up to in June? Tell me in the comments below or drop me an email. I can’t wait to hear from you.

From my heart to yours,