Thursdays, I reflect on a journey towards recovery: how the external influences of socially systemic, capitalistically patriarchal circumstances left me uncertain, abandoned, and ambivalent towards feeling alive. And, then, I’d ask myself: what’s next?

One of the hardest things to do is admit our participation in our own victimhood: how we defined ourselves through the behaviors and perceptions of others; how we allowed external influence beyond our control to rule our own lives. So, as I began this chakra journey, the first step was acknowledging my plant needed to be pruned and powerlessness needed to be addressed! So, I started at the root, attempting to take what was left of my own vitality to be submerged into stillness and discover someone new. I discovered I would gain my autonomy and power back by admitting I lost it in the first place.

Finding security within our own bodies is the first step towards recovery. And, once the journey commences, we can plant ourselves back into the earth. The mission of the Black feminist anthology, who will protect me?, was to influence the recovery process for Black women et al. The book is presented as an additional resource to source as we navigate the historical trauma stored in our bodies: the roles of Mammy, Jezebel and Sapphire; the perpetuation of sexual violence; the insinuations of strength and stoicism; and the silencing of our attempts to talk back. This book was created to protect you. Available in print* and digital form.

*Note: Customers receive a complimentary 1oz fragrance of choice with book purchase.

Here are some things I like to do for root chakra healing:

🥀 Burn Palo Santo, Benzoin or Copal

🥀 Find my body through “HA” breath work

🥀 Use propagated sistah in a bath

🥀 Steep Cedar, Burdock Root and St. John’s Wort*

*Note: Suggested herbal consumption is from empirical study; please consult a professional before use

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Model Whitney Mercy

Photographer Michèle Eyenga @melanebony

Makeup Artist Jenny Bouton @jennybouton

Wardrobe Amanda Moore-Karim @amandaluxe

Wardrobe Assistant Janice Gooding @bby.janice

Red Tulle Dress by RRFashionista @rrfashionista

gaining roots in the valley

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