Hey white folx – especially those of us who fit the ‘spiritual white woman’ identity (accessories include a dreamcatcher, sage bundle and lots of love and light). We’ve got work to do before we can even ‘do the work’ that so many of us talk about. This is really nothing new but for a lot of us it’s only really come into our awareness since Trump got elected. We have had our eyes opened to the brutality that so many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Color) face. 

Maybe you signed up for a bookclub, maybe you posted some things on social media. Maybe you turned off the news, crying, feeling helpless as to what you can do. Maybe you’ve gotten called out for your yoga practice or your spiritual practice. I’ve been there with all of these things. I’m reminded of that old saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions…” 

Our good intentions aren’t enough. Our tears and frustration only get in the way. We need to do more. We need to move into action and more fully understand and accept our role in white supremacy culture. 

I don’t know about you, but one the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome is around my fragility and my capacity to receive feedback. The way in which I was raised and socialized as a woman, along with my deep aversion to conflict due to this upbringing and my own family trauma, make it that I often times perceive folx speaking passionately or raising their voices as ‘anger’ or conflict.  I shut down and check out or I go in the opposite direction and feel personally called out and guilt and shame take over and my emotions take center stage. 

This is not helpful for anyone. 

This is actually quite harmful and creates more emotional labor from black and brown folx when we go into spaces to unlearn and continue to make it about us. 

I strongly believe one of the best things we as white folx can do in our unlearning is tend to our nervous systems and capacity so that when we are confronted with information outside of our comfort zones, we can handle it. And if we need to cry or process emotions (because that happens to all of us!), we have the ability to do that in an appropriate space with appropriate people. 

Embodiment Coaching works to expand your capacity specifically around your role as a white person.

This is not a space for you to come and be coddled or get some sort of pass. Anti-racist work is ongoing, it is not a destination but a continual practice. This is a commitment you are making to increase your skills around self regulation so you can show up in a more authentic, self-contained way and truly listen to what is being said. 

It is a commitment that I make along with you and I certainly don’t have all the answers but I’m here if you’d like somatic support along your journey.