Meditate
We have created a practice space to facilitate our collective contemplative practice. We are so grateful for the folks all around the world who have participated in meditation practice with us. In 2013 Alexis started chanting these mantras for herself (to herself.) In 2014 we created the digital Black Feminist Breathing Meditation Chorus and chanted for 21 days together all over the world, which led to a retreat, an art exhibition in 2015 and now the Black Feminist Breathing REBOOT and Oracle Deck in 2020. We are honored to support our communities to #keepbreathing and we are proud that this practice has led to folks picking up meditation practice who did not think it was possible before. Black Feminist Breathing Fall 2020 is available here: https://sangodare.podia.com/bfbfall2020
How does it work?
You can start whenever you want. Every day we share the next meditation recording and ancestor collage. Participants can access the audio and video versions of the meditations for their practice. All 21 Meditations (with and without Alexis's voice during the chanting portion) will be accessible for the 21 days and the audio is downloadable. We intend to all practice during the same 24hr period to truly practice collectively.
Chanting and meditating together in the words and vibration of our Black Feminist Ancestors is an opportunity for collective upliftment and centering at this time. It is a gift we can give to ourselves and one another.
One of our meditations is in honor of the writer lawyer firebrand non-binary precedent Pauli Murray who said: "Free to be wholly. Every breath a prayer."
Access the Pauli Murray meditation here.
We also have a weekly Queer Black Feminist Sunday Service designed to nourish and activate your spirit. You can join us live Sundays at 11am EST or watch previous Sunday services here: Try out Sunday service.
Testimony
Historically, I have been “BAD” at meditating. I turned to meditation as a practice of renewal but I kept falling asleep even during guided meditations. I found that chanting words in languages I didn’t know felt disconnected and appropriative to me. Through a daily practice of chanting the words of Black feminist ancestors I was able to reprogram my breathing, and over-write the oppressive messages that I have internalized with the words and energy of those who have dedicated their lives to our freedom.
Heard enough?
