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More than ever, we have become keenly aware of the emotional divide between women of Color and women who identify as White. We've all seen and continue to see instances where a woman who identifies as White is triggered, which results in potentially dangerous situations for people of Color. We've all seen women of Color become emotionally charged by perceived acts of whiteness, and their voiced anger is often received as aggressive and unwarranted. The legacy of systemic racism has further created a chasm of mistrust, rage, betrayal, denial, and fear that at times feels irreparable. If we could untether ourselves from each other, many would.
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As women, our pain metastasizes in ways that deny the establishment of trust within the deepest parts of ourselves. Often, we silently stand on opposite sides in the workplace, in our educational institutions, and in general.
Our histories continue to collide, and just when we think our alliances and bonds are strong and unbreakable, something will be said or done that will remind us that our trust is impermanent and at times superficial. We rarely (if ever) have the necessary insights, skills, or knowledge to have complex, heart and soul-centered conversations essential to creating solid and authentic relationships - cross cultural relationships that are anchored, rooted, and sustained by our collective womanhood.
Our histories continue to collide, and just when we think our alliances and bonds are strong and unbreakable, something will be said or done that will remind us that our trust is impermanent and at times superficial. We rarely (if ever) have the necessary insights, skills, or knowledge to have complex, heart and soul-centered conversations essential to creating solid and authentic relationships - cross cultural relationships that are anchored, rooted, and sustained by our collective womanhood.
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Some women are better at creating deep and authentic relationships across color lines. In those relationships, they can express themselves fully. Others maintain superficial cross-cultural relationships for fear that the sheer magnitude and weight of our collective trauma (caused by historic racism and other acts of terror) will drown us all. |
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How can we connect soulfully while still maintaining our integrity, voice, and the experiences of our ancestors? How can we come together as women: heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul without pretending or denying the collective wounds our skin-tones, varied cultures, and racialized experiences automatically evoke?
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Join us as we individually come to B.I.R.T.H. - "Bringing our Inner Radiance Towards Healing" - because our children, families, and communities are the casualties we leave behind in the wake - when we don't stand in our truth and also don't do our healing work.
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What Is A Cohort?
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We define a "Cohort" as a group of women who start our process together, and continue journeying together, learning with each other, supporting one another and deepening their emotional and spiritual bonds. Because our collective work as women is layered and complex, once a Cohort is established, those women will remain together to deepen trust, holding space for and with each other. It is not a "clique" but rather a small unit of the whole. There will be ample opportunities for women to connect, learn and bond deeply with women from other Cohorts.
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What Is The B.I.R.T.H. Process?
PHASE ONE: PREGNANCY
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In order to maintain, respect, and sustain our individual and collective voices, a 9-month *Virtual Cohort will be set-up to metaphorically, stick our toes in the shallow end of the societal pool and gradually find ourselves swimming confidently in the deep end - peeling back the layers, strengthening our voices, and standing boldly, and unapologetically in our divine truths.
* When Cohorts are comprised completely of women in one central and local area, the Pregnancy sessions may be conducted in person - only if it is convenient for all the participants in the Cohort. |
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What Comes Next?
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PHASE TWO: ACTIVE LABOR
The B.I.R.T.H. Journey continues with a 4-Day experiential, overnight Retreat. It is designed to be an emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe environment where women of all identities, cultures, ethnicities, and ages can explore complex concepts, conversations, and perceptions that negatively impact our ability to form heart and soul-centered relationships with one another.
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Then What?
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PHASE THREE: POSTPARTUM
Together, we will create space to deepen the exploration of racism, sexism, voice, femininity, spirituality, activism, and our relationships. Together we will B.I.R.T.H. our truth, and we will emerge stronger, wiser - with more profound knowledge and understanding of ourselves and other cultural groups.
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Is B.I.R.T.H. - For Me?If you:
IMPORTANT: While our heartfelt mission is to support you powerfully as we explore and heal these sensitive topics through life-changing experiences and discussions, we did not design the B.I.R.T.H. Virtual Cohorts and our 4-Day Experience to provide personal or professional therapy for an individual in attendance. If you have had a history of being diagnosed with any medical, mental, or emotional health or addiction challenges, it is vital that you consider seeking advice from your medical doctor or licensed therapist before and after attending our in-person and virtual events. Many of our Cohort Leaders are not trained healthcare professionals and do not carry clinical backgrounds in therapeutic counseling for addictions or other mental health concerns. |
Should there be serious concerns, before you attend any B.I.R.T.H. Cohort event, we recommend that you seek professional clarification that B.I.R.T.H. Cohorts are safe and supportive enough for you to participate. As well, for afterwards, seek prior assurance that follow-up support is accessible.
