Last month, I had the privilege and advantage of attending Beyond Diversity 101 held in Pennsylvania. Co-facilitated by two amazing teachers who have been doing this work for a while, the training proved to be a profound and eye-opening experience.
Some weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at Harvard University to present the preliminary results of a study I am working on with a dear colleague of mine. Our study examines the barriers and opportunities for black and brown therapists in the psychedelic-assisted therapy space. Leading up to the conference, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions.
As a Black woman in the psychedelic community, my journey has been a constant questioning of my place and purpose. I’ve often asked myself, “Why am I here? And What purpose am I serving?” and have struggled with a sense of uncertainty about where I fit in.
Over the course of the recent weekend, I found myself immersed in a group discussion of insights, shared wisdom, and a profound sense of collective resonance.
In reflecting on the experiences of remarkable black women like Taraji P. Henson and Claudine Gay, a profound sense of collective grief weighs heavily on my heart. While I may not have walked precisely in their professional shoes, the burden we all share is undeniably palpable.
Moving through the days, embracing the flow of time, I find solace in the uncertainty that comes with the New Year 2024. The unknown holds a certain charm, and I am relishing in the beauty of not having all the answers as this is also a new place for me to dwell (not having all the answers lol).
As I reflect on the past year, 2023 stands out as a collage of memories, each imprinting its unique mark on my professional and personal journey.
I recently had the honor of being a guest on a podcast where I delved into the world of psychedelic-assisted therapy and its intersection with anti-oppressive practices. While this wasn’t my first time discussing these topics on air, it marked the first occasion where the conversation took an intriguing turn—connecting feminism with psychedelic-assisted therapy, specifically exploring the common ground of liberation.
The holiday season is a time that carries a unique magic for my family and I, filled with twinkling lights, festive tunes, and the warmth of shared moments. This year, I had the wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in the holiday spirit alongside my mom with a visit to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
