A Release, Not a Loss | Alignment, Not a Pivot
Earlier this year, as my path toward inner healing and defense of my role as a DEI practitioner at an institution of higher education converged, I spent some time working on my personal mission statement. I would like to share it with you, here:
My mission is to live authentically, embracing curiosity, freedom, growth, and connection as guiding principles. I am committed to healing and transforming my life, recognizing my innate worthiness so that I can inspire others to do the same. Through my work, I aim to build a community of individuals who remember their value, unlearn the subconscious programming that divides us, and connect on a soul level. I use clear communication, vulnerability, and transparency as tools to foster empathy and help others believe in their own inner power. I envision a future where institutions create space for connection and belonging, and I am dedicated to using my gifts to make that vision a reality. I will be remembered for pouring my energy into helping as many people as possible connect to themselves and one another, leaving a legacy of transformation and unity.
Over the last several years America has moved from its so-called “Racial Reckoning”, through an attack on Critical Race Theory as the test ground for the full-on assault on the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. All the while adjusting, adapting, and strategizing. It finally came to an end, this summer.
I know that the elimination of my role was not the loss of a job. It was, in fact, Source pushing me toward my life’s purpose!
While in my role in higher education, I took the supervision of Student Workers very seriously. I am of the opinion that part of the role, when supervising students, is developing them as professionals. Several student assistants and interns will attest to me “walking this walk”. One such relationship grew into an nontraditional (given the large age difference) friendship that continued outside of her college career. And when she became the CEO of her yoga studio, where she holds community creative events, she invited me to hold an event in her space. At the time, neither of us knew what that event would/could be.
The ultimate event was titled, “Sisterhood Gathering”. 25 women purchased tickets for an event with no idea what they were signing up for! I wasn’t sure how it would land for people. But I had a knowing, in my heart and in my blood, that I could create the psychological safety necessary for something important and valuable to happen in that space. It was amazing!
And by the end of that evening, I knew that I had given birth to something special. Since then, I have tweaked, honed, chiseled and sculpted Living Memory Gatherings© (LMGs); guided dialogue circles of reflection, storytelling, and deep listening for the purpose of authentic connection.
Living Memory Gatherings© is not just some idea that I came up with, as I searched for an alternative to the career that I had built over the past 13 years in higher education. The idea for LMG kind of dropped into my mind! It is a combination of certifications, training, my own lived experiences, and my natural inclinations, interests, and intuitions. I know that I was released from my position so that I could have the space to be in further alignment with my purpose.
In these spaces, I am moved every time! The level of gratitude that I feel on a daily basis, now, surprises me. I get to facilitate the gathering of humans, both familiar and unfamiliar with one another, with the goal of authentic connection and perhaps some collective healing along the way. I get to witness humanity in action; as people come back to themselves and find themselves within each other.
