Monthly Healing & Ceremonial Women’s Circle

Community, Sisterhood, Enrichment, Healing, And A Deep Remembering

Women hold the medicine our world needs. The world needs your creativity, vision, voice like never before.

You are invited to join us for our monthly women’s wisdom & healing circles to gather in community and sisterhood. Celebrate each other. Be seen. Be heard. Be witnessed. Be supported.

WHY WOMEN NEED CIRCLES

Women’s Retreat with Laura Joseph, Healing With Spirit (c) 2019

In today’s society it is easy to lose sight of ourselves in every day demands, pressures, routine and multi-tasking, supporting our partner or children, caring for our homes, juggling a career, paying the bills, etc.

It can be very healing to experience validation and to feel honored by other women, especially in a world where women are often taught to compete with each other, compare bodies and status, be jealous, gossip, judge, etc. Women were conditioned over 500 years to be this way.

We are changing this story, and reclaiming what was taken from us, AND need a safe space to land more than ever before.

Women’s gatherings have been around for thousands of years. Once persecuted for during the burning times of witches, the resurgence of women’s circles is gaining traction.

These circles are designed to allow for sharing, support, and feelings of safety within a non-judgmental nurturing environment supported by two highly skilled facilitators with many decades of experience.

MONTHLY STRUCTURE:

Retreats & Events hosted by Healing With Spirit

These circles fall in alignment of the NEW MOON cycles. Each month, we will meet on the Sunday before or after the NEW MOON which is around the 3rd Sunday of the month. Specific dates are posted.

Each month, we will have a theme surrounding the new moon, but the themes are not set in stone. Like water, the idea is to go with the flow as each woman’s story is heard and honored.

Even though the flow each month may be different depending upon the theme, we will incorporate:

  • circle share time & deep council

    Copyright 2019*
  • journey
  • song
  • movement
  • meditation
  • Tibetan singing bowl medicine
  • Ritual & ceremony
  • Experientials geared toward healing, community, self-love, releasing old patterns, clarifying vision.
  • Celebrating and integrating the gifts that are uniquely yours and tapping into your resources.

We will offer light snacks and herbal teas. The community is encouraged to bring something to share as well.

What you will gain:

copyright 2019*

These circles are designed to provide a safe sacred space to be witnessed, celebrate each other, build connection rooted in community and help you create a deeper awareness and connection to the inner wisdom in a very nurturing environment.

Rediscover & a sacred remembering of the secrets embedded in our DNA codes given to us by our ancestors.

Recommit to showing up in ways that are aligned with your greatest vision – at even a higher level:

  • Safe environment
  • Form deeper connections in community.

    copyright 2019*
  • Show up as the women we were born to be
  • Create thriving relationships
  • Discover your true potential
  • Create prosperous careers aligned with your values
  • Experience radiant health and vitality
  • Live in ways that are spiritually connected.
  • Ignite and empower others to step forward into their greatness
  • Manifest our deepest desires for fun, creativity, self-expression and play.
  • Be catalysts and change agents shaping the future of our world.
copyright 2019*

To feel supported in community in a safe, gentle, non-judgmental way can be deeply nourishing.

Come join us in a space of genuine connection and celebration.  Feel the support of brilliant women who are standing with you and for your greatness.

Inclusivity clause – This is a wonderful safe inclusive space to make meaningful connections with women of all ages, race, ethnicity, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientation.

 

Energetic Exchange, Reciprocity, & Commitment: $44 with a sliding scale as follows $33 -$55

$33 for those who need a bit of financial help & support.

$44 for equal energetic exchange, reciprocity, and commitment.

$55 for those who are in a financial position to help make it possible for another sister to attend who might not have the financial means otherwise.

Register Here:

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS:

Eileen Shaw, BA, MA has been a pioneer & innovator in the practice of meditation since the 1970’s.  She has studied with Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR course and with several other teachers. She sparks the enthusiasm of her students for the powerful difference that meditation can make in their lives. She creates a deep connection with her students.  Using cutting edge neuroscience in her teaching and spreads the joy of mindfulness practice in community settings ranging from schools to professional healthcare centers, and corporate offices. She offers three 8-week courses, Meditation levels I, II & III, Retreat Workshops, as well as individual coaching on meditation for the busy professional.

Laura Bonetzky-Joseph is a published bestselling author, experienced multi-generational intuitive & healer, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual teacher & mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault.

She is the founder of Healing With Spirit where she has been providing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment services, classes, groups, and women’s retreats since 2006.

She has elevated hundreds of women to be their own superhero by addressing root issues, transforming pain, bridging science, research and the practical magic of sacred, ancient traditions… with honor and integrity.

Through her decades of advocacy & policy work, she puts difficult – sometimes unpopular – ideas into words that communicate well, yielding to possibilities, healing, change and growth. Learn more about her here

*All photos are copyrighted 2019-2023. Laura Bonetzky-Joseph. Healing With Spirit. All Rights Reserved.

Monthly Healing & Ceremonial Women’s Circle

Community, Sisterhood, Enrichment, Healing, And A Deep Remembering

Women hold the medicine our world needs. The world needs your creativity, vision, voice like never before.

You are invited to join us for our monthly women’s wisdom & healing circles to gather in community and sisterhood. Celebrate each other. Be seen. Be heard. Be witnessed. Be supported.

WHY WOMEN NEED CIRCLES

Women’s Retreat with Laura Joseph, Healing With Spirit (c) 2019

In today’s society it is easy to lose sight of ourselves in every day demands, pressures, routine and multi-tasking, supporting our partner or children, caring for our homes, juggling a career, paying the bills, etc.

It can be very healing to experience validation and to feel honored by other women, especially in a world where women are often taught to compete with each other, compare bodies and status, be jealous, gossip, judge, etc. Women were conditioned over 500 years to be this way.

We are changing this story, and reclaiming what was taken from us, AND need a safe space to land more than ever before.

Women’s gatherings have been around for thousands of years. Once persecuted for during the burning times of witches, the resurgence of women’s circles is gaining traction.

These circles are designed to allow for sharing, support, and feelings of safety within a non-judgmental nurturing environment supported by two highly skilled facilitators with many decades of experience.

MONTHLY STRUCTURE:

Retreats & Events hosted by Healing With Spirit

These circles fall in alignment of the NEW MOON cycles. Each month, we will meet on the Sunday before or after the NEW MOON which is around the 3rd Sunday of the month. Specific dates are posted.

Each month, we will have a theme surrounding the new moon, but the themes are not set in stone. Like water, the idea is to go with the flow as each woman’s story is heard and honored.

Even though the flow each month may be different depending upon the theme, we will incorporate:

  • circle share time & deep council

    Copyright 2019*
  • journey
  • song
  • movement
  • meditation
  • Tibetan singing bowl medicine
  • Ritual & ceremony
  • Experientials geared toward healing, community, self-love, releasing old patterns, clarifying vision.
  • Celebrating and integrating the gifts that are uniquely yours and tapping into your resources.

We will offer light snacks and herbal teas. The community is encouraged to bring something to share as well.

What you will gain:

copyright 2019*

These circles are designed to provide a safe sacred space to be witnessed, celebrate each other, build connection rooted in community and help you create a deeper awareness and connection to the inner wisdom in a very nurturing environment.

Rediscover & a sacred remembering of the secrets embedded in our DNA codes given to us by our ancestors.

Recommit to showing up in ways that are aligned with your greatest vision – at even a higher level:

  • Safe environment
  • Form deeper connections in community.

    copyright 2019*
  • Show up as the women we were born to be
  • Create thriving relationships
  • Discover your true potential
  • Create prosperous careers aligned with your values
  • Experience radiant health and vitality
  • Live in ways that are spiritually connected.
  • Ignite and empower others to step forward into their greatness
  • Manifest our deepest desires for fun, creativity, self-expression and play.
  • Be catalysts and change agents shaping the future of our world.
copyright 2019*

To feel supported in community in a safe, gentle, non-judgmental way can be deeply nourishing.

Come join us in a space of genuine connection and celebration.  Feel the support of brilliant women who are standing with you and for your greatness.

Inclusivity clause – This is a wonderful safe inclusive space to make meaningful connections with women of all ages, race, ethnicity, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientation.

 

Energetic Exchange, Reciprocity, & Commitment: $44 with a sliding scale as follows $33 -$55

$33 for those who need a bit of financial help & support.

$44 for equal energetic exchange, reciprocity, and commitment.

$55 for those who are in a financial position to help make it possible for another sister to attend who might not have the financial means otherwise.

Register Here:

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS:

Eileen Shaw, BA, MA has been a pioneer & innovator in the practice of meditation since the 1970’s.  She has studied with Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR course and with several other teachers. She sparks the enthusiasm of her students for the powerful difference that meditation can make in their lives. She creates a deep connection with her students.  Using cutting edge neuroscience in her teaching and spreads the joy of mindfulness practice in community settings ranging from schools to professional healthcare centers, and corporate offices. She offers three 8-week courses, Meditation levels I, II & III, Retreat Workshops, as well as individual coaching on meditation for the busy professional.

Laura Bonetzky-Joseph is a published bestselling author, experienced multi-generational intuitive & healer, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual teacher & mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault.

She is the founder of Healing With Spirit where she has been providing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment services, classes, groups, and women’s retreats since 2006.

She has elevated hundreds of women to be their own superhero by addressing root issues, transforming pain, bridging science, research and the practical magic of sacred, ancient traditions… with honor and integrity.

Through her decades of advocacy & policy work, she puts difficult – sometimes unpopular – ideas into words that communicate well, yielding to possibilities, healing, change and growth. Learn more about her here

*All photos are copyrighted 2019-2023. Laura Bonetzky-Joseph. Healing With Spirit. All Rights Reserved.

Monthly Healing & Ceremonial Women’s Circle

Community, Sisterhood, Enrichment, Healing, And A Deep Remembering

Women hold the medicine our world needs. The world needs your creativity, vision, voice like never before.

You are invited to join us for our monthly women’s wisdom & healing circles to gather in community and sisterhood. Celebrate each other. Be seen. Be heard. Be witnessed. Be supported.

WHY WOMEN NEED CIRCLES

Women’s Retreat with Laura Joseph, Healing With Spirit (c) 2019

In today’s society it is easy to lose sight of ourselves in every day demands, pressures, routine and multi-tasking, supporting our partner or children, caring for our homes, juggling a career, paying the bills, etc.

It can be very healing to experience validation and to feel honored by other women, especially in a world where women are often taught to compete with each other, compare bodies and status, be jealous, gossip, judge, etc. Women were conditioned over 500 years to be this way.

We are changing this story, and reclaiming what was taken from us, AND need a safe space to land more than ever before.

Women’s gatherings have been around for thousands of years. Once persecuted for during the burning times of witches, the resurgence of women’s circles is gaining traction.

These circles are designed to allow for sharing, support, and feelings of safety within a non-judgmental nurturing environment supported by two highly skilled facilitators with many decades of experience.

MONTHLY STRUCTURE:

Retreats & Events hosted by Healing With Spirit

These circles fall in alignment of the NEW MOON cycles. Each month, we will meet on the Sunday before or after the NEW MOON which is around the 3rd Sunday of the month. Specific dates are posted.

Each month, we will have a theme surrounding the new moon, but the themes are not set in stone. Like water, the idea is to go with the flow as each woman’s story is heard and honored.

Even though the flow each month may be different depending upon the theme, we will incorporate:

  • circle share time & deep council

    Copyright 2019*
  • journey
  • song
  • movement
  • meditation
  • Tibetan singing bowl medicine
  • Ritual & ceremony
  • Experientials geared toward healing, community, self-love, releasing old patterns, clarifying vision.
  • Celebrating and integrating the gifts that are uniquely yours and tapping into your resources.

We will offer light snacks and herbal teas. The community is encouraged to bring something to share as well.

What you will gain:

copyright 2019*

These circles are designed to provide a safe sacred space to be witnessed, celebrate each other, build connection rooted in community and help you create a deeper awareness and connection to the inner wisdom in a very nurturing environment.

Rediscover & a sacred remembering of the secrets embedded in our DNA codes given to us by our ancestors.

Recommit to showing up in ways that are aligned with your greatest vision – at even a higher level:

  • Safe environment
  • Form deeper connections in community.

    copyright 2019*
  • Show up as the women we were born to be
  • Create thriving relationships
  • Discover your true potential
  • Create prosperous careers aligned with your values
  • Experience radiant health and vitality
  • Live in ways that are spiritually connected.
  • Ignite and empower others to step forward into their greatness
  • Manifest our deepest desires for fun, creativity, self-expression and play.
  • Be catalysts and change agents shaping the future of our world.
copyright 2019*

To feel supported in community in a safe, gentle, non-judgmental way can be deeply nourishing.

Come join us in a space of genuine connection and celebration.  Feel the support of brilliant women who are standing with you and for your greatness.

Inclusivity clause – This is a wonderful safe inclusive space to make meaningful connections with women of all ages, race, ethnicity, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientation.

 

Energetic Exchange, Reciprocity, & Commitment: $44 with a sliding scale as follows $33 -$55

$33 for those who need a bit of financial help & support.

$44 for equal energetic exchange, reciprocity, and commitment.

$55 for those who are in a financial position to help make it possible for another sister to attend who might not have the financial means otherwise.

Register Here:

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS:

Eileen Shaw, BA, MA has been a pioneer & innovator in the practice of meditation since the 1970’s.  She has studied with Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR course and with several other teachers. She sparks the enthusiasm of her students for the powerful difference that meditation can make in their lives. She creates a deep connection with her students.  Using cutting edge neuroscience in her teaching and spreads the joy of mindfulness practice in community settings ranging from schools to professional healthcare centers, and corporate offices. She offers three 8-week courses, Meditation levels I, II & III, Retreat Workshops, as well as individual coaching on meditation for the busy professional.

Laura Bonetzky-Joseph is a published bestselling author, experienced multi-generational intuitive & healer, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual teacher & mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault.

She is the founder of Healing With Spirit where she has been providing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment services, classes, groups, and women’s retreats since 2006.

She has elevated hundreds of women to be their own superhero by addressing root issues, transforming pain, bridging science, research and the practical magic of sacred, ancient traditions… with honor and integrity.

Through her decades of advocacy & policy work, she puts difficult – sometimes unpopular – ideas into words that communicate well, yielding to possibilities, healing, change and growth. Learn more about her here

*All photos are copyrighted 2019-2023. Laura Bonetzky-Joseph. Healing With Spirit. All Rights Reserved.

Monthly Ceremonial Women’s Circle

March Theme: New Moon, Ostera, Spring Equinox

Focus: What seeds are we planting and what do we want to birth in our lives, in this new community, and in our own communities?

Women hold the medicine our world needs. The world needs your creativity, vision, voice like never before.

You are invited to join us for our monthly women’s wisdom & healing circles to gather in community and sisterhood. Celebrate each other. Be seen. Be heard. Be witnessed. Be supported.

WHY WOMEN NEED CIRCLES

Women’s Retreat with Laura Joseph, Healing With Spirit (c) 2019

Many women can lose sight of themselves in every day demands, pressures, routine and multi-tasking, supporting their partner or children, caring for their homes, juggling a career, paying the bills, etc.

It can be very healing to experience validation and to feel honored by other women, especially in a world where women are often taught to compete with each other, compare bodies and status, be jealous, gossip, judge, etc. Women were conditioned over 500 years to be this way.

We are changing this story, and reclaiming what was taken from us, AND need a safe space to land more than ever before.

Women’s gatherings have been around for thousands of years. Once persecuted for during the burning times of witches, the resurgence of women’s circles is gaining traction.

These circles are designed to allow for sharing, support, and feelings of safety within a non-judgmental nurturing environment supported by two highly skilled facilitators with many decades of experience.

MONTHLY STRUCTURE:

Retreats & Events hosted by Healing With Spirit

These circles fall in alignment of the NEW MOON cycles. Each month, we will meet on the Sunday before or after the NEW MOON which is around the 3rd Sunday of the month. Specific dates are posted.

Each month, we will have a theme surrounding the new moon, but the themes are not set in stone. Like water, the idea is to go with the flow as each woman’s story is heard and honored.

Even though the flow each month may be different depending upon the theme, we will incorporate:

  • circle share time & deep council

    Copyright 2019*
  • journey
  • song
  • movement
  • meditation
  • Tibetan singing bowl medicine
  • Ritual & ceremony
  • Experientials geared toward healing, community, self-love, releasing old patterns, clarifying vision.
  • Celebrating and integrating the gifts that are uniquely yours and tapping into your resources.

We will offer light snacks and herbal teas. The community is encouraged to bring something to share as well.

What you will gain:

copyright 2019*

These circles are designed to provide a safe sacred space to be witnessed, celebrate each other, build connection rooted in community and help you create a deeper awareness and connection to the inner wisdom in a very nurturing environment.

Rediscover & a sacred remembering of the secrets embedded in our DNA codes given to us by our ancestors.

Recommit to showing up in ways that are aligned with your greatest vision – at even a higher level:

  • Safe environment
  • Form deeper connections in community.

    copyright 2019*
  • Show up as the women we were born to be
  • Create thriving relationships
  • Discover your true potential
  • Create prosperous careers aligned with your values
  • Experience radiant health and vitality
  • Live in ways that are spiritually connected.
  • Ignite and empower others to step forward into their greatness
  • Manifest our deepest desires for fun, creativity, self-expression and play.
  • Be catalysts and change agents shaping the future of our world.
copyright 2019*

To feel supported in community in a safe, gentle, non-judgmental way can be deeply nourishing.

Come join us in a space of genuine connection and celebration.  Feel the support of brilliant women who are standing with you and for your greatness.

Inclusivity clause – This is a wonderful safe inclusive space to make meaningful connections with women of all ages, race, ethnicity, religious, socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientation.

 

Energetic Exchange, Reciprocity, & Commitment: $44 with a sliding scale as follows $33 -$55

$33 for those who need a bit of financial help & support.

$44 for equal energetic exchange, reciprocity, and commitment.

$55 for those who are in a financial position to help make it possible for another sister to attend who might not have the financial means otherwise.

Register Here:

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS:

Eileen Shaw, BA, MA has been a pioneer & innovator in the practice of meditation since the 1970’s.  She has studied with Sharon Salzberg, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR course and with several other teachers. She sparks the enthusiasm of her students for the powerful difference that meditation can make in their lives. She creates a deep connection with her students.  Using cutting edge neuroscience in her teaching and spreads the joy of mindfulness practice in community settings ranging from schools to professional healthcare centers, and corporate offices. She offers three 8-week courses, Meditation levels I, II & III, Retreat Workshops, as well as individual coaching on meditation for the busy professional.

Laura Bonetzky-Joseph is a published bestselling author, experienced multi-generational intuitive & healer, speaker, podcaster, seeker, spiritual teacher & mentor, Jikiden Reiki® Shihan (teacher), social justice warrior, and a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault.

She is the founder of Healing With Spirit where she has been providing spiritually based integrative holistic health enrichment services, classes, groups, and women’s retreats since 2006.

She has elevated hundreds of women to be their own superhero by addressing root issues, transforming pain, bridging science, research and the practical magic of sacred, ancient traditions… with honor and integrity.

Through her decades of advocacy & policy work, she puts difficult – sometimes unpopular – ideas into words that communicate well, yielding to possibilities, healing, change and growth. Learn more about her here

*All photos are copyrighted 2019-2023. Laura Bonetzky-Joseph. Healing With Spirit. All Rights Reserved.

Posted on

Episode #1: The Bystander Effect on Teen Influences & Sexual Violence

This is a must watch or listen for any parent with guest, Ukumbwa Sauti who is an expert in all things men’s work, dismantling patriarchy, & conscious consent.

We talked about a recent incident locally where adults “innocently” published a photo of minor boys insinuating they were naked behind signs saying they will wash your adult cars for you.

We ask that you watch with an open mind through a different lens than maybe what you had before. We understand you might find this conversation triggering. We ask you to pause before jumping to reactionary mode.

This conversation is NOT to blame anyone, but to open a conversation about a topic that is typically silenced and how we, as a society, as a culture, have normalized certain unhealthy behaviors that can have detrimental consequences for generations to come.

Let’s change this narrative, shall we???

Considering the following stats per (NSVRC) :

  • 1:5 women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
  • 24.8% of men in the U.S. experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime
  • 1:3 female victims experienced rape for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17.
  • 1:4 male victims experienced rape between the ages of 11 & 17
  • Only 25% of rapes in 2018 were reported to the police.
  • 1:4 undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities

In this episode, we talk about

  • the community backlash when addressing this issue
  • the subtleties of mixed message signaling
  • the harmful influence it has on children
  • the bystander impacts
  • how systemic issues created blind spots that on the surface can appear comical & funny
  • Why this kind of messaging is problematic
  • The “NOT intentional sexualization of teenage boys” (as someone in the local community put it) – and the gateway to unintentional grooming practices by predators & rapists that blur healthy boundaries & potential put our children in harm’s way.

Most survivors I’ve encountered self-shame because of imprinting placed upon them by a culture of abuse.

Let’s change this narrative.

In this episode we offer 5 things we can do now to begin that shift & BE a part of the solution.

Additional Resources:

  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center: https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics
  • Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network’s (RAINN) https://www.rainn.org/ or call their National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected w/ a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area
  • CDC ACE Study, click here 
  • The Relation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Health: Turning Gold into Lead, click here
  • The Bystander Effect, click here
  • Healing Trauma Archives (click here)

How Can Your Support Our Initiative?

1) Please like, comment, share these posts

2) Follow Healing Trauma Through Spirit on Facebook (click here) and Instagram (click here) – Add help us with the algorithms by sharing, liking, and commenting on our content.

3) Become PATREON Member (click here) for a little as $5 a month. 

Help support our mission to BE a solution in the epidemic of unresolved unhealed trauma in society & culture of unhealthy trigger responses through healing, emPOWERment, events, speaking, and writing.

Plus, get discounts up to 50% OFF on Private sessions, events, classes, retreats, good karma and more.

4) Learn how to turn triggers into a power, click here.

5)  Stay in the loop,  subscribe to our email list 

About the project:

We’ll feature a different guest w/ each episode sharing experiences & solutions w/ the greatest epidemic of our times world – an epidemic of unrecognized unhealed unresolved trauma that is placing misguided burdens on our society, increasing rates of chronic illness, mental illness, & addictions & stressing an already taxed broken healthcare system ill-equipped to treat root issues because it is NOT profitable.

Our goal is to highlight & address the commonalities all these issues share that plague our society including:

  • Racism
  • Domestic violence
  • LGBTQ discrimination
  • Homelessness
  • Addiction
  • Women’s rights
  • Sexual violence
  • Discrimination
  • Systemic oppression
  • Genocide
  • & more

By highlighting what all these issues share in common, we hope to create

  • greater awareness
  • unity building
  • understanding
  • inclusivity
  • solid long term healing
  • community building
  • societal cultural change

In this project, we hope to offer

  • practical tangible solutions for change
  • healing of unrecognized trauma held w/in the body
  • increased empowerment
  • increased sovereignty
  • experientials
  • how to’s
  • & more

ABOUT UKUMBWA:

Ukumbwa Sauti, M.Ed. is an educator, facilitator, speaker and consultant. His areas of work include his Men’s Work Initiative, Conscious Consent, anti-patriarchy, anti-racism, environmental issues, Indigenous spirituality and media studies.

Ukumbwa Sauti has taught cultural media studies engaging issues of race, sex and gender oppression, class, colonialism, modernity and technology. He has presented in academic, spiritual/cultural and community venues and taught classes on consent, sexual and intimate safety in sex-positive conferences and organizations for more than 15 years.

Ukumbwa currently runs an initiative called Men’s Work, engaging men and others in the process of interrogating and dismantling patriarchal privilege and power, toxic masculinity, misogyny and homophobia. He runs on-ground and online groups and events.

Ukumbwa consults with organizations and communities around issues of social justice, diversity and inclusion and sexual harassment.

Facebook Men’s Work Initiative, click here.

Website: www.worldancestorconcert.com

ABOUT LAURA & “MY WHY” (on this series specifically)

I am a truth seeker & change maker. I highlight the shadows on topics most shy away from & invite difficult conversations on topics typically silenced. I’ve been this way for over 50 years.

As a professional healer, spiritual mentor, advocate & multiple trauma survivor (child abuse, sexual assault, attempted sexual abduction & domestic violence) who witnessed a lot & experienced my fair share of issues & my dedication spanning almost 20 years in healing the roots to the broken me, I see what is broken.

I’ve learned what works & what does NOT and I am here to share what works through the muck of what does NOT. Together let’s break the cycle of the continued perpetuation of unresolved unacknowledged unhealed trauma for a healthier world for all.

Posted on

Why Spiritual Medicine Is Needed More Than Ever Before

 … And 6 ACTION Steps To Take Now

The energies these past couple weeks, months, and years have been increasing in the intensity of change, integration, spiritual growth, and discernment.

Are you feeling the growing shifting waves of energies?  What a ride so far huh?

I am NOT sure if this post is just for me to take stock of where I am, where I was and where I am headed or if this message will resonate with you and inspire you in some way.

With all that’s unraveling, shifting, disrupting, up-leveling, I’ve learned one string of things over the last 16yrs since THIS journey began for me after the struggles of leaving a domestic abusive marriage … that is to

  • Stop.
  • Pause.
  • Surrender into the natural flow of life
  • Listen to the divine soulful whispers within
  • And take action.

Who I have become is thanks to the connection to spirit & spiritual medicine I have learned to embrace in my life  and in my work – over many decades.

It is the one thing I see missing in today’s “modern colonialist consumerist culture”.

What is missing … is the link to the divine connection to the spirit of life, its wisdom and its medicine.

Why is that?

I think the why will need to be answered another day as that’s a little more complicated rooted with weavings into patriarchy, systemic oppression, colonization, and control.

I believe the fundamental story in movie Avatar eloquently showed us if you can get passed the sci-fi box office plot. I always wondered if the movie was released prematurely as its message is needed NOW.

We do NOT have to work harder.

We do NOT need to go back to school and get another certificate or degree.

We do NOT have work ourselves into the grave.

We just need to tap into the infinite wisdom of the spiritual world. Think I am nuts?

We all have gut instincts that have helped us save our child from something or to close a sale or to hit some mark successfully.

We have all experienced this to some degree. Some call it alignment. I see those instincts connected to this same spiritual world I am speaking about.

But first, let me share with you a glimpse of my 2020 year and how I am moving forward.

My 2020 Story

The year 2020 started out to be the best year in my career and personal life since I left my abuser in 2005 (who near destroyed me). I was on par to have the best year of my career, looking to expand my office, hire my first employee,  and work towards more professional education. While working with professionals and state agencies to make this all happen and to become whole in my own trauma recovery & healing, I was fortunate to have qualified for a grant for an addictions counseling certification program.

Like many others who suffered the wrath of 2020, I am still recovering from the string of unfortunate events that included …

  1. readjusting how I work
  2. family health challenges
  3. an unexpected and sudden fostering of a traumatized puppy and a cat.
  4. discovering my abusive ex moved to Florida with my children without permission (Now a court issue)
  5. working towards completing my addictions counseling certification at UMass Boston
  6. Finally, having a medical crisis that required surgery.

I share my struggles, my victories and journey with you to keep it real and hopefully the words and inspiration I speak on these pages will inspire someone.  I walk this path with you NOT just talks about it.

Why Spiritual Medicine Is Needed NOW More Than Ever

While all these human events occurred like a sequence of hurricanes that pummeled the shores one after another before the shorelines had time to recuperate, I never lost sight of my divine spark within.

Did I question my faith, my purpose, or my life?

YES. Of coarse, I did.

That is called being HUMAN.

However, understanding that my soul – the divine presence within me – has a greater wisdom and knowledge than me to guide me in this current storm was critical.  It is the ONE thing that keeps me balanced, centered, focused, healthy, and ON PURPOSE.

All while STILL showing up in this hurricane we all experienced in 2020.

  • Guiding others on their spiritual journey.
  • Holding a safe container for others to dig deep, heal old wounds/stories, reclaim their power, and stand in their truths.
  • Starting my clinical internship for my addictions counseling certification.

This connection to the divine within is a skillset that has systematically been stripped away from us through systems of control like governments, corporations, and formalized religions.

The spirit world can NOT be controlled, monetized or tamed.  The spirit world just is. It is BIGGER than the human construct or human consciousness. As history has shown us,  these systems of control are threatened by its medicine that is offered, but that is changing NOW. 

These powers are losing control NOT by rebellious humans acting stupid and irresponsible, but my the Universe itself. 

I am human that still has human experiences regardless of my spiritual development.  By February 2021, I was a nervous wreck. Why?

I let my head get in the way temporarily trying to force things to happen while beating my head against the wall. Sound familiar?

So instead, I stopped.

I paused.

I listened to the whispers of the divine within.

What I heard from the spirit realms was that 2021 was an integration year for me – a pause year – a clearing out year – a rebalancing year.

Any project I want to launch NOW or attempt to launch now will be met with obstacles. I need to focus on clearing out the rest of the “clutter” and build a MORE solid foundation than the last one and come out banging in 2022.

So I sighhhhhhed.

I stopped and paused.

I put together an action plan.

I worked my personal numerology and my astrological signs with what I saw collectively energetically for 2021 and as I forecasted earlier this year and said OK.

So I decided it is time to switch gears. What do I do NOW?

I have been strengthening my systems and foundations.

I have been calling in and seeking out authentic solid sustainable partnerships, while listening to my soul like a GPS to guide me on where to go and which turns to take.

Are you finding yourself in a similar pattern?

6 ACTION Steps To Take NOW

There is sooooo much polarity and division happening here in the USA and globally it is like watching a bunch of parentless children running around aimlessly without guidance, self discipline or moral fortitude.

As we continue to grow and evolve,  please BE gentle with yourself AND others.

Many of our fellow humans are stuck in fear and struggling with trusting in spirit or letting go of the egoic mindset. Be aware of this when it creeps in.

1.BE aware that our thoughts may NOT even be our own, but part of the collective consciousness.

2. BE aware that some of what is surfacing is OLD stories and old traumas that were stuck in

the soil we reside

the blood in our veins and electrical circuitry from our genealogy – aka generational trauma

the spirit of our soul from our past karma and past lives

in the mind and bodies of our own past traumas

3. It is important to build a strong relationship with the diving presence within – soul – spirit – in order to have the skillset to discern what is ours, what is NOT, and what is our contribution to it.

If you think you already have it, you do not. Build a stronger one.

4. Remember to

Stop.

Pause.

Choose what action to take next.

5. Above all, please

BE kind

BE compassionate.

BE the solution the world needs.

As I wrote in my 2021 energy forecast, this is a year for change. It is a year for creating more balance between the human ego material world and the spiritual world.

6. It is imperative we find a way to shed the colonized mindset that has been cultivated and bridge in the necessary spiritual medicine & cultivate a relationship with Spirit once again honoring what the Universe is requiring of us in this time and space.

Thank you for coming to my TedX talk

With appreciation,

Laura

To stay in the loop, be sure to be in one of these 3 key areas where announcements are made:

1.Be sure to subscribe to our email list  – you can subscribe to whatever lists you wish to receive to control how many emails you receive.

2. Become a Patreon Member for a little as $5 a month for exclusive previews, events, benefits, and support.

3. or join our Facebook Group.

Posted on

Learn About “MY WHY” I Launched on Patreon

I did it. Say whaaaatttttt?

After partaking in another Patreon as a member with strong social justice goals, and watching the benefits unfold, I finally created a Patreon account to give you a better virtual experience, expand our virtual reach, offer exclusive specials and offers while broadening my social justice goals that are so important to me.

I want to share with you more about myself with you.  So, I would be honored & grateful if you could take a moment and read my WHY I launched on Patreon.

  • My why
  • What I have done in the past
  • What is happening NOW
  • What I can offer It take a community to make this happen.

Let’s join forces AND BREAK The CYCLE of the Perpetuation of Unresolved Unhealed Trauma TOGETHER.

To be honest ….

I am a bit Nervous.

Excited.

Anxious.

AND that is all ok.

I am putting the trust and faith in this journey and allowing it to unfold as it needs to.

Have you ever heard of Patreon before?

Here is the dish … It is a wonderful subscription service for content creators and in my case content creators with a social justice or social impact mission in mind.

What is unique about this platform, it lets people financially support and reward content creators — such as podcasters, writers, and YouTubers — through a monthly subscription.

Creators can set up multiple membership tiers with various rewards so each subscriber can choose the amount of money they feel most comfortable giving to a project and in my case – healing the perpetuation of unhealed unresolved trauma that is plaguing our society.

So, please check out my “My WHY” Patreon post, and if the message resonates, please consider
  • commenting on the original post
  • sharing with loved ones or those in your community who identify with my mission.
  • joining to support my social justice impact goals
  • or joining for the great benefits such as FREE 1:1, FREE events, and up to 40% off classes offered.

Would LOVE your thoughts AND …

I am new to learning how all this works and working on building a team to make my dreams and missions come to light so I can show up more effectively and more impactful for YOU.

Me doing THIS work is and always has been about BE-ing of greater service to the community & our Mother Earth.

Like everyone else, I am learning HOW to show up BETTER to meet that soul journey mission.

If you decide to become a patron on Patreon, you become active participants in the work I am doing while supporting a cause we all love and NEED especially during these challenging times where the trauma epidemic is running wild like an uncontrolled unchecked avalanche or a volcano that is about to explode.

Let’s DO THIS … TOGETHER … Shall we?

Click here to learn more about this initiative.

I have so much love and appreciation in my heart for all your support in my journey.

Thank you.

Laura

To learn more about me, visit “About” tab.

To learn more about my work healing trauma, click here.

Guest: Part 2: Laura Cowen’s Empowerment Hour Radio Show

I am grateful and honored to have been invited to be on Laura Cowan’s Empowerment Hour radio show.

Laura Cowan is an Award Winning Speaker, Educator, Radio Personality/VoiceItRadio & DV Advocate who has been a featured guest on national tv shows such as the Tamron Hall Show. You can learn more about her here: www.lauracowanstory.com

PLEASE

✔ Join us THIS Monday at 6pm.

✔ SHARE this offering with loved ones or anyone who could benefit.

Laura Cowan on the Tamron Hall nationally syndicated tv show.

For those checking this out, I met Laura a couple years ago while I was volunteering as a moderator for the National Domestic Violence Conference sponsored by National Coalition Against Domestic Violence where she was an incredible powerful speaker talking about her incredible journey surviving domestic violence.

I was instantly drawn to Laura and her beautiful energy. She’s a powerful speaker and radio personality.

If you are struggling right now, please join us.

If you are a survivor of abuse, please join us.

If you just need extra support right now, please join us.

 

Please join us Monday evening 6pm where we’ll be chatting about

♡ our shared healing journeys from abuse,

♡ my upcoming book on healing the roots to chronic illness & trauma through a Japanese healing system,

What I will be sharing will give you a glimpse into my upcoming virtual classes on healing trauma whole-istically through Spirit:

You don’t want to miss this broadcast.

Via: Zoom and Facebook Live

www.VoiceItRadio.com

Posted on

Guest Radio Show Appearance Talking Healing Trauma & Domestic Violence & Empowering Survivors

The Laura Cowan Empowerment Hour on VoiceItRadio Cleveland, OH

In case you missed the LIVE broadcast on Monday, November 9, 2020, here is the recording from the Laura Cowan Empowerment Hour Show where we talked about healing and empowering survivors of abuse & trauma.

Laura Cowan is an Award Winning Speaker, Educator, Radio Personality/VoiceItRadio & DV Advocate who has been a featured guest on national tv shows such as the Tamron Hall Show. You can learn more about her here: www.lauracowanstory.com

I met Laura a couple years ago while I was volunteering as a moderator for the National Domestic Violence Conference sponsored by National Coalition Against Domestic Violence where she was an incredible powerful speaker talking about her incredible journey surviving domestic violence.

I was instantly drawn to Laura and her beautiful energy, strength, and power.

Laura Cowan on the Tamron Hall Show

In this episode, we chatted about our stories, healing, trauma, the broken system and how to heal the “broken me” after a series of abuses – child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and systemic oppression.

If you are struggling right now, please check out this episode.

If you are a survivor of abuse, please listen in.

If you just need extra support right now, this is sure to be inspiring.

Would love your feedback on this radio show episode.