LOUNGIN’ Goes Live

One night, right as my healing club’s weekly sound bath session was ending, Shannon (the sound healer/practitioner) invited everyone to write down the first word that came to mind. She handed out pens and Post-Its, gently placing them next to us as we lay in the dark.

The word the I wrote was “Community.”

I came home and taped the Post-It to the mirror in my bedroom. It is still there.

I’ve been obsessively thinking about community these days. Who do I want to be in community with? How am I showing up in the various communities I am a part of? What is the role of community in this chaotic political environment we are in?

I don’t have the answers to those questions yet, but what I do know is that community is and will be an important part of transforming our very broken world. Community is the reason why I felt called to create Toogood. It feels energizing and safe to be with others. I feel joyful and connected in community. Resilient. Hopeful. Sturdy and strong. Able to meet this moment with all the wisdom of my ancestors.

My recent birthday was the perfect excuse to organize an in-person gathering for Toogood’s first event. Thanks to our grant from the Peace and Justice Studies Association, we’ve had the funds for to sponsor a story circle for some time. And my heart says the time is now. I invited a few Black women I know to gather for storytelling, connection, and to look at photos of our loved ones.

The invitation to Loungin’: Stories of Black Women and Joy

*Photo Credit: John W. Mosley, Four Women at Chicken Bone Beach c. 1960s

I was overwhelmed by the responses from the women I invited. Here is what they said:

“This sounds like the Sankofa sanctuary my soul needs.”

“I’m in need of communion spaces.”

“I hope its ok, I invited two of my friends! We are all looking for opportunities to commune with other Black women.”

I am grateful to create a space for community and connection for Black women, particularly at a time that feels so out of control. Coming together to share stories about our loved ones and focus on joy is not just healing for us, it is healing for past and future generations.

Loungin’: Stories of Black Women and Joy meets in a few days. I can’t wait to share our observations and joy with you!