Greetings Beloveds,
The journey of the Black woman is a testament to resilience, strength, and an indomitable spirit, woven into the very fabric of her being. At the intersection of racial and gender discrimination, she carries the weight of ancestral trauma, deeply rooted in the essence of the Womb, and confronts the challenges of the modern world. As we stand on the threshold of the 21st century, the Age of Aquarius, a time for us to with-ness the empowering ascent of feminine energy, particularly among Black women. This is a time for reflection, self-discovery, and empowerment.
In my journey of self-discovery, Alice Walker's Womanism has been a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward a deeper understanding of my identity as a woman. Introduced to me many years ago, it was only in recent times that I consciously wove this profound framework into the fabric of my being. Unlike various interpretations of Feminism, Womanism does not focus solely on self-advancement. Instead, it centers on the experiences, contributions, and efforts of Black women, with a vision that extends to the betterment of all humanity. Womanism addresses the multifaceted injustices faced by Black women, men, children, and families. It calls for a collective struggle against these injustices, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This approach does not shy away from acknowledging the severe wounds that Black men suffer, while also emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in the healing process.
As I write this, I am reminded of the saying, "Your hurt might not be your fault, but your healing is your responsibility." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Womanism—a recognition of the systemic and historical factors that have caused pain, alongside an empowering call to take ownership of one's healing journey. It is a balancing act that acknowledges the origins of suffering without absolving individuals of the need to actively seek healing.
In my exploration of ancestral wisdom, I have been struck by the embodiment of Womanism in indigenous cultures, where grandmothers were the epitome of wisdom and strength. They were the custodians of tradition, the healers of the soul, and the nurturers of life. Through laughter, creation, ceremony, art, and shared grief, they passed down knowledge from generation to generation. They honoured the earth, revered the divine feminine, and prayed for the young, and were the bedrock of community life. Yet, in the modern era, this sacred bond has been fractured, leading to the de-feminization of Black women—a process that strips away their feminine essence and leaves deep scars in Black communities and families.
Despite these challenges, we are with-nessing a bold resurgence of feminine energy, fostering self-care, self-love, and wholehearted living. This journey is filled with vulnerability, yet by grounding ourselves in spirituality, we find a guiding light that leads us to reclaim our sovereignty and redefine our identity. As we navigate this path, we must ask: What does a healed version of the feminine look like? How can we support each other as allies, ensuring that we do not perpetuate the pain and hurt inflicted upon us? The answers lie in returning to our roots, embracing our spirituality, and rekindling the wisdom of our ancestors.
Episode 8 of Conscious Conversations Season 3 is here.
In this episode of Conscious Conversations with my sister Clara, we delved into the resilience required to live as a Black woman, committed to discovering her true identity and living her truth. This journey, often solitary, demands courage and a steadfast commitment to one's values. Yet, it is through this journey that we uncover the abundance and richness that the Divine offers.
To my sister Clara, I offer my deepest gratitude. Your journey of recovery and remembrance is a testament to the strength of the Black woman. It reminds us that it is not we who have erred, but rather, we have been wronged. Your brave heart, drawn to life-affirming inspirations, illuminates the way for us all.
As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons of our ancestors, the wisdom of Womanism, and the power of our collective spirit. Together, we can redefine womanhood, casting off the burdens of the past and embracing a beautiful, empowered identity that honours our history, enriches our present, and shapes our future.
Clara Alcantara lives in the state of Connecticut in the United States. She is a mother of two girls. Clara works in a healthcare organization as a Senior Communications Specialist. After a major upheaval in her life where she left her long time religion, Clara is on the path of transformation embracing herself as she truly is and welcoming the unknown and the mysterious in her life.
Conscious Conversations features spiritual teachers, seers, and thought leaders who, through their insights, help our listeners gather tools to navigate life, enriching their minds, bodies, and spirits. Our intention is to share with our community a deeper perspective on spiritual awakening, the journey that follows, and how we can utilize these tools in our daily lives. Our listeners are interested in our guests' personal journeys of transcending challenges, breaking boundaries, walking with spirit, and fulfilling their purpose.
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We have not erred; we have been wronged. Yet now that we know, we must strive for wholehearted living, thriving in the fullness of life.
- Mmabatho Montse
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