Rising Above Thoughts, Feelings, and Circumstances

As women of color, we've long sought solace, connection, and freedom—whether through expressing our identity, celebrating our sexuality, or navigating the complex intersections of gender and race. The pursuit of lasting peace through engaging solely with our minds, a core part of who we are, has often proven challenging.

The difficulty in finding inner peace is tied to both historical and systemic factors. The weight of these issues, often born from experiences of discrimination and racism, creates stress that can hinder our peace. It’s crucial to recognize that we can't create new experiences with the same mindset that shaped our past. Addressing these influences is key to creating an environment where we can nurture inner peace with support and understanding. To move forward, we must actively clear away outdated thoughts, ideas, and beliefs—shedding what no longer serves us and what no longer aligns with where we are headed.

As we cultivate deeper self-love, we also nurture the strength to rise and envision a life that stretches beyond our present circumstances. This vision becomes attainable when, together, we possess the clarity and mental fortitude to discern what truly matters in moving us toward peace, healing, transformation, and success. Our power to rise is intricately tied to our clarity and discernment, helping us step into a future that surpasses our present reality.

Building on this, we will explore practical ways to move beyond old mindsets, physical limitations, and the boundaries of our current circumstances to actively create paths toward authentic connection, joy, love, and freedom.

Transcending Mind and Body

True connection, joy, love, and freedom emerge when we move beyond the confines of our minds, bodies, and external circumstances. It requires surrendering to a higher power, embracing the unknown, and unlocking a transformative path that propels us toward experiences that elevate our lives.

This journey begins with understanding our roots. By connecting to our lineage and ancestry, we gain wisdom that empowers us to rise above limiting beliefs and conditions that no longer align with our upward trajectory. Embracing this wisdom fuels our ability to break free from the mental, emotional, and physical constraints of the past and move boldly into the future—one filled with limitless possibilities.

Rising Above Old Patterns

At the heart of our journey lies the mind, a reservoir of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that shape our reality. Within this space, endless possibilities await. Let’s delve into these possibilities, seeking clarity on which aligns with our journey toward deeper self-love. (This might get a bit deep, but bear with me!)

1. Anchoring in the Familiar Past: This provides comfort, security, and a sense of stability. However, staying too attached to the familiar can prevent growth and limit opportunities. Balancing the comfort of the past with openness to change is essential.

2. Anchoring in the Unknown Future: While seeking predictability in the unknown can seem safe, it often leads to recurring patterns that hinder growth. We can learn from the past, but we must not let it hold us back from embracing fresh opportunities.

3. Creating New Possibilities from the Present Moment: To create the life we desire, we must release our hold on the past and channel our energy into crafting the future. This shift empowers us to embrace new opportunities, face challenges with a fresh perspective, and build a life aligned with our desires.

In essence, we must rise above mindsets that constrain us from experiencing the peace, connection, and freedom we deserve.

Honoring the Body

Transcending the mind is just one part of the journey; the relationship we have with our bodies plays a vital role. Our bodies are not limitations but tools that have carried us to this point. When we recognize and honor our bodies as steadfast companions, we open ourselves to transformative healing and growth.

Our bodies constantly communicate with us—through ailments, pain, or discomfort, they signal misalignments in our lives. Attuning to these signals, whether through our energy levels, sleep patterns, or physical sensations, allows us to understand what we need to realign and move toward greater health and happiness.

Listening to our intuition—whether it’s a flutter in our stomach or a deep knowing—guides us on our journey. These physical sensations and emotional responses are our body’s unique language, helping us discern when we’re aligned or when it’s time to shift.

Aligning Heart, Soul, and Spirit

True empowerment comes from the alignment of heart, soul, and spirit. The heart, the center of our emotions and desires, guides us toward authenticity. When our actions align with the whispers of our heart, we find ourselves on a path that reflects our true selves.

The soul, the essence of who we are, holds the wisdom of our experiences. Aligning with this inner wisdom empowers us to make decisions that reflect our highest potential.

The spirit connects us to a higher consciousness, providing us with strength, clarity, and resilience. Aligning with our spiritual essence fosters a sense of purpose, helping us navigate life’s challenges with a broader perspective.

When heart, soul, and spirit work in harmony, we transcend limitations and open pathways to resilience, courage, and a deeper understanding of our potential. This alignment empowers us to rise above challenges and create a fulfilling, authentic life.

Envisioning the Future

When we free ourselves from mental and physical limitations, anything becomes possible. Where focus goes, energy flows. What we think, we create. Surround yourself with people, content, and experiences that reflect the possibilities you envision. Be creative, honest, and clear about your desires. Hold your vision firmly in your mind, and allow it to manifest.

Clarity is key. Many of us drift through life, guided by external expectations, neglecting the question, "What do I truly want?" The moment we define our vision, every action we take propels us closer to it. Our commitment attracts the forces that support our journey, guiding us toward the life we deserve.

Surrendering to the Journey

Surrendering doesn’t mean giving up control—it means letting go of the need to micromanage every step of the journey. It’s about trusting that what is meant for our highest good is already waiting for us, even if we can’t yet see it.

Surrendering creates space for growth beyond our limited perceptions. It helps us navigate through challenging circumstances, embracing the unknown and the possibilities it brings. By letting go of the familiar, we allow new opportunities to emerge, pushing our lives to new horizons. The willingness to embrace the unknown will lead us to experiences that were once unimaginable—experiences that fulfill the desires we hold in our hearts.

This is the beginning of your rise. Keep envisioning, keep surrendering, and remember—everything you need is already within you, waiting to unfold.

Until next time, embrace peace and love on the Journey Up! 

And so it is...

Here's Your Daily Journal Prompt:  

Take a moment to tune into your body. What physical sensations or emotions do you notice? How might these signals be guiding you in your current circumstances? Reflect on ways to deepen your connection with your body's wisdom. 

Recall a moment in your life when surrendering control led to positive outcomes. How did it feel to release the need for total control? How can you apply the concept of surrender in your current challenges or aspirations?