In writing this, I held the awareness that it is more important than ever to engage in practices that invite us into Self. We are witnessing multiple genocides, fascist tyranny, consistent state and interpersonal violence, extreme environmental crises, and the list goes on. These harms that persist, oftentimes without adequate healing or justice, encourage us to live disembodied lives and disconnect us from Self. In this piece, I share what I’ve learned about why it's important to lead from Self, in hopes that you can get curious with me and envision the possibilities for our movements and our world.

CHJL Cohort 2 Alumns, Shanda Sugg & Heddy Nam, host Labors of Love Podcast where thy get real about mental health, trauma, and relationships. The pair delve into conversations with guests asking what’s their “Labor of Love” and exploring how they impact our communities. Several former cohort members and CHJL fam have joined to share their stories of transformation and the beauty in their labors of love.

“At this milestone in our time together, these words run through my head, over and over: To organize your community, you must love your community.”