In this episode, hosts explore the themes of vision and possibility. The discussion includes creative processes for visioning, such as making vision boards and asking generative questions, inspired by Zora Neale Hurston's concept of “organized curiosity.” The hosts offer three 'North Stars' for expanding vision and conclude by promoting their audio course 'Wide Futures'. Vision and PossibilityVision Board Practices, Rituals and TechniquesNorth Stars for VisioningConclusion and Resources Fo...
In this episode, hosts Alexis and Sangodare discuss the continuous journey of self-discovery and self-love, drawing inspiration from Essex Hemphill's ceremony of affirmation in the face of external and internalized oppression. They share personal experiences of self-realization, touching on the challenges and triumphs of understanding one's identity. The hosts outline three 'North Stars' to guide listeners on their journey, and address a listener's question about cultivating patience while se...
In this episode, Alexis and Sangodare reflect on the impact of family-of-origin dynamics on how we love romantically. With a grounding sacred text from Audre Lorde's essay “Eye to Eye”, they reveal how recognizing these patterns can lead to healing and liberation. The episode emphasizes intentionality in relationships, the importance of community support, and celebrates the love and influence of family, exemplified by a super special listener testimonial. The session concludes by inviting lis...
In this solo episode, Sangodare unpacks afformations (not to be confused with affirmations) and their transformative power in all areas of life. Sangodare explores their learnings from the book ‘Afformations: The Miracle of Positive Self-Talk’ by Noah St. John, emphasizing the importance of belief, generative practices, and asking the right questions. They highlight how altering self-talk can create new possibilities and enrich the relational experience while addressing the challenges of bala...
In this episode hosts Sangodare and Alexis celebrate the power of joy and gratitude within their community, relationships, and personal growth. they emphasize the importance of celebrating their elders, relationships, and the journey of black lesbians. The hosts introduce celebration as a technology, which they leverage to foster community and progress. They share personal anecdotes about turning gratitude into tangible growth, illustrating three 'North Stars' guiding their practice: always f...
In this episode, Alexis and Sangodare unpack the power of making requests, emphasizing the importance of learning to make and receive requests in relationships as a practice of vulnerability and community building. They discuss how asking for what we want can enhance cooperation and trust. The episode encourages listeners to see requests as acts of generosity and steps towards deeper connections. The Power of RequestsPracticing Requests in RelationshipsThe Importance of an Honest Yes and an...
In this episode, hosts Sangodare and Alexis discuss profound themes around communicating desires and boundaries in Loveships. They share personal anecdotes, highlight insights from black feminists like June Jordan and Prentis Hemphill, and provide guidance on practicing healthy caring, non-codependent relationships. They emphasize the importance of community, mutual respect, and open communication in fostering spiritual growth within intimate relationships, and they address a listener's...
This discussion highlights our universal need for love and intimacy, and how the perceived scarcity of these elements can lead to lowered standards and feelings of unworthiness. Drawing on Ntozake Shange’s mantra “I found God in myself and I loved her fiercely, the episode underscores the importance of recognizing our intrinsic worth and the examples of love and intimacy that truly resonate with our authentic selves. The Universal Need for Love and IntimacyScarcity and Compromising Standard...
In this episode, hosts Sangodare and Alexis delve into the concept of heartbreak as a crucial part of spiritual growth and self-awareness within relationships. The episode shares personal stories of past heartbreaks and the lessons learned from those experiences, emphasizing the importance of intuition and self-trust. They outline three 'North Stars' guiding through heartbreak: understanding it as a spiritual milestone, the essential role of community in healing, and viewing the capacity to c...
In this episode hosts Sangodare and Alexis explore the multifaceted concept of intimacy as a vital part of loving relationships, romantic, platonic and otherwise. They discuss various forms of intimacy, reflecting on personal experiences and offering practical advice for expanding love and self-love. Listener questions address how to build healthy relationships despite past toxic experiences. Additionally, the episode highlights the influence of historical and cultural practices on contempora...
In this episode, hosts Sangodare and Alexis explore the concept of the 'love ship' as a profound spiritual practice and a journey in relationships. With references to black feminist thought and their personal experiences, they outline three 'North Stars' guiding love ships: spiritual depth, mutual participation, and constant compassion. The episode also addresses a listener's question on balancing differing spiritual perspectives in a partnership, emphasizing the importance of mutual consent ...
In this episode, hosts Sangodare and Alexis introduce Dedication as a spiritual technology for enriching relationships and community, emphasizing that recognizing our connections to others can transform mundane interactions into powerful experiences. They explore the importance of dedication in bringing forth the best versions of ourselves and fostering deeper connections. They also share practices to help cultivate self-love and improve relationships, highlight the influence of historical an...
In this heartfelt first episode of their podcast, Sangodare and Alexis celebrate their 17th anniversary and discuss their journey of relationship as a spiritual practice. They delve into topics such as manifesting a partner through self-awareness and intention, healing from past relationships, and the importance of knowing and articulating desires. They share personal stories, including Sangodare’s meticulous creation of a list of desired partner traits and Alexis's healing journey from a pas...
Welcome! Join us, Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Sangodare Wallace, as we share our 17-year journey of approaching our romantic relationship as a sacred gift and offering to the community. In this podcast, we explore the transformative power of relationships and discuss what it means to love as a spiritual practice. Each week, we will share our insights and respond to questions from the community, focusing on joy, intimacy, and rituals that keep love alive. Whether you are partnered or single, nurt...