I am here. I am present.

Center yourself in your own sacred presence

AN INVITATION

Sibling. Sister-friend. Mother of one, of many or of none. Daughter. Auntie. Granny. Teacher. Learner. Lover of peoples and places known and unknown.

You are here. You are present. Take up space with the sight, the sound, the taste and the smell of you.

With all that you are, say your name. Hear the sound of it as it passes through your lips. Feel its vibration in all your parts. Sibling. Sister-friend. Mother of one, of many or of none. Daughter. Auntie. Granny and more. Take up all the space you deserve.

 
A white graphic element anchors this space - it's a white, hand-drawn and stylized flower illustration
 

Be a Black woman. Just be.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

An open notebook with a golden string to keep your page has a pen sitting on a blank page. Behind the notebook is a golden doily pattern.

A journal & pen

This exercise uses prompts that you’ll respond to in writing.

A candle burns in an amber glass. Behind the candle is a golden doily pattern.

A candle

Pick something that that speaks to an aspect of who you are - a scent or holder that holds some part of your being.

A vintage stop watch sits at a bit of an angle. Behind the stop watch is a golden doily pattern.

A timer or watch

We’re going to be responding for ten minutes, so anything that can keep time for that length will work just fine.

THE PRACTICE

1. I am here. I am present.

Start by settling in and watching this short video, “I am here. I am present.” We’ll invite you to lay claim to the various ways in which you are here and you are present.

2. Start creating

Find a quiet space to retreat with your journal and scented candle or incense. Use the following prompts to create an original piece that introduces yourself to yourself. Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to create (but not craft!) your responses—simply be present.

I am from …

  • Name your people 

  • Name your land/place 

  • The taste of

  • The sound of 

  • The scent of 

My name is:_________

I am here. I am present.

3. Give thanks to yourself

Read your piece aloud to and for yourself 3 times. Sit quietly for 3 minutes taking in the smell of the incense or candle, and allow the presence you created with your words to vibrate through you.

Give thanks to yourself for being, for taking up space.

A black woman with black and white braids pulled back into a pony tail and wearing a white woven sweater sits at a wooden table in front of books, journaling about her experience.

REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE

 
 

What did you discover through this exercise?

What did it feel like to read aloud to yourself about yourself?

What scent did you choose, and why does that speak to you?

 
 

Ways to use this meditation

 

As a monthly self-exploration practice.

At retreats as part of a group introductory activity.

To steady yourself if you feel like you need centering.