We Are Woven Together: Holding Space for CommUNITY
My drawing represents the land that binds us and unites us. Humans are woven together. If someone gives up, others fall. We are all connected to our planet and to each other, but unfortunately we are little aware of it. We are woven together. Other people weave alongside me and my story; and I weave theirs.”
Courtesy: Fatima Anfig
Dear Friends of The Innerwork Center:
May I invite you to pause and take about (5) deep inhalations and exhalations while meditating on the drawing above. What is it whispering to you? Which words are coming to the surface of your heart and mind? Where do you see yourself in this piece of art?
In our journey towards healing and self-discovery, one of the most profound realizations is the importance of connection. When we truly connect—with ourselves and with others—we create a space of belonging that nurtures our souls and fosters a sense of CommUNITY.
This sense of CommUNITY begins within, but its roots are even deeper. It starts in the womb, where we first experience the essence of connection. From there, it extends to our homes, where family and close bonds shape our early understanding of belonging. As we grow, this sense of connection spreads to our neighborhoods, where we interact with the wider world, and eventually, it reaches out globally, connecting us with humanity at-large.
The journey of CommUNITY is both inward and outward. It involves doing the inner work, the deep and honest exploration of our own hearts and minds. As we embark on this journey of self-discovery, we uncover layers of our being that reveal our true essence. We learn to embrace our strengths and vulnerabilities, recognizing that every part of us is integral to our wholeness.
Once we cultivate this inner connection, we naturally extend it outward. Our inner peace and authenticity become a beacon for others, inviting them to join us in a space of mutual respect, understanding, and love. This is the foundation of a true CommUNITY—a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.
-Desmond TuTu
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
-Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
Creating such a space of belonging requires us to be present and open-hearted. It calls for active listening, compassion, and the willingness to hold space for one another's experiences. In doing so, we weave a tapestry of support and solidarity that strengthens our collective resilience.
As we continue our journey, let us remember that CommUNITY is not just about being together; it is about growing together. It is about supporting each other's growth, celebrating our unique contributions, and acknowledging that we are all interconnected.
By beginning within and doing the inner work, we set the stage for a transformative experience that radiates outward, creating ripples of positive change that start in our homes and spread across neighborhoods and the globe. Together, we can build a CommUNITY that truly embodies the spirit of unity and belonging.
I invite you to come a bit closer to the heart of The Innerwork Center. I invite you to trust yourself more than you did last year or even yesterday. This work is way bigger than us.
Sending you Love, Light, & Ease...
-Felisha Jones, Director of Engagement
About Felisha Jones
Felisha believes that we are all healers in our own right and our self-care is a revolutionary act, as stated by Audre Lorde. As an imperfect follower of Christ, she is an advocate for adding certain ancient wisdom traditions to modern-day prayer and spiritual practices. Felisha has been guiding underserved inner-city teens in self-care and mindfulness practices for the past six years, which has proven the need to teach all humans the importance of accessing their breath in a meditative manner to break generational cycles of trauma. She has obtained her Meditation Teacher Certification from the Chopra Center, along with being afforded the opportunity to study and practice the following disciplines: Intro to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Advanced Mind-Body Medicine under Dr. Gordon of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Foundations in Somatic Abolitionism (FSA) with Resmaa Menakem and Certified to be a Healing Companion for Traumatized Communities through Santa Sorenson, Healing in Community.