2. If Loneliness is a Welcome Guest, then what?

In their first guest episode, Rev. Syd Yang welcomes Alli Simon—founder of Black Being in Inglewood, CA and a meditation, mindfulness, and yoga teacher—to discuss how loneliness can be approached as a place of wonder and a “returning home.” Inspired by Rumi’s poem “The Guest House,” they explore welcoming loneliness and other difficult emotions through spiritual practice. Alli shares how loneliness has been a companion to her while navigating major transitions, including a recent breakup and redefining home, all while being held by community at Black Being. They connect loneliness to disconnection and suffering, emphasize collective breath and witnessing with others, and consider loneliness as a mirror that can open joy, pleasure, and deeper connection.Loneliness as place of WonderLoneliness through the lens of Attention, Wonder and EquanimityDisconnection and Systems of Harm, Disengagement As ConditioningLessons from unlikely places (a cockroach)Connect with Alli Simon and Black BeingAbout Alli: Allison “Alli” Simon (she/her) is from South LA and the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Being, a community-rooted wellbeing studio in Inglewood. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, her work centers on expanding access to meditation, movement, and collective care for Black communities.Since 2009, meditation has been a grounding force in Alli’s life, supporting her through personal challenges and shaping her commitment to healing-centered work. She is a certified yoga instructor and meditation facilitator, and her approach is rooted in lived experience, cultural awareness, and community practice.Through Black Being, Alli leads programs that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on creating accessible, culturally relevant spaces for rest, reflection, and connection. She also contributes to broader healing justice efforts through workshops and partnerships that support caregivers and social impact leaders.Book a free spiritual care discovery call hereConnect with Syd:Email: [email protected]: www.bluejaguarhealingarts.comRead Syd’s Substack - Being in a Body: revsydyang.substack.comInstagram: @bodyliberationchaplainBuy Me A Boba Tea: Venmo @bluejaguarloveProduced by Wowow PodcastsMusic by Lee Frisari