Episode 2: The Power of Light

Send us Fan MailJoin us for an insightful conversation in Episode 2 of Living in 3D Power as Amber and her daughter, Emma, explore themes of leadership, resilience, adversity, and nurturing the light within ourselves.Chapters[08:37] Emma and Amber recount personal experiences of confronting bias, advocating for justice, and amplifying their voices in challenging moments.[15:47] Emma critiques examples of poor leadership, emphasizing kindness and integrity as key traits of good leaders. Amber reflects on the narratives and experiences that have shaped her understanding of being a good person and a compassionate leader.[22:27] Emma and Amber discuss ways to identify and nurture their light amidst challenges, including self-affirmation and creative practices.[26:31] Amber highlights Toni Morrison’s powerful lesson about showing children love and appreciation through joyful interactions.[35:59] Amber shares her admiration for Michelle Obama’s boundary-setting, emphasizing the importance of saying no to protect one’s well-being.[41:46] Amber reflects on Emma’s empathy, self-worth, and the vital lessons about meeting others with gladness, especially children from marginalized backgrounds.Takeaways* Empathy as Light: Emma’s natural empathy inspires Amber to radiate kindness and presence.* Boundaries Are Essential: Setting boundaries, as modeled by Michelle Obama, is a powerful act of self-preservation.* Meeting Others with Gladness: A simple smile or joyful greeting can profoundly impact children and adults alike.* Resilience Through Adversity: Sharing personal stories and advocating for justice strengthens individual and collective dignity.Quotables* "So, you know, this is perhaps one of the best times for the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. And I think that's why [the inauguration] occurred on the King Holiday. No person did that. So that's like a message from God, you know? Hey, you all, let’s get back to these teachings, you know, let's realign ourselves with that movement." —Dr. Bernice King* “When we say we don’t see color, what we are truly saying is, “I don’t want to see the things about you that are different because society has told me they are dangerous or undesirable...Rendering difference invisible validates the notion that there are parts of us that should be ignored, hidden, or minimized, leaving in place the unspoken idea that difference is the problem and not our approach to dealing with difference.” —Sonya Renee Taylor* “I'm not playing that game, checking myself: How can I show up authentically in all of my spaces? As I show my light, it's giving license for people to do the same.” —Dr. Amber Sessoms* "Let your face speak what's in your heart." —Toni Morrison* “Meet [your kids] with gladness, and show on your countenance what is in your heart.” —Dr. Amber SessomsCuriosity Card Prompts for ReflectionDiscovery* Adult Question: Reflecting on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, what is one time I challenged an injustice or helped someone facing unfair treatment? How did that experience influence my sense of self and my connection to my community?* Kid Question: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in treating everyone with fairness and respect. What is one time when I helped someone or stood up for something that wasn’t fair? What did it teach me about myself and how we can make our communities better?* Adult Question: Dr. Bernice King reminds us to reflect on who weConnect with Me:Instagram: @natural_inclinationYoutube: @naturalinclinationTikTok: Amber SessomsLinkedIn: Dr. Amber M. Sessoms, NCSPBluesky: @ambersessoms.bsky.socialFacebook: Natural InclinationWebsite: www.aninclination.comLike, Comment, Share, EngageIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who would love these conversations. Engage with the Curiosity Cards and ask the youth in your life about their experiences because you might be surprised by what you learn. Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments or on social media using #LivingIn3DPower. And, don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for next week’s conversation!