Fostering a Discipline of Humanzing Ourselves

In a world that often demands Black women to be strong at all costs, there is a growing recognition of the need to humanize ourselves — to acknowledge our vulnerabilities, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

In this episode of Shades of Strong Podcast, hosts Shirley Hubbard and Natalyn Bradshaw delve into the importance of fostering a discipline of humanizing ourselves and dismantling the strong Black woman trope within ourselves.

They use the body scan method to explore how they dehumanize themselves in various parts of their bodies. They candidly share personal experiences and delve into the emotional and mental burdens they carry, discussing how they can reclaim their humanity and redefine what it means to be strong.

Key Points:

• Understanding Dehumanization: Shirley and Natty use the body scan technique to thoroughly explore how they unintentionally dehumanize themselves, scanning each part of their bodies, including the mind, throat, heart, gut, and spiritual side. They share personal experiences and reflections on the impact of societal pressures, past experiences, and internalized beliefs.

• Strategies for Humanization: The hosts explore various strategies and practices for humanizing themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion. They discuss the power of mindfulness, and self-care in combating dehumanizing thoughts and behaviors.

• Impact of Societal Expectations: Shirley and Natty reflect on the impact of societal expectations and stereotypes on their self-perception. They discuss how societal norms can create unrealistic standards of strength and resilience, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
• The Journey of Reclaiming Humanity: Throughout the episode, the hosts share their personal journeys of reclaiming their humanity. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of this process, offering insights and advice for listeners on their own journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.

Humanizing ourselves is a continual journey involving embracing imperfections, celebrating strengths, and fostering community support.

By shedding light on their own struggles with dehumanization, Shirl and Natty hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey of reclaiming humanity.

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Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time for an insightful conversation on “Breaking Free from the Ride or Die Mentality,” where we’ll explore how to navigate toxic patterns and prioritize self-respect in every area of our lives. 

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