Burn the Box! 🔥📦

Tony Chavira is dedicated to fostering profound transformation and healing within communities. As a relational therapist, sociologist, somatic abolitionist, and committed brother, Tony's work centers on radical healing and the power of connection. He emphasizes the importance of safety and connection through actively loving and nurturing grounded relationships. Tony's mission is to dismantle the limitations that restrict love in our communities, encouraging a collective journey towards deeper, more authentic connections. Tony's work highlights the transformative potential of relational healing. By embracing safety and connection, he invites us to join in breaking the barriers that hinder our ability to love one another in our communities. Tony hosts a weekly Sunday Q&A podcast on Instagram Live called "Heart Breaker." This platform allows Tony to delve into the intricacies of relationship therapy and explore what it truly means to love another person. The interactive format provides an opportunity for listeners to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and joys of relationships. In this episode, Tony and Sonali talks about: The Oppressive Charge of Whiteness: People of color carry the weight of historical oppression, while white people can be unconsciously complicit through a sense of numbness or a lack of awareness. The Importance of Anger: Suppressing anger can be a trauma response, but healthy anger can be a tool for setting boundaries and discerning who to let close. Digestive Fire as a Metaphor for Processing Emotions: Our bodies have a natural ability to process experiences, including negative ones. When we don't process them, they can build up and make us sick. The Choice to Love: Being in a white body often comes with the privilege of being able to opt out of caring for others. However, true healing involves choosing love and connection. Healing from Historical Trauma: Both white people and People of Color carry the weight of historical trauma. Therapy can be a space to explore this and find healing. The Importance of Community: Healing and dismantling oppressive systems can't be done alone. Finding supportive communities is essential. Awareness is Key: The first step to dismantling whiteness is becoming aware of how it functions and how we participate in it. Numbness as a Defense Mechanism: Numbness is a common response to perpetuating pain on others. However, it hinders healing and true connection. Laying Down One's Armor: Healing often requires letting go of defensive mechanisms and exploring our true selves. and so much more Find his current projects and learn more about Tony:  Website: https://www.tonychavira.com/ Tony's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minefieldwonderland Purple Couch Therapy: https://www.purplecouchtherapy.com/ -- Connect with us:  Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Karine Bell, MSc, SEP, is the founder and co-dreamer for the Rooted Global Village. She's a bi-cultural Black woman, a speaker, somatics educator, practitioner, somatic abolitionist, and scholar-activist in training focused on deepening an understanding of the impacts of trauma and oppression on our lives, and liberatory and decolonial frameworks and traditional/indigenous approaches to trauma healing and community building. Karine's emphasis on living authentically from the heart, embracing curiosity, wonder, and research, reflects a holistic and grounded approach to her work. Her love and dedication to her children further fuel her commitment to making a difference both personally and collectively. Continuing her studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute in decolonial depth psychology, with a focus on community, liberation, indigenous, and eco-psychologies, showcases her ongoing dedication to expanding her knowledge and skills to better serve her community and the broader world. In this episode, Karine and Sonali talks about: Breaking free from the limitations of labels and identities ("burning boxes") Somatic Abolitionism as a practice for shedding conditioning and societal constraints Embodiment and sensuality as a path to liberation Deep Time activism and the concept of tending to generational change The limitations of biographical introductions and the tension between self-disclosure and resisting categorization and so much more Find her work and learn more about Karine: www.rootedglobalvillage.com https://www.instagram.com/tending.the.roots/ -- Connect with us:  Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Saumya founded The I AM Project in 1998, driven by a passion to nurture children's self-awareness through somatic exploration and playful contemplation. Transitioning from a career in architecture and urban policy in 2003, she redirected her focus towards a path aligned with her deeper calling. As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and seasoned meditation/yoga teacher, Saumya specializes in addressing inter-generational and racialized trauma, drawing upon her extensive knowledge of Hindu/Buddhist principles. With a lifelong dedication to mindfulness practices, Saumya integrates embodiment techniques to facilitate healing and self-exploration. Her mission is to cultivate inclusive and healing communal spaces where individuals feel empowered to authentically connect, explore their inner landscapes, and pursue their desired outcomes. Born to Indian immigrants in Winston-Salem, NC, and raised in rural Eastern Shore, Maryland, Saumya's upbringing sparked her curiosity about the intersection of ancient wisdom and Western influence, driving her commitment to supporting marginalized children in navigating oppressive systems both in India and the US. In this episode, Saumya and Sonali talks about: Unraveling Our Conditioning: We can spend a lifetime shedding the limitations placed on us by our cultures and upbringing. Somatic Abolitionism as a Wellspring: This practice offers a deep well of tools and resources to draw from in different contexts. The Power of Community: Doing deep healing work in community allows for profound witnessing, holding space for uncertainty, and collective empowerment. Embodied Authenticity: Integrating our lived experiences into our work fosters a deeper connection with clients. The Importance of Play and Exploration: There's value in following curiosity and intuition throughout our healing journeys. and so much more... Find her work and learn more about Saumya on her instagram @thesunlightthrutrees Website coming soon! wellnesswallah.com -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Aneissa (she/her/ella) is a Xicana/Mexican American therapist, mother, wife, and relative to many loved ones. Her *known* people come from the colonized states of Sonora and Zacatecas, Mexico, the modern day Southwest, and Yaqui Nation (Yoeme) descendants. She centers social justice and the decolonization of psychotherapy in her work and strongly believes in mutual aid and self-and-communal care as a means of healing and liberation for all. Aneissa brings over 20 years of post-graduate clinical experience, specializing in racial trauma. She underwent training with Resmaa Menakem as a Somatic Abolitionist Therapist in 2021 & 2022, fostering an abolitionism community for antiracist culture building. Aneissa’s emergent work continues to focus on: Spearheading an embodied cultural movement towards collective health Addressing anti-Black & anti-Indigenous indoctrination in Latinx culture Dismantling oppressive forces and combating the impact of Heart Hijack™️ In this episode, Aneissa and Sonali talks about: The importance of honoring our ancestors and seeking their guidance and protection. Somatic Abolitionism as a practice for reclaiming our hearts and fostering love, joy, and connection. Understanding the interconnectedness of the nervous system and the heart for deeper healing and personal growth. Harnessing the power of community to amplify individual healing journeys. Staying present in the heart space amidst challenges. Recognizing the potential of somatic practices to create lasting change for ourselves, families, and future generations. and so much more... Find her recent workshop: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwD3ctqr7hR/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D You can contact Aneissa at [email protected] -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Erin Trent Johnson is a conscious Black mama, trauma-informed and embodied freedom coach, writer, speaker, facilitator, and explorer who helps Black women and non-binary folx remember their inherent worth and wisdom and their ecosystems spread generational health. Erin curates sacred care spaces that inspire healing, sharing, transformation, and Black joy. Erin is the Founder and Co-Creator of BlackMamaBody, a social wellness technology company committed to building ecosystems of generational health. Erin's values, skills, and pleasure meet at the intersection of expressive art, spirit, and earth-honoring, body-based healing traditions. Ask Erin about Black women's fugitive wellness and viral imagination! In this episode, Erin and Sonali delve into: * Surrender as an invitation, not an obligation. * The box as a metaphor for limitations. * Community and co-creation as key tools for change. * Viral imagination as a force for liberation. * Playful and embodied practices for healing and transformation. and so much more... Find her work and learn more about Erin on her Instagram @blackmamabody. -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Geordee Mae Corpuz (she/her/hers) is a Bay Area-based coach, organizer, and facilitator. With a deep understanding of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma, Geordee recognizes how society invisibilizes different aspects of individuals, causing pain and fragmentation. Through coaching, she helps clients cultivate self-awareness and self-love to integrate all parts of themselves into their lives. With a decade of grassroots organizing experience, Geordee is dedicated to supporting leaders fighting for liberation in Black and Brown working-class communities. She serves as the Program Director at the Center for Empowered Politics and is the Board Chair for Filipino Advocates for Justice. In her downtime, Geordee enjoys basketball (especially cheering for the Warriors), spending time in nature, and being a dog mom to Izzy. In this episode, Geordee and Sonali talks about: Reclaiming Dignity: The conversation explores the journey of reclaiming dignity, breaking free from societal conditioning that prioritizes service to others over honoring one's own essence and autonomy. Trust is the glue of movements: Strong relationships built on genuine trust are essential for building power and achieving transformative change. Historical trauma: Systems of oppression like white supremacy, capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy leave embodied imprints that affect how we connect with others. Tempering the Vessel: Sonali and Geordee delve into the metaphor of "tempering the vessel," emphasizing the importance of cultivating a strong and receptive body-mind connection to harness one's purpose. and so much more... Find her work and learn more about her at geordeemaecorpuz.com -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Kim Fowler, a Black woman residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico and an Elder in the Somatic Abolitionism community, brings a rich tapestry of experience to her roles as a coach, writer, singer, and nature lover. Growing up in Chicago, she witnessed firsthand the dynamics of racial segregation before settling in a city marked by a history of Native land appropriation and racial disparities. Through her work and advocacy, Kim confronts internalized oppression and advocates for a deeper understanding of racial dynamics, urging both white and Black individuals to dismantle ingrained supremacist ideologies. Her recently recognized memoir, "All Will Be Well: A Memoir of Love and Dementia," explores her family's journey amidst her mother's illness and the influences of working within predominantly white institutions. In this episode, Kim and Sonali talks about... Expression and Repression: Sonali and Kim discuss the beauty of expression and the ways in which it can be repressed or suppressed in life. Cultural and Societal Expectations: Kim reflects on the experiences of her parents and the pressures they faced to conform to certain behaviors and roles in order to navigate societal structures. Holistic Expression: Kim's journey at the retreat demonstrates the holistic nature of expression, encompassing music, spoken word, and physical movement. Reflection on Aging: Kim discusses breaking out of societal expectations around aging, contemplating her own journey as a 72-year-old and envisioning her role in eldership. and SO much more Find her work and learn more about her book, “All Will Be Well: A Memoir of Love and Dementia” at https://www.mesacoaching.com/ -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

On this enlightening episode, we delve into the world of transformative therapy with Mariya Javed-Payne, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Brainspotting Trainer, and Consultant. In her clinical practice, Mariya specializes in somatic psychotherapy, brainspotting therapy, and psychedelic assisted therapy. As the owner of Awaken Consulting Services and co-owner of the Institute for Integrative Therapies, Mariya is at the forefront of integrating innovative therapeutic approaches to foster healing. Currently, Mariya is gearing up for an upcoming ancestral healing workshop and exploring the realm of ketamine assisted psychotherapy with groups, particularly focusing on racial trauma—a testament to her commitment to addressing issues at the intersection of ancestral history and contemporary challenges. Our conversation with Mariya also takes a deep dive into the world of somatic abolitionism, a powerful approach she employs in her practice. We discuss how Mariya is passionate about breaking existing boxes, transforming workplaces, and fostering community through the use of song, dance, and intensive therapy. Connect with Mariya Javed-Payne at www.iit-mn.com and www.awakenconsultingservices.com. Email: [email protected]. -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

It is a true pleasure to share this episode with a beloved teacher on this path. Embodied provocateur, multiple-levels thinker, and structural paradigm- shifter Resmaa Menakem (MSW, LICSW, SEP), is an author, agent of change, therapist, and licensed clinical worker specializing in racialized trauma, communal healing, and cultural first aid based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the originator and leading proponent of Somatic Abolitionism, an embodied antiracist practice for living and culture building, Resmaa is the founder of Justice Leadership Solutions and the Cultural Somatics Institute, and is an educator and coach. Working at the intersections of anti-racism, communal healing, and embodied purpose, Resmaa Menakem is the challenging yet compassionate coach we all need in this time of racial reckoning and near-global dysregulation. Resmaa is known as the author of the New York Times bestseller My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, The Quaking of America: An Embodied Guide to Navigating Our Nation’s Upheaval and Racial Reckoning, Monsters in Love: Why Your Partner Sometimes Drives You Crazy—And What You Can Do About It, and The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands, a children’s picture book with actor T. Mychael Rambo and illustrator Leroy Campbell. Resmaa has worked as a community care counselor for civilian contractors in Afghanistan as well as a certified Military Family Life Consultant, the director director of counseling services for Tubman Family Alliance; the behavioral health director for African American Family Services in Minneapolis; a domestic violence counselor for Wilder Foundation; a divorce and family mediator; a social worker for Minneapolis Public Schools; a youth counselor; a community organizer; and a marketing strategist. Resmaa is a senior fellow at The Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. In 2022 he established The Addieun Foundation in Minneapolis. He is a key collaborator and facilitator for Education for Racial Equality, and a sought-after public speaker and panelist. In 2023, Resmaa released an on-demand self-paced course in collaboration with Sounds True, titled Healing Racialized Trauma: Somatic Abolitionism for Every Body. Resmaa has been a guest on Charlamagne Tha God’s Comedy Central TV program, Tha God’s Honest Truth and radio show, The Breakfast Club with DJ Envy, Oprah, Sundays with Vernā, Krista Tippett’s On Being, Dan Harris’s 10% Happier, Eric Zimmer’s The One You Feed, and many other major shows, podcasts, and media. You can learn more about Resmaa and his work at his website, www.resmaa.com. -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

In this episode, our guest is Evvie Ormon, a dedicated advocate for the well-being of gender-expansive, neuro-magical, Black, Asian, and Bodies of Culture. Evvie shares their commitment to dismantling coercive control, supporting trailblazers who leave coercive groups, and navigating challenges in a coercive society. With expertise in UX Design, virtual facilitation, herbal medicine, and cultural healing, Evvie discusses creative practices and emphasizes the importance of community support. Explore the intersectionality of coercive control, personal growth, and liberation from authoritarian paradigms. Evvie's experiences in project management, somatics, astrology, and trauma healing provide valuable insights. Learn about Evvie's mission to build a database of communal wisdom for cult-survivors, their pursuit of fellowships, and the limited series podcast amplifying voices impacted by coercive control. Connect with Evvie at https://www.emergentphoenixrising.com, where they seek collaboration for a psycho-educational program on coercive control. -- Connect with us: Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

In this episode, we welcome Nat Vikitsreth, a passionate dot connector and advocate for social justice in parenting. As the founder of Come Back to Care, Nat guides parents on a transformative journey from autopilot to decolonized, embodied, and intergenerational parenting. Join us as Nat shares her insights on healing, emphasizing the vital role of addressing inner child and internalized oppression wounds within a supportive community. Dive into Nat's vision of a world where parents, having reconciled with their past, authentically engage in parenting and community organizing. Nat's academic achievements include a graduate degree from the Erikson Institute’s Social Work and Child Development Program and another master’s degree in Infancy & Early Childhood Special Education. Recognized for her innovative work at Come Back to Care, Nat received the 2021 Zero to Three Award for Emerging Leadership. Beyond her practice, she extends her impact by providing political education and mental health support to youth organizers in the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. https://www.comebacktocare.com/learn -- Connect with us:  Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

In this episode, our guest is Oceana Sawyer, a grief and liberation explorer in the liminal spaces of life and death. She is currently working in the realms of embodied grieving, deep ecology and liberatory praxis. Trained as a facilitator, sensuality educator, and in integral counseling, rooted in earth-based spirituality and an intensive study in the expressive arts, she brings a compassionate presence to her work with groups. You can follow her on her website, Patreon, and now on Substack. Her first book, Life, Death, Grief and the Possibility of Pleasure is available at Kizzy’s Books and More and Amazon. Oceana is currently using her SA toys in service to other bodies of culture on the Olympic Peninsula. You can find out more about her local community building projects - Talkin’ Story Podcast and Nourishing Beloved Community - and support either of them in any way that delights you. https://www.instagram.com/wo_nbc/ https://www.instagram.com/talkinstorypodcast/ -- Connect with us:  Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground⁠ I Am Sacred Ground’s website: ⁠https://www.iamsacredground.com/

In this first episode of "Burn The Box," host Dr. Sonali Deepika is joined by her dear friend, colleague and brother on this path, Tony Chavira. Sonali is a lifelong learner who's lived across the globe. After practicing psychiatry for many years, she decided to pursue her passion for holistic healing. Her work delves into the root-cause of discomfort, disharmony and dis-ease. She found the greatest journey to be that of truly coming home to the subtle sensations of her body. It is there where she has become aware of the conditioning affecting her as a Woman or Color and Culture. She has “burned boxes” by shedding constraints of family, culture, profession, and conditioning, empowering herself by following her inner guidance. Her heart-centered calling is to guide others on this transformative path – to connect to the sacred ground within and around them while remembering their natural state of liberation. Connect with us: https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground https://www.iamsacredground.com/

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Evan Milligan, an Interstate 10 baby born in Houston, TX, and raised in Montgomery, AL. Evan’s life has been shaped by a deep commitment to healing and the pursuit of Black freedom. Raised by activist/artist parents and surrounded by empowering mentors, Evan’s path led him to a pivotal moment in historic voting rights litigation, culminating in the oral argument of Merrill v. Milligan (later Allen v. Milligan) at the US Supreme Court. This last June, the Supreme Court published their ruling in favor of Evan and his co plaintiffs. However we recorded our episode a few months earlier, while he and his team eagerly awaited the decision, during a moment of reflection on the impact their case could have on voting rights in America. His journey is fueled by a profound sense of gratitude for his supportive triad and the somatic abolitionism community that has nurtured his soul and sanity. Evan invites the audience to check out the pro-democracy work of Shake the Field at shakethefield.org and their recently released album "Caregiver Road Trip: Remix Edition" produced by artists and activists from across the state of Alabama. https://artists.landr.com/064837106946?fbclid=PAAaYtc-w4GUOpcJKXY9I4C3updH-cQb2VITPUx4GqW86c5JLFGU9PpchpHk8_aem_AebGfD0iTOiSGayn0ViOOTWfG6G4eIlt_0GKZ7M-KHuq3-YR3NbaYCFMUP0M658Z2Uc Evan Milligan's IG : https://www.instagram.com/blackbeltbreeze/ -- Connect with us:  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground I Am Sacred Ground’s website: https://www.iamsacredground.com/

Burn the Box captures the sacred rebellion of the Global Majority as we embrace our collective power. Hosted by Dr. Sonali Deepika, this is an emergent space to bring awareness to the oppression that we are holding in our bodies and to reclaim our life force energy. This first season centers around a community of Somatic Abolitionists who have been in space together for over 2 years. Witness what emerges between Bodies of Culture who are committed to cultivating awareness of what they are holding in their bodies practice while prioritizing an embodied state of liberation. Connect with us: https://www.youtube.com/@iamsacredground https://www.instagram.com/iamsacredground https://www.iamsacredground.com/