#BlackJoy Self Care Saturday

This weekend I had the privilege of being involved in Black Lives Matter Portland's #BlackJoy #SelfCareSaturday for black girls, women and femmes. I lead the yoga session that kicked the event off Saturday morning. It was a beautiful and safe space for us to do something many of us struggle with, making time for self care. 

Me and my wellness mama (owner of Needful Things Natural Home and Body Care) at the "Selfie Care" station

Now let's talk about how amazing this event was! After kicking it off with my FlyGirlFlow yoga session, I took part in the pilates session.

Zalayshia of Ascension Well Body and Fitness' Pilates session

And of course being the fun chicks that we are, we had to bring the silliness to the photo station as well... 

After yoga and Pilates, we all introduced ourselves and said what we do for self care. It ranged from praying and meditating to painting and taking yourself out on dates.  

There were workshops like Urban Headwrapping and African jewelry-making, and things for kids to do too. My son had a good time being in the environment and communing with some other young black boys who also came with their family members. He even made a super-cool collage that he gave to me. Creativity definitely runs in the family.  

All in all it was a great and much-needed event. So great in fact that another one is planned for December 20th! 

And if one reminder was made very clear at this event, it's the message on the sign that me and Zay are holding in this last picture. Black joy does matter, and whether that's watching YouTube hair tutorials, doing yoga, taking a walk in nature or yourself out on a date, self care is vital to that process. Black joy. It's real and it's attainable. Get you some.