The Work of Love: Heart Practices as Resistance
For People of Color, the World Majority
“Anytime we do the work of love, we are doing the work of ending domination.” — bell hooks
In a culture that often rewards violence, demands constant productivity, and thrives on division, choosing to lead with an open heart is a radical act. True resistance isn't just about what we fight against, it’s about what we cultivate within ourselves and our communities.
This August, join us for a 4-part series + mini-retreat dedicated to the Brahmaviharas, the four qualities of the heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Inspired by bell hooks, we will explore these tools not as a way to escape the world, but as a practical, defiant framework for staying resilient and connected.
No prior meditation experience is required. Come exactly as you are to engage in the work of love.
lovingkindness, compassion, joy, equanimity
Sundays in August: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 | 11am to 12p ET / 8am to 9am PT
What are the Brahmaviharas? Translated as the “abodes of the gods”, and also known as the four sublime attitudes or the four qualities of the heart: lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. While taught from the Buddhist lens, these qualities are revered and practiced through many spiritual lineages, and probably all that believe in the interconnectedness of all beings.
When does it start? August 2 and convenes every Sunday in August.
What is this again? In this four-part workshop series + a mini retreat, we’ll offer a reflection of each Brahmavihara through decolonized teaching as well as practice. We will look at each heart practice through the frame of resistance.
Who’s teaching? The teachers of this workshop are part of a collective who are dedicated to the offering of mindfulness and contemplative practices for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color - the world majority.
All teachers are graduates of the Freedom Together program. All of the teachers have been specifically trained by BIPOC teachers to teach BIPOC students and are excited to share this offering with you.
Where is it? This is a virtual workshop series.
Is this for me? This workshop is for people of color. Those who are interested in contemplative practice or mindfulness. Those who might like to practice in a mindful space which centers the voices of people of color. Those who are looking for a practice that can meet the seeming chaos of the moment.
How much is it? Payment is by sliding scale. Please pay what your means allow and know that no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. (More information about sliding scale)
How do I sign up? You can register below.
How do I contact you with a question? Email here
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Teaching Collective
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Nathan Baptiste
Nathan Baptiste is a certified mindfulness meditation instructor, team development specialist, and founder of EDI Mindfulness Consulting LLC. He guides team leaders, professionals, and care-takers who are dedicated to serving others to cultivate mindfulness skills for greater calm, clarity, and compassion. He's also a facilitator and specialist in organizational change advancing racial equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. As a meditation practitioner for over 20 years, mindful compassion is integral to his approach.
(for more information, click here)
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Jacquie Brown
With over two decades of experience in yoga, mindfulness, and Buddhist studies, I've discovered solace and empowerment in these practices. My passion lies in guiding and reminding people, especially people of color, how to have a deeper connection with themselves and the world. I teach from experience, with love, and through embodiment. I teach because I believe that in this time, awakening happens together.
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Charlene Cambridge
Charlene is a Mindfulness Meditation teacher and she is a Practice Leader at the NYIMC-Harlem Sangha.
Charlene Cambridge was introduced to meditation, hatha yoga, tantric yoga and some transcendental meditation in Trinidad and Tobago as a child.
Charlene believes that teaching about joy and happiness, especially mudita, is a way to interrupt the toxic individualism that indoctrinates people into a culture of grasping.
Charlene is a writer, a published poet, and a visual artist.
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Tia Sherèe Gaynor
Tia Sherèe Gaynor, Ph.D. is an associate professor in leadership and management at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at University of Minnesota. Tia is also a trained and certified (International Mindfulness Teachers Association) mindfulness facilitator with a justice-oriented practice focused on guiding individuals of the global majority through embodied practices to help heal the harms caused by systemic trauma.
Prior to joining the UMN faculty, Dr. Gaynor was an associate professor of political science and founding director of the Center for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Gaynor is a community-engaged scholar immersed in equity and inclusion. Her work explores the intersection of social justice, local government, and identity. Her recent work sits at the nexus of mindfulness, meditation, and public affairs to explore healing pathways for people, policy, and organizations.