Welcome back to the Mother Tree Network! In today's episode, we have the incredible Nina Simons joining us to share her wisdom, experiences, and insights.

Nina starts off by discussing her unique practice of creating an altar around a tree to protect her New Mexico home from wildfires, which led her to deepen her relationship with the land and feel a sense of sacredness. 

“And there was a huge wildfire, the biggest in New Mexico's history.   I reached out to a friend and she said:. Make an altar around a tree that you love. And that became my practice. Putting flowers around the base of the tree and feeding it with water and sometimes with wine and with prayer.  And sending the prayer down into its roots and up into its branches. 

Nina then dives into her book "Nature, Culture, and the Sacred," focusing on women's leadership and racial equity and justice.

She passionately emphasizes the importance of strengthening the feminine within everyone, not just women, as the repression of the feminine has had a profound impact on society as a whole. 

Together, Aminata and Nina explore the significance of diverse leadership and racial equity, discussing the challenges and lessons learned from convening diverse groups. 

They delve into the importance of creating safe spaces, discomfort resilience, and the need for love and acceptance in racial justice work. 

Cultural humility is also a key concept highlighted, acknowledging the embedded white supremacy and implicit bias that exist in society.

Nina shares her personal experiences with cultural humility, the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and the importance of listening with the heart. 

But the wisdom doesn't stop there. Nina shares her profound experience with a plant mentor, Apache Plume, and the lessons she learned about revealing beauty, camouflage, fertility, and growing in community. 

The conversation takes a personal turn as Nina discusses her transformative process in her 60s, recognizing her white privilege and conditioning, and the importance of slowing down and making deliberate choices.

Nina's deep connection with nature and its capacity to heal and regenerate shines through as she shares her journey of finding solace and stability in nature. 

This episode is filled with deep wisdom, personal experiences, and a call to honor the feminine in ourselves and the world. 

You can learn with Nina by checking out her Every Woman's Leadership online class in 2024.  https://www.bioneerslearning.org/everywomans-leadership-nina-simons

Nina’s Bio

NINA SIMONS is Co-founder and Chief Relationship Officer at Bioneers, and leads its
Everywoman’s Leadership program. Throughout her career spanning the nonprofit, social entrepreneurship, corporate, and philanthropic sectors, Nina has worked with nearly a thousand diverse women leaders across disciplines, race, class, age and orientation to create conditions for mutual learning, trust and leadership development. 

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What is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice takes place on December 21st in the northern hemisphere.

The longest night of the year, the winter solstice is a time of reflection, release, and renewal, and we believe that coming together as a community to honor this powerful event can bring profound healing and growth.

As the winter solstice approaches, we are excited to invite you to join us for a transformative and rejuvenating experience. 

From December 16th to December 21st, we will be hosting a soulful retreat focused on release, rest, and rooting. 

Our goal is to provide a space where you can reconnect with yourself, nature, and the collective energy of our community.

During the six-day journey, you can expect:

- Daily guided meditations to help you center and ground yourself

- Nature activities and exercises to deepen your connection with the Earth and all living beings

- Opportunities to record and explore your dreams, connecting with your subconscious and ancestral wisdom

- Engaging in group discussions and reflections, fostering a sense of intimacy, vulnerability, and authenticity

- Encouragement and support for self-care rituals, including restful sleep and intentional release practices

- A curated "goodie bag" filled with items carefully selected to enhance your retreat experience, including tea lights, incense, and more

Our belief in the power of this retreat is rooted in the principles of self-care, community, and hope. 

We understand the heaviness of war and the emotional toll peacemaking can take. As such, this retreat is designed to provide a nurturing space to heal, and restore your spirit.

To make this experience as accessible as possible, we are offering an early bird discount for those who register by December 4th. 

Additionally, participants can choose to attend in person or virtually, with the opportunity to receive their goodie bags by mail if joining the retreat online.

We are partnering with Ms. Makeda, who has poured her heart into creating these goodie bags and is an integral part of making this retreat a truly special experience.

For detailed information and registration, please visit our website at dramandakemp.com. 

We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to nurture your soul and embrace the energy of the winter solstice in a supportive and uplifting environment.

We are looking forward to journeying together to the soul of winter and connecting with each and every one of you.

With peace and love,

Aminata

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"When I came to play the singing bowls for the first time ever for a group of people... She said right before I started, you should sing with the bowls.  And that felt like it was asking for some courage for me to share my voice.  And I went for it, and it felt  the most aligned I've ever felt, sharing something with people."--Stacey Pickering

Welcome to another episode of the Mother Tree Network podcast!

 In today's episode, our host, Aminata, sits down with the incredible Stacey Pickering, a sound healer and vibrational therapist. They delve deep into the power of sound and its impact on our emotional and physical well-being.

Aminata opens up about a childhood experience that affected her self-confidence, and Stacey empathizes, emphasizing the importance of embracing our own voices. Together, they explore the idea of using vocal sounds as a means of releasing emotions and finding resolution.

With the rise of technology, Aminata questions the difference between hearing someone else sing and singing imperfectly oneself. Stacey introduces the concept of humming and its ability to regulate the nervous system, even demonstrating a breathing and humming exercise.

The conversation then turns towards the application of sound practices in public schools to help children regulate themselves. Stacey's wisdom and experience shine through as they discuss her background in yoga, chanting, and the profound resonance she feels within her body when using specific tones.

As the episode continues, Stacey shares her journey into facilitating sound journeys and the transformative impact it has had on her life. They discuss the interconnectedness of the mind and body, emphasizing the importance of somatic experiences and movement for healing and release.

"The vibrational resonance just reached right in there, just transcended the part of my logical mind that could keep talking me out of… letting go or, … Went right past that loud mind, that resistant mind."–Stacey Pickering

Aminata and Stacey also touch on the financial challenges faced by holistic practitioners and the vulnerability associated with using one's voice. They both agree that walking into that fear is an essential part of the healing process.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the world of sound healing and vibrational therapy with Stacey Pickering on this enlightening episode of the Mother Tree Network podcast.

Sign up for the Sound Healing for Peacemakers https://www.dramandakemp.com/sound-healing-for-peacemakers

You can find Stacey at

https://linktr.ee/staceypickeringwellness

https://www.instagram.com/we_are_vibrational_energy/

Stacey’s Bio

Stacey Pickering is a multi-faceted Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Ecotherapy Facilitator, and movement artist, who works with music, sound & the natural world to transcend the barriers of the logical mind and connect us fully with ourselves as whole be

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"It's important not just for me, but also when we come into other spaces and our allies also recognize the land we're on…. I think it goes to help repair the long erasure of Native American people. And that invisibility even here in Baltimore City, when we were advocating for Indigenous Peoples Day, people were shocked, like, what? There's Indians in Baltimore? Like, yeah, we're still here. We didn't go away."

[Trauma Alert: Short mention of childhood sexual abuse and incest]

I hope you will celebrate Native American Heritage and peoples during November.  One great way is to spend time on Thanksgiving is to  listening to Native voices and extending reciprocity to Native peoples and earth mama.

We are re-publishing this joyful conversation with Jennifer Folayan who offers us much needed advice on:

1️⃣How to make land and peoples acknowledgements personal 

2️⃣ How to help synchronicities aka miracles find you

3️⃣How to accomplish a big scary goal.

Aligning your emotions with your intentions; holding your intention with lightness; and keep swimming–taking action.

Jennifer tells the Turtle Island origin story, a version of which is held by many Native groups in North America as an example of someone small fulfilling a huge task.

Finally, Jennier shares how you can have generational trauma and still be light and joyful.  We are all perfect.

You can find out more about Jennifer Folayan by going to her youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5qI7-wD8DgO6xQYXYbozQQ

 or following her on Facebook.

To find out more about the Sacred Listening Sessions go to dramandakemp.com

📚 Timestamped overview

[00:03:57] Acknowledgement of sadness and validation of emotions.

[00:10:00] Highlighting Indigenous arts, promoting cultural visibility. Excited to be an ambassador.

[00:12:21] Connecting awesome community, team of eight ambassadors, traveling to South Africa, indigenous women, Kenyan guys, stepping up, confidence from connecting and hard work, met Kim Poole, Teaching Artist Institute.

[00:15:41] Keep swimming, align emotions, activate intentions.

[00:19:44] Turtle story: muskrat sacrifices life for Earth.

[00:20:40] Telling our unique story, considering our heritage.

[00:25:03] Survivor of domestic violence shares her story.

[00:28:56] From dishwasher to independence, finding happiness.

[00:32:43] Enjoying Jewish organization work with tree celebration.

[00:36:11] Stay in touch with Jennifer, closing ceremony.

[00:39:41] Found my tribe in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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"Have a couple good cries because it helps you to clean things out so that then you're ready to do the deep investigative work of what is there in the wintertime…"

During this interview Dr. Sina and I talk about sadness and grief and why the fall is the time to let the tears flow!

Dr. Sina's tagline, "Where healing begins with being heard," perfectly encapsulates the heart of our conversation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) fall is associated with grief and people are encouraged to cry as a way to shed or let go of attachments.  

“So when we think about the fall and the letting go, it's also the [time of] grief and sadness … and allowing it to pass through us instead of holding on to us.”

We also address some other questions such as:

How does TCM visit differ from western allopathic medicine?

What’s so great about shitake mushrooms in the fall?

How do you make yourself cry even when you feel like you can’t?

Moreover, we delved into the significance of self-listening and the value of allowing oneself to express emotions, particularly through moments of cathartic crying. Dr. Sina encourages embracing vulnerability and introspection, especially during the fall season when turning inward becomes a natural inclination.

As we progress through this season of completion and introspection, take some time to immerse yourself in activities that surface sadness. Whether it's journaling, meditation, or watching sad movies, allow this time for self-reflection and cleansing emotions.

Remember, the Mother Tree Network is here to support and empower you on your healing journey. Check out our FREE Sacred Listening Sessions.  Just go to dramandakemp.com

For more on Dr. Sina Smith and her upcoming book go to: 

Her website: https://sinasmithmd.com/

https://sinasmithmd.com/author/books/

Also, check out our youtube channel for Dr. Sina’s easy peasy, yummy electrolyte recipe that protects you from colds and flu.  The surprising ingredient is baking soda!

📚 Timestamped overview

00:02:40 Conventional medicine changes, ancient traditions hold true.

00:04:40 The idea of conceptualizing things in different ways and the multiple perspectives in medicine are explored, drawing comparison to Chinese language and quantum physics.

00:07:34 Collaborative approach to healing, person-centered care, empowering patients, transformative medical practice.

00:10:45 Lack of communication and self-reflection due to social media influence.

00:13:51 Summary: The body's stress-related chemical messengers and heart rate should fluctuate throughout the day; practicing downtime allows for adaptability and better response to different stressors. Maintaining a high stress level limits the body's resilience, while allowing for relaxation creates room for flexibility and better response.

00:17:45 Fall is about letting go of things that do not serve us, emotionally and physically, including work-related matters. The large intestine, lungs, and skin are linked to

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“These external dwelling principles, that sometimes we refer to as deities, like the Neturu, like Orisha, like the many gods of many pantheons, have all been there for me from day one, and I had to find them from a traditional and well policed location."
-- Dr. Geryll “G. Love” Robinson

How does a Black girl born in Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, New York wake up to the fact that she is Intergalactic royalty and on a mission to enlighten others?  

You are going to have to listen to this most unusual conversation with Dr. Geryll “G. Love” Robinson.  

Dr. G Love, as she is known,  shares her journey from Catholicism which she refers to as a “well policed location”  to the arts and napropy medical school to finally stepping up to her calling as a bodhisattva with plenty of attitude and humor!

When I asked her how she knew she was intergalactic, Dr. G says it was when she found the gods and goddesses from African and indigenous sources that she woke up.

 “These external dwelling principles, that sometimes we refer to as deities, like the Neturu, like Orisha, like the many gods of many pantheons, have all been there for me from day one."

Fortunately, Catholicism with its emphasis on saints, laid the groundwork for her exploration of the Orisha, the Neteru, and indigenous practices of the Mayan and Aztec peoples. 

Throughout the interview Dr. G. refers to systems that might be unfamiliar so let me share some background below.

Neteru not only refers to gods and goddesses of Kemet or Ancient Egypt but also to the cosmic principles that were conceived of in that culture.

The Orisha represent the pantheon of gods and goddesses that are upheld in the cosmology of the Yoruba people based in West Africa, but also in Brazil, Cuba and the U.S. 

Dr. G Love emphasizes timing and working with cycles rather than against them.  

For example she brings up the Saturn return which in astrology refers to a roughly twenty-eight year corrective cycle.  Saturn returns tend to be difficult because they force us to restructure or repour the foundations of our lives.. 

Additionally, Dr. G Love shares insights into naprapathy, a unique treatment approach for the spine. 

FREE GIFT:  Is it time for you to slow down?  Get my free checklist to help you determine if you're overdoing it!  https://www.dramandakemp.com/5-signs-checklist-optin

Follow Dr.G.Love on Instagram 

Dr. Geryll G Love Robinson Bio

Geryll “Dr. G. Love '' Robinson is an Earthly representative of Intergalactic Royalty.  In this incarnation she is known as a Naprapath, Shamanic practitioner, teacher of cross cultural earth honoring wisdom traditions, Founder and Visionary Spaceholder of SoulShifting Retreats,  artist, poet, curator, lover, peace activist, Queer keeper of the gaytes, and Walker of The Beauty Path. 

Mother tree Network Podcast--Where Spirituality and Earth Wisdom Meet Racial Justice and Women's Leadership.

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"I would say that gift [from cancer] was to slow down because before then … I was just so focused on achieving and success and anything that wasn't related to what I thought to be success at the time I didn't do it, and I didn't like distractions or what I considered to be distractions... And so I learned to slow down."

 Mfon's Pearls of Wisdom 

🌷Slow Down! Take time every day to appreciate something simple and beautiful. Really connect with the people you love. Watch movies from other cultures.

📚🙏 Study Scripture Reading for comprehension is one thing, but studying infuses knowledge into our lives. Just like adding salt to food, studying sacred writings allows us to internalize the messages and speak life into difficult situations.

💤💪 Rest and Recovery Our bodies speak to us, and it's crucial to listen. Taking naps and prioritizing rest are essential for replenishing our energy.

💪💭 Cultivate Faith: Through her experiences of unemployment, lack of insurance, and cancer, Mfon held onto the belief that with God, nothing is impossible.

Mfon also gave us 3️⃣ questions you should ask your tax professional every year:

1️⃣ Question 1: How does my business tie into my personal return? 🤔

2️⃣ Question 2: Can any of my personal expenses be used for my business? 💼

3️⃣ Question 3: Are there any new opportunities or tax advantages I should know about? 💡

Mfon’s Bio

Mfon is a tax lawyer and owner of Clarity Tax Law, which specializes in small business taxation. Mfon loves all things tax and is passionate about making tax easy for others to navigate and understand. From working with large Fortune 500 corporations for over 10 years she learned many lessons that have been invaluable to her entrepreneurial client. Apart from helping clients keep more money in their pockets, she loves to create Afro-fusion recipes, study her Bible, take pictures of flowers, sing in the shower, and making products for her vegan skin care line, Üyai Body Care. Her favorite quote is "know better, do better, be better", and that is what she tries to do.

You can follow Mfon on LinkedIn or Instagram by searching her name Mfon Etukeren.

Check out her website:  https://claritytaxlaw.com/

FREE GIFT:  Is it time for you to slow down?  Get my free checklist to help you determine if you're overdoing it!  https://www.dramandakemp.com/5-signs-checklist-optin

SUMMARY TIMESTAMP

00:01:11 Houston heat is great, humidity good, work busy, family visit, everything good.

00:04:33 Mfon grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and moved to San Francisco for work. She initially did not want to go to school anywhere cold but ended up going to law school in Florida. They later regretted going to Northwestern during a cold winter and left Chicago.

00:08:28 Mfon discusses their experience of being in a field where they don't look like others, but they strive to maintain a good reputation and excel. She shares strategies for thinking differently and overcoming challenges of not fitting in, while emphasizing the importance of education and reputation. She also mentions encoun

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During the fall equinox 2023 I went to Mt. Shasta, CA and  awakened to some beautiful “way-out” stuff while leading our Mother Tree Equinox Soul Journey.

In this episode, I share two experiences from Shasta that took me deeper into liberation and remade me.

First, I went to a pyramid that had been built according to the proportions of one of the pyramids at Giza under the guidance of archangel Metatron.

Nowhere near as big as the original, this pyramid was about 1 ½ times the size of my canvas tent at home and brought our group of 13 into intimate contact with each other.

When the trapdoor to the pyramid was closed, we were in almost complete darkness.

When you listen in, you will hear how I dealt with my resistance and became a vocal powerhouse.

The second experience came during a tea ceremony.

While sitting in this ceremony with extremely rare and expensive teas that our guide, Gary, had been initiated into by masters, I started to feel my energy tingle and almost re-route itself.

I was sitting with the biggest piece of shungite I’ve ever seen nestled between my thighs . 

As I drank cup after cup of tea made with sacred waters from the Pacific Northwest as well as Shasta, I started to feel light and wanted to remove restrictive clothing.

I followed my intuition and something really beautiful happened.

I liberated myself!

This episode is really a story so it’s hard to summarize; I hope I’ve given you plenty of reasons to listen.

The medicine is in the oral transmission.

To find out more about me and the Mother Tree Community go to https://www.dramandakemp.com/

Mother tree Network Podcast--Where Spirituality and Earth Wisdom Meet Racial Justice and Women's Leadership.

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In the latest episode of Mother Tree Network, we hear from Dr. Beverly Carter, a CEO, organizational development leader, philanthropist, and woman of color  who shares some powerful and insightful stories that we can all learn from. 

Here are just a few key takeaways:

Acknowledge and work with the unseen world and the energy patterns that need to be healed there.

- The fragility of life and the importance of honoring our bodies are underscored after Beverly witnessed the death of a Nigerian team member while on a medical mission in Africa.

- Being true to yourself and learning to grow from victim in the past to leader in the now–the Transformational Jewels approach to uncovering your life purpose. 

- Beverly shares moving stories from her experiences in Nigeria and Kenya, including extraordinary experiences in an old growth forest, fascinating work with charities, and powerful lessons learned from malaria and near-death experiences.

TIME STAMP SUMMARY

[00:04:31] The author discusses how being a woman of color and different made her hypersensitive to how others view her. She learned to focus on how she sees herself and not to hide or shrink from being her authentic self. Her goal is to lead others back to themselves and encourage people to be their best selves.

[00:10:05] Narrator travels to Morocco from Spain with friends but realizes her real education started when she got to Africa. The narrator decides to go back to soak up the culture and eventually visits Kenya for almost two years.

[00:13:24] Text summary: Examples of wonderful experiences, including walking through the Cockamega Forest, surviving malaria, and teaching in boarding schools with non-traditional cooking methods. Shift in mindset and appreciation for life.

[00:20:05] Land represents freedom and a chance to create the lives we want, and we shouldn't take it for granted, as shown by the struggles of migrants.

[00:22:57] Speaker reflects on the awe-inspiring animals she saw in Kenya and the power dynamic between humanity and the natural world.

[00:24:54] Quantum healing example involving an amputee's phantom pains and the idea that quantum patterns exist even if the physical body part does not.

[00:29:35] EJ's Charities provides free medical care on medical missions to Nigeria, initiated by Dr. JAMA and Duca, MD, providing opportunities for people to heal, grow and live a better quality of life. They have been doing this work for almost 20 years and have had extraordinary results.

[00:37:10] The text describes a medical mission experience in West Africa where a driver died suddenly, emphasizing the importance of self-care and taking care of our bodies.

[00:41:05] Transformational Jewels helps individuals process and heal personal blocks through using various methods to examine past experiences and perspectives, leading to becoming a leader in the present and future.

[00:46:12] Our past experiences shape us, but we can choose to not be impeded by negative thoughts and instead use those experiences to discover our own gems and jewel

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Yeah, I feel tied to this land. The spot is very magical. Very special. I feel like she talks to me. The plants talk to me. The animals tell me. I don't know how to describe that intuitive sense. Because for me, my intuitive knowing comes in the form of knowing

–Missy Singer Dumars

This episode features the incredible Missy Singer Dumars, a passionate farmer and storyteller. Get ready to dive into the world of farming, mindfulness, and the beautiful connection between humans and nature.

In this episode, Missy takes us on an extraordinary journey from her beginnings in Las Vegas to her current life as a commercial farmer. She shares how her love for fresh produce led her to explore farmers markets and master the art of cooking. Eventually, her deep connection to the earth and its bountiful gifts inspired her to embark on a farming adventure.

Missy's farm, aptly named Crownhill Farm, is not only a place of cultivation but also a vessel for her spiritual connection with the land. 

"It's awe. It's an experience of awe and wonder...like, I mean, just think about a seed. It amazes me every single time."

She believes in nurturing the soil, practicing mindfulness, and creating a closed and sustainable system. From practicing "no-till" farming to communicating with plants and animals, Missy's farming practices go beyond traditional organic methods. She even cautions against the use of heavy machinery to preserve the delicate balance of micro-ecosystems in the soil.

During the episode, Missy shares the awe-inspiring experience of watching plants grow, comparing it to the joy and wonder of raising children. She believes in being present and aware while working on the farm, truly listening to the sounds of nature and finding harmony within the rhythm of life.

One fascinating aspect of Missy's journey is the history and paranormal experiences attached to her farm. The Crownhill Farm house, built in 1850, holds a rich and mysterious past. Missy recounts the captivating story of purchasing the house from a local author who wrote a hauntingly beautiful book about the property called "Crownhill." This historical fiction, love story, and ghost story adds an extra layer of enchantment to Missy's connection with the land.

But farming is not an easy journey, as Missy candidly shares. She reveals the challenges of making a living as a commercial farmer, especially on a smaller scale like her 13-acre farm. However, Missy's determination and belief in divine timing have led her to embrace her unique way of doing business. She encourages us to define our own success and allow our businesses to grow in alignment with our values and goals.

Missy’s Instagram: crownhillfarmny 

Podcast: https://www.womeninfood.net/podcast

Website:  https://www.womeninfood.net/

TIMESTAMP SUMMARY (add 8 Minutes for accuracy)

00:01:40 Name changes from Weiner to Recker, Singer.

00:04:55 Commercial farming is tough, even for bigger farms. My small market garden is more realistic. I got into farming after living off-grid in Hawaii and getting close to the land. I love cooking and sought out farmers marke

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"When you have people who have been oppressed or who've been marginalized in a room where you're reviewing history or where you are acknowledging them, I think it's important to emphasize a narrative of resistance, of resilience, of incredible capacity in addition to loss and grief."--Amanda Aminata Sol

Welcome back, beautiful souls, to another insightful episode of the Mother Tree Network. I'm your host, Amanda Aminata, and today, on my fifty-seventh birthday, I am filled with gratitude and excitement to share this special episode about some thought-provoking topics that have been on my mind for quite some time.

Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to my mother, who may no longer be with us in the physical realm but continues to be a guiding presence in my life. On this day of my birth, I want to honor the lineage of strong Mississippi black women, who faced incredible adversity, from segregation to Jim Crow, and were descendants of enslaved people. Their resilience and wisdom have shaped my journey, and I want to pay tribute to their legacy.

Second, in this episode, I will share my perspective on why I do not consider myself a victim. This realization came to me while listening to an intriguing podcast by a Korean American marketing coach. While she discussed intersectional justice and acknowledged historical injustices faced by black and brown communities, it left me feeling unsettled and disempowered. I believe there is a more inspiring and empowering way to tell our stories, drawing upon the strength and wisdom passed down by older generations who have faced immense hardships.

Moreover, I will discuss the importance of how we tell our stories, especially for those in positions of influence, such as teachers, facilitators, and podcasters. Rather than focusing solely on oppression and victimization, we must also highlight narratives of resistance, resilience, and creativity. By shifting the perspective to one of power and possibility, we can empower ourselves and those around us to overcome obstacles and strive for greatness.

Special thanks to my frequency mate and hubby Michael Jamanis for allowing me to use a selection from Breathing with Bach. You can go to his youtube channel to get more of his music.

If you are inspired or ticked off by this episode, let me know!  Please go here to leave a comment or to get on our newsletter.

Mother tree Network Podcast--Where Spirituality and Earth Wisdom Meet Racial Justice and Women's Leadership.

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"I am a manifestation of the larger divine feminine…part of her masculine presentation... So much of the plant medicine comes from the great mother through the great mother. So the voice of everything in me is how everything in my mind comes from the feminine."

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of Mother Tree Network and discover the power of voice, ancestral healing, and the journey to harmonizing our racially diverse ancestors within ourselves.

Tyger Blair is an actor and singer who now works in restorative justice and plant medicine healing.  In our conversation he shares his personal journey of self-discovery, starting in Ashland.Oregon and delving into the arts community, where they developed his voice and acting skills. 

As Tyger reflects on his experiences growing up as one of the few black individuals in Ashland, he highlights the healing embrace he received from the all-white community, setting him on a path of curiosity about his African heritage. 

His quest for knowledge led him to Africa and the teachings of Malidoma Some, igniting his passion for indigenous African Shamanic Technologies and gatekeeping to uplift the community. 

But the journey doesn't stop there. Tyger's exploration of indigenous practices expands beyond Africa, encompassing the Maria Sabina sacred mushroom tradition of Mesoamerica. 

Through this voyage, Tyger discusses the multifaceted nature of his identity, weaving together Native American, African, and Irish ancestors and cosmologies. 

You can find more about Tyger Blair on LinkedIn.

You can get the 5 Signs It's Time to Slow Down here:  https://www.dramandakemp.com/5-signs-checklist-optin

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📚 Timestamped overview

[00:01:07] Summary: Tyger  enjoys being in the mountains and canyons of Colorado. They also feel proud of what they said in a documentary.

[00:06:17] Tyger’s artistic background and upbringing in theater influenced his career path and ability to shape-shift in the world. Their mother was a classical singer and his cousin an actor, both of whom became parental figures. Moving to Ashland, Oregon exposed them to theater and taught them how to perform, speak, and influence. Despite initially considering a career in diplomacy, Tyger found his calling in music and has been singing since college.

[00:09:17] The voice is a powerful transmitter, emphasizing oral transmission.

[00:13:01] The voice is a vital part of communication and cultural connection, demonstrated through personal experiences and ancestral influences. Tonal expressions convey deeper meanings and guide behavior.

[00:15:46] Moving from a racially tense environment in Chicago to an all-white town in Ashland, Oregon brought healing and acceptance forTyger and his brother, as they were embraced by the community.

[00:19:58] I became a diplomat by immersing in different cultures and embracing indigenous wisdom.

[00:22:46] Tyger discusses the concept of harmony and balance, and how it relates to diplomacy and his perso

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💫 Today, I want to share an incredibly powerful and transformative experience that I had recently. It involved mushrooms, vulnerability, and an unexpected connection that reminded me of the profound relationship between grief and laughter. Prepare to be moved! 🌿🎭

🎻 It all started as I sat on my screened-in porch, surrounded by nature, with my beloved partner by my side. Seeking a deeper connection with myself and the universe, I embarked on a mushroom journey, unsure of what awaited me on the other side. Little did I know, it would change everything. 🍄💕

🎶 As the mushrooms began to take effect, I felt an intense resonance with my husband,  who plays the violin. In that moment, the music seemed to enhance and carry my voice further than I could on my own. The violin became a protector, enveloping my vocal tone and preserving my vibrational energy. 🎻✨

💔 Waves of sadness washed over me, and I found myself crying uncontrollably. In the past, I would try to rationalize my tears or push them away, but this time, I allowed myself to fully feel the pain in my heart. I surrendered to the tears, letting them flow without judgment or resistance. 🌊💧

🌟 And guess what happened? Something truly magical. In the midst of my tears, a shift occurred, and laughter burst forth. Grief and laughter, almost like roommates or twin sisters, intertwined within me. The absurdity of life, the joy and appreciation, flooded my being. 😂✨

🎵 My partner, my beloved, communicated through his violin, extending deep notes and carrying my toning when I needed to breathe. Our collaboration was effortless, as if they could effortlessly find and share the same frequency. It was a symphony of love and connection. 🎼💞

💪 As a mature woman in her late 50s, I've developed coping mechanisms to survive in the world. But in this vulnerable moment, I realized that trying to stop myself from crying only made me cry more. I learned the power of fully surrendering and letting myself be seen in my most raw state. 🌹

💕 This experience reminded me of the importance of broadcasting a frequency from the heart, a frequency that may not always be conveyed through words. I felt supported in my broadcasting efforts, with my partner as a key member of my support team, protecting and cushioning me. 🌿🛡️

📩 I'd love to hear about your own journeys and experiences that you might want to share. If you resonate with my message or have any thoughts, feel free to email me.  You can also join the Mother Tree Community.   Let's connect and learn from each other. 💌 

🍄 Disclaimer: When I mention mushrooms, please note that I'm not endorsing any illegal activity. My focus is on promoting good health and exploring the potential for emotional healing. 🌿🌱

👉 Thank you for joining me on this profound journey. If you resonated with my experience, I invite you to reach out and connect. 💫✨

APPROXIMATE TIME STAMP SUMMARY

00:01:08 During a mushroom journey, the speaker sets a vague intention of being open to unconditional love. As they slow down and lie on the couch, waves of sadness overcome them, leading to uncont

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Join us for this episode of Mother Tree Network as I embrace the spirit of dandelion, wander in the realm of questioning, and navigate the currents of redirection and transformation.

I include two recordings of me channeling Dandelion Spirit about the Supreme Court reversal of Affirmative Action and the floods in Vermont.

These transmissions encourage a deep exploration of the unknown and emphasize the power of questioning to uncover new perspectives and truths. 

Drawing inspiration from the concept of following the wind, Dandelion Spirit poses important questions regarding affirmative action, its beneficiaries, effectiveness, and possible alternatives. 

In the second transmission, I focus on the recent flooding in Vermont that caused road closures and delayed my journey, I contemplate the river's rising as a force of divine feminine energy. 


I had just eaten dandelion greens and sipped my dandelion tincture before reading Jen Frey's book, "Communicating with Plants," which has a chapter on Dandelion Spirit. 


I reflect on the need for new structures to contain and follow this energy's path while being prepared for possible evacuation.

Exploring the concept of redirection and the flow of energy, Dandelion encourages the emergence of new relationships, articulations, business practices, friendships, and ways of living on the land. 

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So many gems from this conversation.  I can’t wait for you to listen.

My guest is Teri Schmidt who is the founder of Stronger to Serve, a start up that supports women in leadership.

I started the conversation by asking Teri about the Iron Man competition that she completed where she swam two miles, biked 112 miles and then ran a marathon–all in the same day!

She said that seemed impossible to her, but she was able to do it by taking consistent daily action.

But first she had a conversation with God because she did not know how she could do the yearlong training with two small children at home.

God’s answer:  Make it About More than You; Make it about being your best as a family.

So, Terri created a training program that included her husband and children.  And, she was able to do the competition and elevate her family at the same time.

When I asked Terri what’s her “impossible” today, she said creating workplaces that are compassionate and just where each person discovers and reaches their potential.

Sounds kind of impossible right?

So I asked Terri how she goes about taking consistent daily, small actions in this regard.

She says for her it starts with one leader in the workplace at a time.

She also recommends that each leader (and you are one if you’re reading these show notes), start by noticing your strengths and values and then building teams with folks who have different strengths so they can fill in where you don’t excel.

Every leader needs communities of support where they are not strong especially if you can’t afford to expand your team.  That could include a skills community, friends, a coach, etc.

Most importantly, make your “impossible” about more than you.

We also discuss Teri’s decision to lay down the non-profit she started and how she is moving through the grieving process.  At first she felt like a failure, but she’s coming to see that her non-profit was like a piece of art.  When it’s complete, you can still appreciate it but you don’t have to keep working on it.

Building her own business, Stronger to Serve, is allowing her to focus on women leaders at work, and to bring into reality her impossible:  “Compassion and Justice in the workplace.”

You can get more info from Teri by going to Strongertoserve.com.

You can download Teri’s Values & Strengths Workbook for free by going to  https://www.strongertoserve.com/leadershipvoiceworkbook.

Teri Schmidt is passionate about human connection and the leadership potential within each of us. 

Her career has weaved through the educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors but has had a consistent thread throughout: In each role, her focus has been either on developing the potential in others or working to remove barriers toward people expressing their potential. Using her 20+ years of coaching, leadership, and performance improvement experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, she transforms overwhelm into impact.

Teri's Bio

​Teri is the CEO of Stronger to Serve Coaching & Teambuilding where new and mid-level leaders hire her to gain the clarity and confidence they need to unleash potential, drive team performance, and become chang

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“Every single one of those obstacles, every single one of those challenges, every single one of those humans...were just literally helping me point back to myself. They were helping me point back to my highest self. And allowing me to grow and expand."--Aurora Archer

On this episode of Mother Tree Network, I interview Aurora Archer, a former corporate marketing executive and founder of The Opt-in, podcast and beneficial corporation.  Aurora shares her belief that corporate America is at a moment of transformation and discusses how her diverse background and marketing career helped break the generational legacy of debt and poverty in her family.

A native Texan with a Mexican immigrant mother, Aurora grew up with a strong sense of identity and pride. She shares how her mother's teachings about the beauty of her culture, her connection to nature, and the belief that everything we need is provided by Mother Earth shaped her perspective. 

Aurora shares her personal journey of growth, the importance of representation in leadership roles for people of color, and the challenges she faced fitting into binary categories. She also discusses her successful corporate career, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and The Opt-In’s focus on developing  racial literacy and cultural competency in Corporate America. 

Aurora's company, The Opt-in, offers workshops, coaching, and product development sprints. She highlights the importance of diversity in product design to avoid oversights and accidents, and how addressing simple issues like Zoom backgrounds reflects the ability to tackle complex innovations. 

The episode ends with Aurora sharing her gratitude for supportive educators who believed in her potential and the power of Black women’s sisterhood, as well as her father's emphasis on the importance of one's heart and mind. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and inspiration from Aurora Archer's experiences and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in corporate America.

For more on Aurora visit her on LInkedIn at Aurora Archer or go to https://theopt-in.com/

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This episode is my initial perspective on the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Affirmative Action.

I've been wrestling with this!

Yes, affirmative action was helpful.

Yes, I am grateful for my life and every opportunity that affirmative action subtly nudged open for me.

Yes, it is a loss.

But I'm wrestling because that's not all I want to say here.

I also want to say:

There's an underside to affirmative action.

Namely, the belief that "good" or "liberal" white people were "giving" me something that I had not earned or that my community was too bereft to give me.

Affirmative action did not shift the power dynamics.

Affirmative action was not reparations.

Affirmative action did not free us..

James Baldwin said:

'Freedom is not something that anybody can be given. Freedom is something people take, and people are as free as they want to be.'

We are only as free as our consciousness allows us to want to be.

Consciousness refers to the mindset and heartset that we bring to every situation–even how we see ourselves.

I agree with Bob Marley who said, "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds."

So, how do I free myself?

I practice "slowing down" to listen to nature and my ancestors rather than CNN.

I notice that we walk in spirals.

I ask myself questions: 

How do I meet this current version of the challenge to be free?

What deeper understanding about freedom, interdependence, and decolonization can I bring to this moment?

On this episode I share what Dandelion Spirit guided me to do about the overturning of affirmative action.

Here's just a snippet of what I received from Dandelion Spirit:

Allow the unknown to emerge...

Ask Questions

Wake up

Follow the scent

It's on the wind

We are dandelion; we follow the wind

What questions does it make you or let you ask?

I encourage you to slow down to catch the scent of the deeper implications and possibilities.

Don't let influencers do your thinking for you.

There may be a drive to go fast; to act fast; decide fast.

When I go fast it's usually because my core abandonment wound has been activated:

Fear of losing love and protection-and enduring hunger and neglect.

Slow down.

Be independent.

Pay attention to what you are feeding your consciousness.

"None but ourselves can free our minds."

If this resonates with you--join me for more on Friday, July 7.

"5 Signs It's Time to Slow Down your Racial Justice and Regenerate"

Slow down, ask questions and catch the scent with me!

Please share this with friends who

• Have been doing social justice for more than a minute.
• Are tired or losing energy for what you do or how you used to do your social justice.
• Want to decolonize their consciousness.
• Are ready to awaken to nature and/or ancestors for deep guidance.
• Open to folks of all races. 9am pacific/12pm eastern

There's no charge to participa

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Kirsten and I have a magical conversation about how to get in the flow of magic and joy.

A pre-school teacher, Kirsten leads fairy walks to help adults and children reconnect with our senses so that we can perceive and receive life energy from the more-than-human world.

We talk about Kirsten’s first mystical experience which happened while working at a college prep farm school in the midwest.

There she had a vision of herself living and being sustained by three regions, the Midwest -her roots; the Bay Area for wizarding; and North Carolina for jigging and living in her heart.

It was fascinating to watch Kirsten stop in mid sentence and consult her inner wisdom, which she also calls her Inner Child. 

Kirsten says any part of us can lead but to choose consciously which part we want to lead.  For example, the mind can lead the chi (your life force energy), but the body can lead the mind.  

Since both of us have a lot of virgo energy and naturally lean toward quick mind, Kirsten says she turns toward the body, outdoors, and trees to slow down and ground.

Kirsten pointed out that many women emerge in mid-life with new interests and talents, and we drop the “should” and allow ourselves to listen to our “Highest guidance” and trust the instinct to play.

If you would like to tap into your inner child magical joy, Kirsten recommends you start with the following:

Play with children

Watch loving mother child interactions (could be a youtube animal kingdom video)

Focus on your feet, especially wiggling your toes

Get outside!

You can find out more about Kirsten’s fairy walks and multidimensional healing services at https://innerchildoutside.com/

TRANSCRIPT

Amanda Aminata [00:00:02]:

Hey, everybody. It's Dominique. Hey, everybody. Welcome to the mother tree network podcast. It's army not to soul plant Walker Fire woman, and I'm so excited to be here with my special guest today, my friend. Kirsten Bull. And you'll see her full bio in the show notes, but just so that you know, Kirsten for me is an sturtinary human being. She is so open and porous and and willing to engage with scene and unseen and to really honor her inner authority and and and just be herself, just be authentic with people. So which I think is such a form of leadership. You know, it just, like, gives people around you permission to be who they are. So Kirsten Bull. Thank you, and welcome to the Mother Tree Network.

Kirsten Bohl [00:00:57]:

Thank you. I'm happy to be here.

Amanda Aminata [00:00:59]:

Yeah. So we started the show by asking the same question. And so to you, I asked, what's good?

Kirsten Bohl [00:01:08]:

Oh my gosh. Though what comes to my mind is the sky is blue today where I am. I'm in I'm in North Carolina in Central North Carolina. We're we're at the the center of spring, and it's it's beautiful. The green has filled in and the sky is a clear blue today.

Amanda Aminata [00:01:31]:

It's beautiful. And you said North Carolina.

Kirsten Bohl [00:01:34]:

Yes.

Amanda Aminata [00:01:35]:

Yeah. Yeah. So and in the center of Spring. So for you, What does that feel like in

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This solo episode features a reading of the poem THE ANCESTORS which I wrote around 2008.

The poem was the response to a prayer that I sent up requesting guidance on how to revise Show Me the Franklins, a play about Benjamin Franklin and slavery.

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According to our guest Jen Frey, “Plants want to communicate with us. They love us. They know their part in the great web of Life, and they want to help us remember ours.”

What a fun conversation about co-creating with Nature spirits, plants, robins, bunnies and more.

Jen Frey is a land apprentice who has been living on a 20-acre property with her husband for the past eight years. She has been on an intense journey of discovery, trying to communicate with the land and plants and understand what they are telling her. Although she does not hear words from the land and plants, she gets strong feelings and images that guide her. 

In this episode Jen who is the founder and owner of BrigidsWay, tells us how she is working with nature’s intelligence to restore the land she cares for, Heart Sanctuary.

We discuss some of the principles of regeneration and restoration that apply to social justice and human evolution.  

Jen just published a new book– Communicating with Plants: Heart-Based Practices for Connecting with Plant Spirits.  It is now available at all bookstores, including Amazon.  Use my affiliate link to purchase on amazon:  Communicating with Plants:  Heart-Based Practices....  Contact me if you’d like to be part of our book discussion group later this summer. Amanda@dramandakemp.com

In Communicating with Plants, Jen writes, “Plants can help us to discover solutions to any problem or question, including big collective issues such as climate change, social injustice, energy alternatives, poverty, agriculture, housing, diseases, and anything else that keeps us from thriving...Plants meet us where we are, sharing the wisdom and gifts that we need the most at that time.”

Additionally, the podcast features Amy Kietzman, a short story writer and forest caretaker, who shares her experiences with communication with plants, offering a unique perspective. Don't miss this chance to explore an innovative way of communication that will help you connect with nature.

Mother tree Network Podcast--Where Spirituality and Earth Wisdom Meet Racial Justice and Women's Leadership.

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Metta is an important tool to help you Regenerate your Justice and Joy .  
I hope you will use it to cultivate PRESENCE in your life. 
This type of meditation has been shown to reduce implicit racial bias when it's practiced regularly over an eight week period.

It also increases your sense of well being and belonging.

Do this meditation before or after a difficult conversation; encounter or experience.

Learn more about the 5Rs to Regenerate your Racial Justice by listening to episode #29.

Enjoy!

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Thank you for joining me for this solo episode where I am going to be talking about how to regenerate your racial justice. 

This was originally a talk that I gave to some members of my racial justice from the Heart community.  I decided to edit it and make it a podcast because it reflects my latest thinking and feeling about how to do racial justice or any social justice work in a way that is healthy, regenerative, and life giving.  Something I think has been missing too often from the work we do is delight! 

In this episode, I'm going to share with you what I call the 5R's to Regenerative Racial Justice:  Rest, Release, Restore, Root and Roar.

These 5R's are going to be the focus of our upcoming Soul Journey to the Summer Solstice  on June 17 through the 21st.   Each day we're going to focus on one of the R's with the intention that we regenerate and roar by the completion of our time together. 

You can get the details from that on my website, drAmandakemp.com. DrAmandakemp.com. 

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Meet Valerie Bowden, a young mother who after living in Ethiopia for eight years returned to the U.S. with her family and founded a business that connects African talent to entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada.

Charity and aid in Africa often do more harm than good, creating an inequitable relationship. 

Business partnerships offer a win-win model for fairer relationships.

When I asked Valerie if she ever doubted herself when creating Crdle she said “No.  It was a burning inside me that I couldn’t NOT do.”  Too many Africans on the continent were telling her fair business relationships was what they needed, not “aid.” So she turned that social work ethic, including that of listening to people and supporting their leadership, to becoming an entrepreneur herself and a partner with small businesses and entrepreneurs in Africa. 

On this episode of Mother Tree Network, Valerie joins us to talk about her organization Crdle, which connects African entrepreneurs and skilled individuals with partners in the global marketplace. 

Valerie shares cultural differences between Ethiopian and US work culture and how building relationships can enhance productivity. 

Valerie and I talked about the Ethiopian cultural differences that could benefit American work culture, including:

• Centering relationship
• Making people more important than time
• Moving at the rate of trust

Valerie has a five-month old baby and when I asked how she manages a start up and her young family, she said that she prioritizes self-care.  

She gets up at 4:30am every morning and begins her day with three hours of quiet, movement, journaling, and coffee.  She also gets 7-8 hours of sleep every night because her body breaks down without that minimum.  

How does she do all of this and run a business?

Partnerships.

She has a Ugandhan partner who handles a lot of the back-end business aspects so that she can focus on spending her days promoting African talent and match-making.

Sustainably paid African partners can benefit both entrepreneurs seeking to expand their operations and those looking to start a side hustle. 

Paying a fair wage helps to reset  the balance towards more fair relationships and business endeavors. 

• Valerie challenges stereotypes about people from different cultures and encourages trying new things to learn and grow. She has worked with non-profits in African communities and realized that many charities do not make a real impact, and some actually cause damage. By adopting a business approach, Valerie creates win-win partnerships where both parties benefit and there is a more fair and balanced relationship.
  
  
• Valerie shares how African businesses can offer unique and cool products that aren't found in the US. She cites an example of how entrepreneurs can source white label products from Africa instead of going to platforms like Alibaba for generic products. Additionally, she mentions how small startups and businesses can find affordable talent in African countries with a lower cost of living, thereby creating more cost-effective business solutions.
  
  
• The podcast shares how everyone can play a vital role in helping Africa's gro

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• Align with the moon cycles,
• Choose myths that empower you,
• Get the most out of the summer season and the foods that support your heart.

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While I was in the North Georgia Mountains, I got a chance to talk with Shannon Mitchell and Christine Gautreaux, co-owners of Women Connected in Wisdom.  Their business model includes an online community, podcast, book, and an annual conference where authors speak.

Both women live in Atlanta and have multiple businesses.

Shannon bowled me over when she shared during the interview that she took her unemployment checks during Covid to start up her business SheaLo Glow.

Now three years later this twenty-something queen has a storefront shop as well as an online business!

Shannon also shares her story of a 12-year separation from her mother and her mother's family, and how it affected her  identity and connection to her cultural community.  We also learn about her positive relationship with Christina and how they both prioritize openness and honesty.  

Christine, a professional speaker and social worker, has written books that have opened doors for her and given her opportunities to speak at conferences and events. Christine noticed that many other women had incredible stories and voices, but had not yet been published. 

Together she and Shannon, decided to create a podcast and a compilation book featuring 18 authors, most of whom had never been published before. Their mission is to get these stories and voices out into the world and into the hands of readers. Christine believes that books are valuable tools for entrepreneurs and caregivers alike and can open doors that might not otherwise be available.

Called Women Connected in Wisdom, the book and podcast focuses on the eight dimensions of wellness and the importance of uprooting oppression, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by Black women. The podcast also includes recommendations for books each episode.

Shannon shares her love for shea butter and their skincare routine. Lastly, we hear about Christine’s love of her  Interplay performance group in Atlanta that deals with big historic issues through movement and storytelling.

Resources Mentioned in Show

Womenconnectedinwisdompodcast.com

https://www.shealoglo.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Stillpoint-Self-Care-Playbook-Caregivers-Breathe/dp/1732370400

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