Meditating While Black

We, as Black women, are resilient. There’s no question about it. However, there comes a point where resilience can’t solve everything. 

Too often we try to muscle through our stress and anxiety on our own. The fact is, women are at least twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression compared to men; and, compared to their white counterparts, Black women are only half as likely to seek help (Source). Let’s change this. We challenge you to take time for yourself. A little self-love is crucial to living your best life! 

At Upspoken, we believe that meditation is a great way to take note of your stressors, reflect and refresh. “Meditation has been scientifically proven to improve memory, increase positive thoughts, and boost social connections” (Source). It’s a personal experience that is judgment-free. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Meditation isn’t for me,” you’re wrong. We’re here to tell you that meditation is for EVERYONE. 

We’ve found a few guided meditations created by Black women for Black women to help you get your process started by empowering and de-stressing you from the inside out. Give them a go and don’t forget to share them with a sister you know!

🧘🏾Starting with Black Zen, check out this guided meditation that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired to do your thing! Be sure to also check out this “Beginner’s Guide to Meditation”—a 6-week guide to make meditation easier and help you stay consistent, including a calendar and a personal progress tracker. 

 🧘🏾‍♀️Let Lauren Ash, Founder and Executive Director of Black Girl In Om, guide you through meditations focused on self-compassion and staying present. We promise you’ll feel refreshed and clear-headed at the end. 

🧘🏾‍♀Dr. Candice Nicole believes that “guided meditation is one way to assist in calming the heightened state of distress, affirming one’s value and humanity, and recentering with love for Black people.” Don’t skip her 17-minute Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma, which uses mindfulness, affirmation, and loving-kindness to relax you. 

🧘🏾‍♀Last but not least, give SpiritHouse’s meditation a listen! Written by Monét Marshall, and produced and read by Nia Wilson, the meditation will help you breathe through your stress and reach a peaceful state of mind!   

As Black women, it’s no secret that we often feel left out of the health and wellness space. As you may know, this is part of why we created Upspoken! However, there are still gaps and we have to work together to fill them. Just because meditation isn’t constantly talked about, doesn’t mean Black women don’t need it. As we told you before, meditation can benefit everyone. Now, it’s time to get your zen on!