On My Way
Mar 24, 2020 by Jemila Pratt
Saturday, February 4th, on my way to CrossFit...
My feet in a pair of new Nike shoes at a Run with Hart 5k
I’m probably ten steps away from my porch, a man calls out to gain my attention. “I like your colors,” complimenting my turquoise tights and heather grey work out tank.
He starts talking about a Kobe memorial at the forum. Said it wasn’t great and had one cheap balloon.
I politely engage with a short sigh and “oh”, but remain focused on getting to the gym.
He turns around and walks toward me as I cross the alley, and he steps uncomfortably close asking for a hug.
Normally I would freeze. Normally I would shrink and stand speechless. Being caught off guard...
My feet in a pair of new Nike shoes at a Run with Hart 5k
I’m probably ten steps away from my porch, a man calls out to gain my attention. “I like your colors,” complimenting my turquoise tights and heather grey work out tank.
He starts talking about a Kobe memorial at the forum. Said it wasn’t great and had one cheap balloon.
I politely engage with a short sigh and “oh”, but remain focused on getting to the gym.
He turns around and walks toward me as I cross the alley, and he steps uncomfortably close asking for a hug.
Normally I would freeze. Normally I would shrink and stand speechless. Being caught off guard...
Who Are You?
Dec 25, 2019 by Jemila Pratt
I've long asked myself "who are you? and where do you come from"? More often I've stared and stared at every pore, scarf, and mole on my body trying to understand myself.
When I look in the mirror, I see curvature in my lips, uneven eyes, and skin decorated in beauty marks and scars. Underneath is a woman.
Today I am happy. The process to get here has been sidetracked by woes of growing up, sexual trauma, yet overcoming these obstacles and pit stops to become my most authentic self.
Several times I have attempted to write about my identity. It is something with which I have struggled with since at least the 1st grade.
Watched Lacey's doc and empathized. There were parts...
When I look in the mirror, I see curvature in my lips, uneven eyes, and skin decorated in beauty marks and scars. Underneath is a woman.
Today I am happy. The process to get here has been sidetracked by woes of growing up, sexual trauma, yet overcoming these obstacles and pit stops to become my most authentic self.
Several times I have attempted to write about my identity. It is something with which I have struggled with since at least the 1st grade.
Watched Lacey's doc and empathized. There were parts...
Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) Yoga
Nov 03, 2019 by Jemila Pratt
Alkemy Poses
Kemetic Yoga (KY will be used as an abbreviation), which focuses on principals of the ancient Egyptian system of deep breathing, physical movement based on geometric postures, and mediation. It has begun to surge in popularity and interest again, but was developed in the 1970s. KY is derived from sages of Ancient Kemet and has several principles that include the ideas of vibration, gender, and rhythm. The postures are based on different gods and goddesses. For example, Neteru represents cycles of nature, Auset is undconditional love, Maat symbolizes balance and compassion (Maat Ka sequence).
At the end of May this year, I attended a Maat Ka class at The Tree South LA. The instructor, Lauren (Anu) Wolley Ross, got her start in...
Kemetic Yoga (KY will be used as an abbreviation), which focuses on principals of the ancient Egyptian system of deep breathing, physical movement based on geometric postures, and mediation. It has begun to surge in popularity and interest again, but was developed in the 1970s. KY is derived from sages of Ancient Kemet and has several principles that include the ideas of vibration, gender, and rhythm. The postures are based on different gods and goddesses. For example, Neteru represents cycles of nature, Auset is undconditional love, Maat symbolizes balance and compassion (Maat Ka sequence).
At the end of May this year, I attended a Maat Ka class at The Tree South LA. The instructor, Lauren (Anu) Wolley Ross, got her start in...
Working on Wellness
Aug 15, 2019 by Jemila Pratt
Unlearning Complex Trauma and Negative Experiences
I didn’t write much about how my emotions dipped from positive, hopeful, and content to doubtful and bleak during July. Some of that time I spent denying it, conversely questioning what the hell happened. There was fear that depression would gain hold and that felt even more disappointing.
The main changes I noted happened after the onset of my menses. For several weeks, I hadn’t been drinking enough water each day nor taking ashwagandha regularly, which may have contributed to a lull and difficult cycle. This particular episode gifted me with days of pain and roller coaster emotions and easily claiming the title of “One of the Worst Periods I’ve Had in a Long Time.” Simultaneously, a...
I didn’t write much about how my emotions dipped from positive, hopeful, and content to doubtful and bleak during July. Some of that time I spent denying it, conversely questioning what the hell happened. There was fear that depression would gain hold and that felt even more disappointing.
The main changes I noted happened after the onset of my menses. For several weeks, I hadn’t been drinking enough water each day nor taking ashwagandha regularly, which may have contributed to a lull and difficult cycle. This particular episode gifted me with days of pain and roller coaster emotions and easily claiming the title of “One of the Worst Periods I’ve Had in a Long Time.” Simultaneously, a...
Lavender + Lit: An afternoon of poetry in a garden 7/21/19
Aug 01, 2019 by Jemila Pratt
July proved to be a tough emotional month and I’ve engaged in some light reflection as to why issues are cropping up. Despite these low emotions, I encouraged-dragged myself to attend a poetry at Underground Museumon a Sunday afternoon. I’d missed several other events hosted by The Free Black Women’s Library (FBWL) and couldn’t bear yet another. If you are new to this cool library, it is a mobile trading library comprised of books written by Black women and it's free! Started by OlaRonke Akinmowo in 2015, the library celebrates Black women in literature.
A generously warm and beaming sun lit the day and helped brighten my perspective. Besides, I love poetry and the last reading I attended has long been forgotten.
With this...
A generously warm and beaming sun lit the day and helped brighten my perspective. Besides, I love poetry and the last reading I attended has long been forgotten.
With this...