We were lucky to catch up with Orisha Bowers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Orisha, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
I have to say that the value of generosity was first modeled for me by my mother and grandmother. As a child I remember them being the one that created what we now call “safe spaces” for members of our family and the community. There was always a meal, a bed, or shower for you at their home when you needed it. They were the blueprint for me when it comes to hospitality and benevolence. I live those values as a woman and have taught them to my children and grandchild. I have always tried to treat people with basic respect and upholding their full humanity in all that I do in my work and personal life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Orisha A. Bowers. I hold a BFA, MA, MEd, PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Graduate certificate in Women and Gender Studies and a Certificate in Complementary Alternative Medicine, Sound Healing, and Integrative Behavioral Health. I am a level 4 Reiki Master, Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator and Trainer, and a Mindfulness Artisan. Additionally, I have more than 22 years of experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, grants management, program design, and civic leadership. My life ‘s work is centered on an intentional merging of women’s studies, education, interdisciplinarity and creativity, spirituality, healing, wellness, and movement. She uses scholarship and vocation to do healing work in communities of color in reproductive health, women’s issues, and communities of faith. I am an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church. I combine a spiritual focus with the therapeutic disciplines of mindfulness dancing to offer the dynamic Dancing Mindfulness and other healing practices across the U.S. Currently, I am the Founder and Executive Director of Orixa Healing Arts Wellness and Spiritual Centre as well as an Independent Consultant. As a consultant, I provide training, coaching, and consultation to those who are seeking support in the personal journey towards wellness and healing.
Orixa Healing Arts Wellness and Spiritual Centre is a healing and wellness practice that provides education and creative Interdisciplinary tools to businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith institutions, and individuals. As I mentioned, I offer executive coaching, healing Reiki, dancing mindfulness, prayer circles, Yoga Nidra, mindful merging, online Harm Reduction support groups, radical self-care planning and coaching, planning and hosting retreats and convenings, sound healing, expressive arts, and more.
Folks can find me online at www.orixawellness.com
I will be hosting a Womyn’s Wellness Retreat in Memphis
Orixa Healing Arts Wellness and Spiritual Centre is hosting a series of wellness retreats for women,womyn, of all walks of life to be in community, practice radical self-care, and begin a positive journey towards healing.
Register by going to the following link
September Event
https://forms.gle/jPNE2Xo453wQMzqr6
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were
1. Ask questions, don’t assume.
2. Put some respect on people’s names and pronouns. If you aren’t aware learn the importance of respecting and honoring people’s identities.
3. If you slip up or make a mistake, be accountable. Apologize and self-correct. This is a learning edge for all of us.
I would advise folks who are early in their journey that they can best develop or improve on these by committing to a regular self-care routine. As a healer I spend many hours in counseling, personal meditation. I practice deliberate self-care, so I am a healthy vessel for spirit to use as a portal. You have to nourish yourself.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Honestly, I am looking for sponsors and diverse facilitators. People are able to access services and receive professional products regardless of the ability to pay. I need sponsors to help me create these opportunities for more people.
I need facilitators willing to speak on topics related to wellness of the mind, body, soul/spirit, finances, sex worker health, sobriety, drug use, harm reduction, self-care, confidence, beauty tips, literally the field is open, and facilitators can discuss whatever their area of expertise.
These two things are critical because attendees come from all over the world to retreat and they can come out and spend time together learning, practicing radical self-care to improve your wellbeing, and having good fun. We spend time hearing from phenomenal speakers, practicing sound healing, meditation, dancing mindfulness, mindful eating, and more. We will come together for spiritual self-care practices, wellness chapel, food and fellowship. The days will be filled with activities to inspire, empower, and touch your mind, body and soul. Sponsors will help us help more people
Contact Info:
- Website: www.orixawellness.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/959028854190759/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orisha-bowers-phd-0667b0143/
- Other: https://healingarts.org/practitioner/orisha-bowers/
