Meet Kalisha B

We recently connected with Kalisha B and have shared our conversation below.

Kalisha, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
When I have blocks, I start by becoming aware of what is happening in order for me to label something a block and ask myself: Who am I creating this for: me or others? If it’s for a client, do I have creative freedom? If for myself, am I creating it for attention or am I being led to create this and share it? Is there a deadline for completion? If not, can I put this on hold while I wait to seek answers or inspiration?

If I’m creating for others and I have a fast deadline, I research samples to get inspiration. If I have time, I get started right away so I can rest, if needed, and allow my creativity time to mature. Last, if I am creating for myself and I do not have a deadline for completion, I let my energy lead me. Sometimes it’s right away and sometimes I have to put something down and come back to it later.

One example of this was when I wrote my (first) book. At the beginning of 2020, I made a goal to write my memoir for my mom and sister as their Christmas gift. I started by writing it in chronological order but experienced a block with my stories I decided to put the project down. In the midst of this, the teacher from which I took a 6-week writing course the previous year, sent me an invitation to her personal writing group.

For the remainder of the year, I attended the weekly circle and, to my surprise, produced numerous short pieces based on my personal experiences. Fast forward 9 months and I connected with a fellow writer who had just self-published her first book. We talked about my idea for a memoir, and she offered support with helping me to publish it. At this time, I was able to look back on all the pieces I wrote, and the content was there to complete my book!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Among many things, I am a facilitator at Sacred Circle Institute who creates safe, nurturing spaces for women’s emotional healing. I do this primarily by holding a space online called Sisters Circle. This idea came about during the pandemic when I saw an opportunity to connect virtually with my family and friends across the U.S. and have group conversations. It quickly turned into weekly conversations with topics led by different members sharing their lived experiences. More recently, the topics have been focused on a personal growth topic of the groups choice. These conversations resulted in emotional healing for me and for the others through our shared experiences.

I eventually saw an opportunity to share the healing methods that helped me in my journey by offering virtual multi-day healing retreats and hiring people to facilitate the sessions. Some past themes focused on rebirth and going within and the next retreat, which will be held in January 2024, will be focused on unlearning.

Last, I am also an ordained minister working towards being a Pastoral Counselor with the goal of holding space for individuals, groups and communities in all phases of life.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Curiosity, compassion, and listening skills have been impactful in my life’s journey. I’ve always been a genuinely curious person when it comes to understanding people. I like to ask questions and reflect back what I heard to make sure I’m interpreting meanings correctly (listening to understand). By doing this, I can have more compassion and understanding for others’ experiences and perspectives that differ from my own. This knowledge helps me in my relationships and in the safe spaces I create.

With that said, I acknowledge this is easier said than done and know that we can only show up if we have the capacity to. Also, most of us operate in fear and survival mode which inhibits our ability to see outside our circumstances and show up for others in the way they need. So, my advice is to follow and join groups that differ from your interests so you get an insider look into other people’s experiences. And join healing circles (like the ones at Sacred Circle Institute) where you can feel what it’s like to be surrounded by others who can offer this support to you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes! I am always looking for facilitators who are nurturers and have skills in arts, movement or can share their own personal healing journey. Contact me at sacredcircleinstitute@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Boyce Arboretum photo: Teressa L. Jackson https://www.teressaljackson.com/

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