Health and Wellness

“I am spiritual”: Navigating black women’s complicated relationships with religion, spirituality, and the labeling of our faith

Published

8 months ago

March 29, 2024

Getty Images

I first heard the term “multiple religious affiliations” as a university student. Iyanla Vanzant was a visiting professor at the University of Bennett School during his senior 12 months of college in 2011. Even though I wasn’t officially registered for the course, I got here and listened to lectures very often.

Multiple religious affiliation refers to when someone participates in the rituals of a couple of spiritual tradition. I do not forget that Vanzant, who’s each a Yoruba priestess and an ordained minister, spoke openly about the duality of her faith.

In her first book, she wrote about the value of bringing ancient traditions to the table of modern beliefs. “Now I know that you can’t separate a nation’s culture from its spirit,” she wrote.

In subsequent books, Vanzant stated that she developed an intimate and personal relationship with God while writing. “While writing the book, I learned that many paths lead to one path. I realized that God doesn’t care whether I am Yoruba or Christian,” she said he wrote. “God wanted me to love myself.”

Her message had enormous interfaith appeal amongst black women. Even my conservative Christian grandmother gave me her books as I entered the milestone of womanhood.

I grew up reading Vanzant’s work, but I never thought of myself as a non secular pluralist. I used to be raised in the church and have a deep respect for the word of God that I used to be taught from the Bible. Christianity is the basis of my faith. However, something deep inside me shifted and woke up after my mother’s sudden death in 2022.

I used to be in search of divine intimacy and needed more in my spiritual toolkit to hold me through this season of mourning. I prayed for guidance daily. The other day I remembered myself as a twenty-something college student. Vanzant stood in front of the class and I remember her saying that all of us have the power to achieve inside and unlock our own spiritual and ancestral roots. It was a flash of light and so began the next step in my spiritual discovery. I allowed myself to hunt, ask questions, and pull things from other spiritual houses that resonated on a soul level, including Khemite spirituality (which I had studied with Queen Afua a few years earlier), Vedic yoga and meditation, and ancestral altar work.

Theologian Candice Marie Benbow describes an identical spiritual search after her mother’s death in 2015. She didn’t go to church for a 12 months and a half.

“I met with the Buddhist prayer community every week,” she says. “I always walked through these prayer labyrinths. I did all these very different things to connect spiritually away from the church because a lot of my relationship with my mom was with the church.”

Benbow, a graduate of Duke Divinity School, said she needed time to grieve without the added pressure and that “the church could make you’re feeling such as you owe something. I didn’t need to feel like I needed to experience that sort of sacredness or righteous grief.”

She adds, “One of the hardest things for me was coming to terms with the undeniable fact that a lot of my faith identity… was rooted in what I used to be taught, reasonably than what I believed, felt, or experienced. And my mother’s death showed me the cracks in all of it.

It was during this era that the idea for her first book was born. She currently describes herself as a Christian and a seeker.

“I like the word seeker. I actually like calling myself that,” he says. “I am a Christian. I follow Christ. I am rooted and grounded on this… and at the same time I call myself a seeker because I am continually on the lookout for ways to feel and connect with the Spirit.”

Religion on the spectrum

Today, it is just not unusual for Black women to construct ancestral altars, practice yoga, sit in mindfulness meditation, read Tarot cards, and still go to church on Sunday.

According to the report “Faith Among Black Americans” published by Pew Research Centermost Black Americans adhere to Christianity, but additionally they adhere to a various range of spiritual practices and beliefs that reach beyond the boundaries of the traditional Christian church.

For example, 40 percent of blacks said they believed in reincarnation, and 30 percent prayed to their ancestors. More than 40 percent of black believers also meditate each day or weekly. Additionally, 20 percent said they pray at their home altar or sanctuary greater than once per week.

Dr. Ericka D. Gault, director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, suggests that it could be time for us to develop a brand new language to explain our spiritual identity, attempting to catch up “where black young adults they were of their variety all the time and didn’t really have a box to envision.”

“When we say or hear things like, ‘I’m spiritual,’ we’re really talking about a change that may have occurred,” she says, “then people say, ‘I’ll go to church and I’ll get it from here, off the Internet.’ Gault can be the creator of the book.

However, he emphasizes that borrowing doesn’t at all times mean belonging. “If you talk to people who attribute Ifa, they have a problem with the way people draw on their sacred traditions. Like, we draw from it in the same way that Beyoncé does in her music, but we don’t necessarily attribute it all,” he says. We may borrow meditation from Buddhism, yoga from Hinduism, eating habits from Islam, but we don’t belong to those groups “in the traditional sense in which these communities understand belonging.”

Delving deeper into the concept of multiple religious affiliations, Rev. Dr. Monica Coleman encourages us to think of it as “being on the religious spectrum,” a more nuanced understanding of spirituality.

Finding a brand new path

Data shows that more and more individuals are leaving the church. Pew research reports that Black Americans, who’re demographically the most religious in the country, are turning away from organized religion in droves. In one decade, 11 percent fewer blacks considered themselves Christians and 7 percent more reported having no religious affiliation. Another test found that “young black adults are less religious and less involved in black churches than older generations.”

This does not imply they are not hungry for spiritual connection. Coleman, an ordained AME minister, African-American professor of religion and creator of the book , says people seek spiritual connection outside traditional churches for several reasons. Some have had bad experiences in places of worship; others imagine that the experiences of black women are underrepresented amongst church leaders. Those in search of these spaces for evolution and innovation could also be dissatisfied because “churches are institutions, and institutions change slowly.”

Lyvonne Briggs, an ordained Pentecostal minister, began a virtual church during quarantine because she saw a necessity. “The proverbial experience was intended for Black women who are Christian/Christian neighbors and wish to embrace their African heritage, implement African and African diaspora spiritual practices, and establish or deepen connections with their ancestors.”

Briggs, a graduate of Yale Divinity School and Columbia Theological Seminary, is currently the host of . “My intention is to answer questions you are not allowed to ask in Bible studies or Sunday school.” In short, she says, “I am helping Black women decolonize their Christianity.”

“I am spiritual”: Navigating black women's complicated relationships with religion, spirituality, and the labeling of our faith

Mature woman prays in the bedroom at home

Christianity and black spiritual traditions

Most spiritual practices amongst enslaved people were feared and banned by plantation owners. Dr. Tamura Lomax, a professor of religious studies at Michigan State University, claims that whites were very afraid of African-derived religions” and “their solution was to inform us that our religions were demonic. This is what must be done to oppress people,” he says. “Demonizing and dehumanizing people in their religions is central to the oppression and total control of people.”

This form of religious propaganda is transmitting generational fear over open discussions about practices corresponding to Hoodoo, conjuring and roots practices associated with African spirituality.

Some ancestors found a strategy to erase their spiritual practices, says Lomax, creator of They established secret “silent ports,” isolated areas in the forests where they may communicate and worship as they pleased. They retained their African spiritual guardians, connecting them with Catholic saints and the Christian Holy Spirit.

“The ancestors used everything they could access to survive… so yes, they use the spirit world,” Lomax explains. “The spirit world becomes extremely important to them because it gives them a sense of regained power. This gives them the ability to control their surroundings. It wasn’t even about rejecting Christianity, as many practiced Hoodoo, conjuring and Christianity combined.”

Spiritual release

While the mixing of ritual and faith has existed in every generation, today we see the freedom of Black women to experience this reality in a far more public way.

Benbow argues that this religious fluidity “gives us permission to tap into the fullness of who we are, to unify all of our elements and allow them to synergize spiritually.”

For example, Devi Brown has found inspiration in lots of spiritual homes in her faith journey, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. As a wellness educator and podcast host, she says her mission is to be Christ-like and provide service.

“I personally believe that the teachings of Christ are truly the guidelines that I live by at all times, even though I do not consider myself a Christian. I look to the teachings of Christ and His mastery as how I want to move in the world,” he says. “I don’t think the focus should be on what you call yourself.”

He adds, “Rather than always being committed to the organization we belong to, my belief should always be to give God first and then find the system or religion that will best help us access God and meet our spiritual needs.”

Crossing labels

For me, allowing myself to adopt latest practices opened up my connection to my mother in the spirit world. I can commune with her daily at my altar and I even have developed a relationship with her that transcends this earthly plane. And that saved me. I didn’t lose my faith in God – it developed.

Perhaps it is time for us to focus less on labels and appreciate the power of our way of worship. Whether it’s Sunday worship, Baptist at the bedside, or participation in group meditations, we’re privileged to have freedom in our spirituality, and this freedom is a solution to the prayer of our ancestors.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

IAM

Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice. — Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

Published

8 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com