Finding New Constellations

Dear readers,

As we continue this journey of remembering and unlearning together, ‘remembering constellations’ is moving to a new digital home on Ghost. This move aligns with my commitment to creating spaces that honor our collective liberation.

All new writing, art, and reflections will appear there. I invite you to join me in this next evolution by subscribing to receive future posts directly in your inbox.

This space will remain as an archive—a testament to where we've been. Thank you for the honor of your readership.

In liberation,

V

what now? reclaiming spiritual agency when things feel hopeless

How are you doing out there? It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for so many of us. I’ve been reflecting a lot on how to hold onto my spiritual power, even when the world feels so heavy. What’s keeping you grounded in this storm?

In the wake of a difficult election and a nation drowning in deep fear, grief, and rage, I’ve felt the pull to retreat inward. Similar to practicing therapy during the COVID lockdown, it’s been a time of holding space for intense emotional waves—feeling overwhelmed by the weight of what’s happening in our world, yet also feeling the deep call to ground myself, to remember where my power lies. Today, that power lies in recognizing the ways I’ve been conditioned by systems of oppression—both historically and in my personal spiritual journey—and reclaiming the agency that’s always been mine.

These days, I’m learning to hold space for both the anger and the tenderness that come with the grief of living in a world where these forces still rage. The anxiety I feel, the societal pressure, and the desire to somehow "fix" everything—these are echoes of the trauma and oppression I carry in my body, passed down through generations. And so, as I move through the spiritual practices that help me reconnect with my true self, I’m also doing the work of dismantling the ways in which my spirituality was once used against me, to keep me small, subjugated, and fearful.

Growing up in a religious space that both healed and harmed me, I learned the deep roots of spiritual trauma. I was taught that spirituality was about self-abandoning servitude, about perfectionism, and about repressive rules. This isn’t just an isolated experience—this is spiritual racism, the inherited trauma that exists in the very institutions that were designed to strip us of our power and connection to the divine.

But today, my practices are my own, and they are deeply rooted in the ways my ancestors found joy and healing in the face of violence, trauma, and colonization.

Spirituality, for me, is a reclamation of what was lost or distorted—a journey back to the sacred self, to the soul. It is the practice of opening portals to what’s ancient, while integrating the wisdom of the present. It’s about clearing the inherited barriers to divine connection, to power, and to self-sovereignty that colonial forces placed in the way of our wholeness. Modern spirituality for me is the act of remembering—remembering the joy, the rituals, the prayers, and the embodiment of our true, sacred nature.

In the face of the country’s turmoil, I find that my spiritual practices are not only necessary—they are revolutionary. They allow me to reconnect to a sense of agency and power that was once stolen, and they help me remain grounded in the face of uncertainty. Through the grief and rage I feel about the state of the world, I find solace in knowing that my connection to the divine is mine to cultivate, free of the shame, fear, and perfectionism that once tried to erase it.

I wonder—how has your journey of spiritual agency unfolded for you? What does reclaiming it look like in your life right now?

Tips for Reclaiming Spiritual Agency When Things Feel Hopeless:

1. Create Space for Your Full Range of Emotions

   In times of crisis, it’s vital to honor the full spectrum of what you're feeling—grief, fear, rage, and even joy. Spirituality doesn't have to be just about peace or serenity; it can also be about processing these emotions with compassion and grace.

2. Reconnect with Ancestral Practices

   The healing traditions of our ancestors have always been here, even when systems of oppression tried to erase them. Reclaiming these practices helps you reconnect to a sense of power that is not dependent on external validation, but on your own connection to the sacred.

3. Let Go of the Need for Perfection

   The political climate can feel like it's pushing us to be “perfect” in our activism, our personal lives, and our spiritual practices. But healing doesn’t require perfection. In fact, perfectionism often keeps us in a state of fear and shame. Embrace the messy, imperfect ways your spirituality shows up and trust that it’s enough.

4. Honor Play and Rest

   In a time of political and societal unrest, there’s a temptation to be constantly “on,” always working toward change. But your spiritual well-being requires rest and play too. These practices are as important as any form of activism because they keep you grounded, replenished, and connected to your true self.

5. Remember Your Power

   Even in the face of systems that try to strip us of our agency, remember that your power is always yours. Reclaim it through your spiritual practices, through your connection to community, to the earth, to your ancestors, and to the divine. This is a form of resistance, a way to push back against systems that have sought to keep us fragmented and disconnected.

My Commitment to Reclaiming My Spiritual Agency

As I continue to navigate these turbulent times, I’ve committed to creating a space of deep nurturing for myself. I’ve placed a candle by the door of my meditation room, a simple yet powerful reminder that this space is for me to enter and exit with the full knowledge that I am enough, just as I am. No more striving, no more guilt. Only nourishment and connection.

Today, as I light this candle, I remember that my spiritual power is essential in reclaiming myself from the systems that seek to harm me. Knowing what I need in the face of violence—and returning to practices that reinforce my safety—reminds me that we are not alone, we are not powerless, and this struggle is far from over.

With love and tenderness,

V Woods 💚

decolonizing abundance: how to live in luxury after a life of scarcity & survival

This time last month, the pomp and glitz of the MET Gala red carpet dominated headlines alongside the thousands of arrests of student protesters standing in solidarity in the face of institutionalized violence. I can’t help but notice the glaring contrast in realities present on our global stage. We are living in what feels like a dystopian novel where the elite parade in luxury while the majority struggle to cope with violence and chronic scarcity of resources.

We couldn’t write a better hero origin story here–the structures and stories that have dominated our culture–the vestiges of colonialism and the unjust rules of white supremacy culture–desperately hold tight to their grasp on our attention. While in our homes, families, workplaces, and community spaces, there is a collective and personal awakening and resistance growing to critical mass. We are weary of the illusions of celebrity capitalist culture and pulling our attention back to where it matters most–our basic human right to safety and true abundance. 

Summer and Abundance in Nature

Here in the Woods Collective, we are invested in co-creating a reality that is in deeper alignment with the natural world. As the summer draws closer it arrives with it’s own gentle revolution, painting the world with hues of warmth and vibrancy. It asks us to immerse ourselves in the bountiful gifts of nature, to revel in the abundance that surrounds us. Yet, amidst the golden glow of sunlight and the verdant embrace of forests, there exists a paradox—a clash between the illusion of luxury crafted by capitalism and the stark reality of global colonizer violence.

I feel this violence in a June heat that is already pervasive and suffocating, in Earth’s desperate attempts to regulate her human-induced imbalances with more storms that destroy coastlines, more tornadoes that rage through plains, and more wildfires that burn previously safe homes tucked in hills. We are witnessing the very real consequences of white culture-sponsored “luxury”. It’s time for a new definition. 

As people of color, our journey toward reclaiming abundance is fraught with complexities, rooted in the systemic trauma of capitalism. Those who suffer most at the hands of this system are the marginalized, the racialized, the colonized. Generations before us have endured the ravages of oppression. Their pain is imprinted on us psychologically, spiritually, and even biologically. 

But we inherit not only their trauma but also their strength—their unwavering spirit of resistance and resilience that courses through our veins. From the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze to the symphony of birdsong at dawn, nature offers a sanctuary—a reminder that abundance is not a distant dream but a tangible and perhaps radical reality waiting to be embraced.

The Capitalist Illusion of Luxury vs. the Reality of Global Colonizer Violence

In the shadow of galas, award shows, and designer labels, lies the harsh truth of global colonizer violence—a reality often obscured by the facade of luxury. We are taught these lessons early and relentlessly:

• to chase after material wealth 

• to measure our worth by the possessions we accumulate

• to define the milestones of our lives only by our usefulness and productivity in the machine of capitalism

• to see our connections with others as transactional not transformational

• to ignore our deepest needs & desires in pursuit of these goals  

Now I am all for a life improved by financial resources and stability. My bougie ass won’t even drink any water that hasn’t gone through a reverse osmosis process. But true luxury cannot be bought—it starts with recognizing a sacred truth. Our capacity to be present and powerful in our own lives is the source of abundance.

Navigating Systemic Trauma and Inherited Shame

The systemic trauma of capitalism severs us from our most basic needs, leaving us adrift in a sea of scarcity and survival. As people of color, we carry the weight of inherited shame—the guilt of abundance earned through generations of struggle and sacrifice. But we are the embodiment of our ancestor's dreams, the fruition of their hopes—a living testament to their resilience and resistance to accepting less than. In embracing our abundance, we honor their legacy, weaving a tapestry of healing and liberation backward and forward through time. Our capacity to be present and powerful in our abundance is an activating agent of change that can span generations.

Embracing Abundance After Scarcity and Survival

Amidst the wreckage of trauma, many paths exist to healing—a journey of seeking and accepting abundance after a lifetime of scarcity and survival. Humans possess powerful self-healing mechanisms that are a testament to our resilience, a celebration of our inherent worthiness to receive the gifts that life has to offer. 

Put plainly, I’ll speak for myself. As a Black, queer, autistic, trans-non-binary person–I shouldn’t be here. The system should have already snuffed me out–with poor health outcomes, the devastating realities of mental health struggle, sexual and childhood trauma, the violence of our police state, or any number of maladaptive & deadly habits I could have taken on just to endure the pain. 

But I AM here and I intend to BE here–fully, completely, and unrelentingly.

If it’s not already clear, embracing abundance requires courage—it requires us to confront the shadows of our past, to acknowledge the wounds that linger beneath the surface, and cultivate a sense of self-love and compassion that brings us closer to safety-building community and our collective liberation.

As we travel this journey from scarcity to abundance, let’s live in the abundance of this moment. 

6 Ways to Meet Your Need for A Luxurious Life

True luxury lies not in accumulating material possessions, but in fulfilling our deepest needs—the longing for connection, belonging, and self-actualization. It is a journey of self-discovery, a quest to uncover the treasures that lie within and to honor the wisdom of our ancestors who paved the way for our liberation.

Inspired by the top three tiers of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, here are six ways to cultivate a luxurious life:

1. Cultivate Your Core Community: Nurture relationships that foster a sense of belonging and connection. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, love you well, respect your boundaries, accept your no’s, and help you embrace your sacred yes. And most importantly, pull those closer to you who are willing to create an eco-system of love that is reciprocated and consistent rather than an endless drain on your already low internal resources. My friend group is small but mighty and research shows that they’ve added years to my life. 

“One study, which analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals, found that stronger relationships increased the likelihood of survival by 50%. The risk of death due to lack of social connection was approximately equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and consuming excessive alcohol. Furthermore, weak social relationships posed an even higher risk of death than physical inactivity and obesity. “ –Stanford Medicine

2. Embrace Self-Expression: Honor your unique gifts and talents, allowing yourself the freedom to express who you truly are. I speak about authenticity often and I always acknowledge that there is an inherent risk in our culture when we show our authentic selves. The key is to take your time–start with those who make you feel completely safe and slowly expand your capacity for the discomfort of being seen. This is not easy! But whether through creative pursuits, hobbies, or personal passions, find joy in sharing your authentic self with the world.

Me saying YES to rock climbing last summer.

3. Bravely Keep Growing: Commit to a journey of self-discovery and personal development. Explore new ideas, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace opportunities for growth and learning. By continuously evolving and expanding your horizons, you unlock the full potential of your being. I have found in my own journey and in the journey of my clients that the moments of bravery when we say YES are often the door that opens more abundance.

4. Practice Self-Care Rituals: Now, to be transparent, I have been called a self-care gangsta. But, I will NEVER tell you that self-care eradicates the harm of dangerous systems. AND, self-care rituals are resistance to a culture that demands all of you. And resistance over time, leads to revolution. Dedicate time to nourishing your body, mind, and spirit. Do things that replenish your energy and rejuvenate your soul, whether it's through meditation, mindfulness, or simply spending time in nature. Need guidance and inspiration? Get the Woods Collective App–a therapist in your pocket. Check out our mini-therapy sessions cultivated as your portal to self-care and ancestral healing. 

Ironically, self-care is way MORE than bubble baths but how could I resist this scene!

5. Celebrate Your Achievements: We ALL need validation–it is essential for belonging, and belonging is a biologically essential need for humanity. Yet, we have been severed from indigenous cultural rituals of self and communal celebration. Acknowledge your accomplishments and milestones, no matter how small they may seem, and ESPECIALLY if they are outside of the confines of what our culture has deemed success. 

This year, my partner cultivated the most gorgeous, delicious deck garden and in my overflow of gratitude, I decided that every summer we would celebrate our harvest, share gifts and stories, and dance with our plants under the moon to send them love for nourishing us. I am so excited for our first harvest celebration and I know my ancestors who cultivated the land we live on appreciate my honoring this connection.

6. Practice Gratitude Daily: Now this one may sound a bit cliche and trite given the realities of global violence. But stick with me. Gratitude is more than a few words of thanks—it is a spell that pulls us into an orbit of love that has the power to help us see and love more–more of ourselves, more of each other, and more of our earthly home. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the abundance that surrounds you and watch it grow. Take time each day to reflect on the gifts in your life, expressing appreciation for the people, experiences, and opportunities that make your time here worth it. Let your gratitude help you notice what you might need more of and continue to bravely and authentically make space for meeting that need in your life. That might mean asking for support, embracing help, or letting go.

By living in these practices, you can begin to unlock the true essence of a luxurious life—a life that is joy embodied, rest ritualized, and love incarnate. 

Ready to go deeper?

Join us in ‘Dear V’: The Ancestral Reset, a sanctuary community coaching space for BIPOC folks seeking healing and liberation. Explore ancestral rituals and engage in transformative conversations as we journey together towards reclaiming our abundance. Our next gathering awaits you on Thursday, July 18th, from 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Until then, I’ll see you in the trees.

V WOODS 💚

decolonizing creativity part 2: how to create a reality your inner child would be proud of

This month, we stand in solidarity with students across the nation, boldly asserting their collective power. Their calls for the safety and freedom of the oppressed resonate deeply within our collective spirit as we witness a real-time shift in this final month of spring.

Within each of us lies a wild, wondrous child, eagerly awaiting awakening. This inner child carries a vision and passion for our lives that still pulses within us, perhaps at odds with the reality surrounding us. What changes must we make to empower them to speak boldly?

In the tapestry of our lives, childhood holds threads of innocence, curiosity, and boundless creativity. It's where we first learn to express ourselves, to make sense of the world through colors, shapes, and stories. Our inner child, that youthful spirit within us, retains the essence of this creative energy, but often it remains wounded, stifled by the weight of systemic and family trauma and how that shows up in societal expectations. As an eco-therapist and trauma-informed coach dedicated to guiding BIPOC folks through healing journeys, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of inner child healing in preparing us for change, healing old wounds, and making space for new ways of being.

Rekindling Childhood Creativity:

Our childhood creativity is not just a phase we outgrow; it's a fundamental aspect of our development as adults. Through play, imagination, and artistic expression, we learn to navigate emotions, solve problems, and cultivate resilience. However, societal pressures often dim this innate creativity as we age, relegating it to the sidelines of adulthood. But reclaiming our creative essence is crucial for healing our inner child and unlocking our full potential. Life is too short for adulting to get in the way of truly living.

Art as a Gateway to Empathy and Healing:

Art has the remarkable ability to build bridges of empathy and understanding. By engaging in artistic expression, we step into the shoes of others, exploring different perspectives and fostering compassion. In times of collective grief, turmoil, and trauma, art becomes a lifeline, offering solace, catharsis, and hope. For BIPOC communities navigating the intergenerational wounds of systemic oppression, art becomes a sanctuary for resilience, a conduit for reclaiming agency and narrative sovereignty.

Breaking the Chains of Systemic Trauma:

Yet, for many BIPOC people, the journey to reclaiming creativity is fraught with obstacles. The intergenerational trauma inflicted by systemic oppression leaves deep scars, instilling beliefs of unworthiness and inadequacy, stifling our creative voices, and perpetuating cycles of suffering.

I’ve been holding these words close with my clients all spring long,

"Creativity is not just about making beautiful things; it is about curating a new reality outside the confines of white supremacy culture."

By embracing our creativity, we honor the resilience of our ancestors and embody the legacy of resistance. Our artistic endeavors become acts of reclaiming sovereignty, challenging oppressive systems, and envisioning a world rooted in justice and equity.

Unlearning and Reparenting:

To heal our inner child, we must unlearn damaging messages from dominant culture and reparent ourselves with love and radical self-acceptance. This journey involves acknowledging and healing abandonment wounds, nurturing our inner child, and creating spaces where creativity thrives without judgment.

Read last month’s blog post to learn more about how we are listening to that powerful inner voice, creating rituals of artistry, and seeking community support. It is one of my favorite pleasures as a healer to witness what happens when my clients learn to tap into their creative power - their reality starts to shift. As we enter this final month of spring, let's embrace our power to co-create a new reality.

3 Essential Questions To Be In Solidarity With Your Inner Child

1. What parts of your life need access to your divine creative spirit? Identify stagnant and stifled areas and infuse them with creativity, joy, and connection.

2. How can you bring awareness to wounds hindering a new abundant reality? Get the support you need to confront perfectionism, self-abandonment, fear, and shame, recognizing your light's brilliance.

3. How can we co-create liberation that is safe, fulfilling, and powerful? Forge alliances rooted in solidarity and empathy, understanding liberation's interconnectedness.

Creativity is a force for transformation, ancestral healing, and hope. It is a tool for liberation, a vehicle for ancestral healing, and a beacon of hope in times of darkness. Together, we can break the chains of generational trauma, embrace our inner child with tenderness, and co-create a world where all beings thrive.

To delve deeper into this transformative work, I invite you to join me in 'Dear V,' a trauma-informed community coaching space exclusively for BIPOC folx.

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 2nd, from 8:00 to 8:30 pm, I'll be facilitating a mini-art therapy session for inner child healing.

Together, we embrace our shared journey of self-discovery, healing, and liberation.

I’ll see you in the trees,

V WOODS 💚

decolonizing creativity part 1: how to reparent yourself

Each year around this time, I find that my clients seem to be surged with new energy that brings revitalized ideas and exciting projects. Even in my own life I’ve noticed that more daylight has brought a sense of excitement about all that I could bring forth into the world.

But even in all that excitement, I’ve supported folks facing cultural and generational barriers to letting their creativity flow freely. Let’s explore the power of decolonizing creativity as a means of reparenting ourselves and breaking free from the chains of generational trauma.

Connecting with Spring's Themes of Renewal and Rebirth

Spring is a season of transition. Just as the earth undergoes a process of regeneration, we too can harness the energy of spring to embark on our own journey of renewal. We all inherit ways of living and being that are rooted in survival. Spring is a great time to notice and shed the layers of the past that are no longer serving you and embrace the potential for growth and liberation that lies ahead.

The Interplay Between Spring and Creativity

Creativity is inherently linked to the rhythms of nature, and spring serves as a fertile ground for inspiration to flourish. The vibrant colors, the warmth of the sun, and the gentle breeze whispering through the trees—all serve as catalysts for creative expression. As we engage with the world around us, we tap into a deep well of ancestral knowledge and wisdom, drawing upon the creativity of our forebears to fuel our own artistic endeavors.

Creativity as a Form of Resistance

"Creativity is not just about making beautiful things; it is about curating a new reality outside the confines of white supremacy culture."

Our creativity serves as a powerful tool for resistance, allowing us to challenge dominant narratives and reclaim our own stories. As activists, healers, and leaders, we use our creative gifts to amplify marginalized voices, dismantle oppressive systems, and imagine a world rooted in justice and liberation.

Reconnecting with Our Inner Child

Systemic and generational trauma often keep us separated from our inner child—a wellspring of creative energy and boundless imagination. Through trauma-informed coaching and therapy, and decolonizing methodologies, we can begin the process of healing abandonment wounds and reclaiming our inherent worthiness. By unlearning messages from dominant culture that dismiss creativity as frivolous or exclusive, we honor our inner child as an authority for our adult lives.

To reconnect with our inner child, we must engage in inner child healing exercises that nurture our sense of playfulness, curiosity, and wonder.

Three Ways To Reparent Your Inner Child

1. Take time to journal about your childhood dreams and aspirations, what were the desires of your younger self. What are the ways you notice alignment with those early needs in your adult life?

2. Engage in creative activities that bring you joy. Remember that creating things simply for the sake of joy is an entire revolution in a culture rooted in capitalist trauma.

3. Practice self-compassion as you navigate the complexities of healing from generational trauma. You deserve the same love and compassion you give to others. Especially as you change and grow.

As we embrace the spirit of spring and embark on our journey of reparenting ourselves, let us remember that healing is not a solitary endeavor. Together, we can break the chains of generational trauma, honor our ancestral wisdom, and cultivate a future rooted in collective liberation.

Join 'Dear V' for Trauma-Informed Coaching and Ancestral Healing

I'll be offering three liberation rituals for making your inner child an authority in your life.

Looking for a community to embrace your decolonizing journey?

Join us in my bi-weekly live FREE coaching space for BIPOC folx. Bring your questions and your authentic self: Thursday, April 4th & April 18th at 8:00-8:30 pm EST.

Join us as we heal, learn, and grow in community.

I’ll see you in the trees,

V Woods 💚

decolonizing imposter syndrome: creativity & unmasking

Do you feel it too? The slow, steady awakening from winter slumber? Perhaps you have a bit more energy, or maybe you're feeling that joy is more available with the daylight shift. Spring brings new beginnings and chances for personal growth.

Flowers bloom, and animals awaken from winter rest, ready to prepare for new birth. As we ease towards the spring equinox, March serves as a canvas for us to explore our creative potential. But for some of us, impostor syndrome can make us doubt our ability to be creative and reach our potential.

My Journey with Imposter Syndrome:

Allow me to share a piece of my own story. Navigating impostor syndrome as an autistic, Black, and queer individual has been complex and often difficult.

I use my creative energy to support divesting from harmful systems and building personal and collective ecologies that make us feel safe, loved, and a sense of belonging.

To support my intention as a healer and artist, it has been important to build an authentic self by unmasking. Without a mask, I can better follow my desires, work sustainably, and have healthy relationships.

But unmasking does make us vulnerable, especially when societal expectations conflict with our desires and needs. What are the risks you may have experienced unmasking in a world that isn’t always safe for us to be ourselves?

My journey toward overcoming impostor syndrome has been deeply intertwined with my spiritual path. Connecting with my ancestors in mindful and tangible ways supports me in remaining safe and reminds me of the divine nature of the creative spirit I’ve inherited.

Why Decolonize Our Relationship to Creation:

Creativity is not just about making beautiful things; it is about curating a new reality outside the confines of dominant culture. It’s about leaning into resistance in ways that honor our connection to ourselves and each other. To do that, we need to practice using our creative muscles and managing the discomfort that surfaces when we do.

We live in a world that often limits the full creative expression of marginalized identities. Our shared work is to acknowledge the historical roots of this systemic violence and find ways to safely make space for that full expression.

Decolonizing our relationship to creation is a crucial step in dismantling the barriers of impostor syndrome. It doesn't really matter what your medium of creation is—whether you are creating space for your grief and activism during this time of war or using watercolor to capture a robin that sits outside your window—it's about reclaiming our right to create, breaking free from the confines of external expectations, and honoring our unique voice.

In the healing spaces I am honored to facilitate, overcoming impostor syndrome is deeply intertwined with ancestral healing. Through decolonizing methodologies and healing collective trauma:

we are overcoming perfectionism,

we are listening to our nervous systems,

we are healing abandonment wounds,

we are breaking the cycle of generational trauma,

we are building rituals to recover from the impacts of systemic trauma.

I am a descendant of creative beings who dreamed their way into liberation. Creativity is my birthright. And it’s yours too.

Three Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Embrace Divine Creativity:

1. Cultivate Self-Compassion: Embrace the journey of self-discovery with compassion. Acknowledge that impostor syndrome is a shared experience, and you are not alone. That voice in your head that tries to diminish your worth and gaslight your ability is NOT the authority. Offer yourself the same kindness you extend to others, recognizing that growth is a continuous process. Become the NEW authority on your creativity. And make it a loving one through self-compassion exercises.

2. Connect with Ancestral Medicine: Tap into the wisdom of your ancestors. Explore spring cultural practices and honor traditions that celebrate resistance through creativity. By reconnecting with ancestral roots, you not only honor your heritage but also draw strength from the resilience embedded in your lineage. Your creative expression is a gift to those in your bloodline who had to make themselves smaller to survive.
   

3. Embrace Your Own Timeline: Liberate yourself from the pressures of external timelines dictated by capitalism trauma. Decolonize your approach to time and creativity by embracing your unique journey. Give yourself permission to create at a pace aligned with your capacity, available resources, and personal desires. Challenge the narrative that creativity must be rushed, and instead, find joy in a sustainable and personalized creative process. This has truly been a tough practice for me that I continue to embrace through art therapy activities. It also helps me to be in community with other beautiful creatives who are practicing this intentionally.

As we step into the unfolding beauty of spring, let's embark on a journey of decolonization – breaking free from the shackles of impostor syndrome and embracing our divine creative nature.

Together, we have the power to co-create a reality that transforms limiting beliefs and celebrates the inherent creativity within each of us.

Remember that healing systemic trauma is only possible in the collective, yet having individual tools supports our shared mission of liberation.

Paint this spring season of birth wildly and body. You deserve it.

With love and creative resilience,

V Woods 💚

Looking for a community to embrace your decolonizing journey?

Join us in my bi-weekly live free coaching space for BIPOC folx. Bring your questions and your authentic self: Thursday, March 7th & March 21st at 8:00 pm EST.

how to slow tf down this winter and nurture your inner sanctuary

We are holding a lot. And it can be hard to slow down when it feels like there is so much at stake. Take a winter’s walk with me to ease the pressure a bit….

For those who thrive with sound over written word, listen the audio of this post. 👇🏾

Last year around this time I was gifted the chance to use the fanciest camera I’ve ever held. Me and my sweetheart took a drive out to Chatham County and I witnessed how alive and vibrant the winter is in North Carolina. There is something about nature photography that makes it impossible to rush.

As winter blankets us in its serene stillness, it's the perfect time to lean into the rhythm of nature and, most importantly, our own. In a world that often demands speed and productivity, slowing down becomes an act of rebellion, a radical self-love that defies the relentless pace capitalism imposes upon us. I invite you to join me in creating a sanctuary of rest and recovery this winter. Let's explore three intentional steps to slow TF down and nurture your well-being.

1. Embrace the Wisdom of Winter:

We’ve officially crested the second half of the darkest weeks of the year!

Winter, with its longer nights and shorter days, encourages us to turn inward. Instead of resisting the natural inclination to slow down during this season, lean into it. Reflect on the teachings of your ancestors, who understood the significance of rest and rejuvenation during the winter months. Allow yourself the grace to hibernate a bit. Embrace the coziness of blankets, warm beverages, and the quietude that winter offers. Consider adopting a mindset of stillness, an essential part of your healing journey.

2. Cultivate Mindful Practices:

In a world that glorifies hustle culture, mindfulness is a revolutionary act. Incorporate simple yet powerful practices into your daily routine. Begin your mornings with a few moments of deep breathing or meditation. Engage in activities that ground you, whether it's a nature walk, journaling, or connecting with your ancestors through rituals. Mindfulness doesn't have to be time-consuming; it's about bringing awareness to each moment. The Woods Collective 60-Second Morning Mantras are designed with this in mind. Find those little pockets of peace to help you through your day.

3. Establish Boundaries and Prioritize Self-Care:

Capitalism often convinces us that our worth is tied to our productivity. Challenge this narrative by setting boundaries that protect your time and energy. Be intentional about what you say yes to, and remember that saying no is an act of self-care. This winter, prioritize activities that bring you joy and replenish your spirit. Whether it's going out for a winter’s photography session, curling up with a good book, connecting with loved ones, or engaging in a favorite hobby, create space for the things that make your heart sing. By doing so, you reclaim agency over your time and define your own pace.

Infuse a bit of joy into your spirit with this month’s Music Therapy session with André 3000’s Instrumental Album.

Now let’s come back to our winter’s walk…

I love how much emotion there is in these photos. Along my journey of capturing nature and sharing my little piece of the world, I’ve learned that photography can be a restful meditation.

I’m often surprised to create such magic with my hands. I’ve since lovingly inherited that fancy camera and when I tell you imma be outside in my layers!

Time is moving along as it does and spring is coming soon. What magic are you holding within you that needs rest and recovery to make its way into the world when the earth thaws?

Wishing you warmth, stillness, and a winter filled with self-love,

Yours in bliss,

Coach V Woods 💚

how to fight scarcity during the holidays

Even with sleigh bells and twinkling lights, does this time of year feel a bit off to you too? The sun rises later and the nights are longer and keeping up with routines becomes a struggle. I crave sunlight and comfort foods and solitude. And my mood shifts a bit more unpredictably. I was reminded yesterday that as humans we must experience different states, different frequencies, and energy levels. Like nature, we are always changing, yet there is a cosmic math to the cycles we experience.

Winter is a tangible place of rest, and grief management. It is a time to settle into a soft and slow pace. A time to make the body a safe home for you to recover.

The problem for many of us is that we can feel that urge to move slow, but the world around us is still moving fast. Work expectations have not changed, our families expect more labor as the holidays roll in, bills still need to be paid and reality must still be met each morning.

Part of my work as a healer is to meet folks exactly where they are. And I am here to remind you that your journey towards healing, decolonizing, and authenticity is not separate from your life in this moment. I've learned from my work in community and my own healing and spiritual journey that the healing work really is in these tough moments of transition. And the work is happening within you, right now.

You, exactly as you are in this low energy, low vibrational place are right, and true. Your needs this time of year are different from your needs during the creative energy of spring or the abundant fertility of summer.

What would it look like for you to lean into some self-compassion with me for me a moment. To acknowledge that you are more than the productivity and expectations you've been beholden to all year. To sit for a moment quietly in your own sacred authority over your life, your time and your desires?

We have been raised in a scarcity culture, and nothing triggers scarcity quite like the holidays. Many of us this time year feel like we are not enough, and don't have enough to give (financially, physically and emotionally). But the secret of the day is…

You are not defined by what you do not have. You are living fully in the reality of all the abundance you have access to in this very moment.

Say it with me now…even though I am anxious about money, sad about loss and war, feel low in energy and am concerned about the future….I love and accept myself wholly and completely.

It's kind of wild isn't it. Maybe even seems a bit shallow, to focus on self-love in light of so much disruption and violence. But I offer this, not as a platitude bit as medicine.

We have not been taught to hold our grief tenderly. We have not been taught to welcome in our joy just as boldly. So on top of our natural reactions to the world around us, we also may feel shame. We may hear thoughts like, "What is wrong with me? I feel so off? I should be doing more right now." And unfortunately, shame is a consistent challenge for those of us learning to recover from the trauma of capitalism culture.

What might that look like to love and accept yourself wholly and completely?

What would it sound like? How would it shift the way you show up just today?

I have shifted my story from that of a licensed therapist to a coach focused on the bridge between community and mental health becuase I believe that we are experiencing a collective reckoning that requires a collective solution.

You are not alone. And you are worthy of so much love and care.

Just in case no one has told you today, YOU, AS YOU ARE, are a whole gift. Don't be afraid to celebrate that today. I'm going to celebrate myself with a little winter midday nap.

Yours in bliss,

Coach V💚

how to reckon with the truth at thanksgiving

There is something really sweet about those days leading up to Thanksgiving when all we can think about is food and connection. I love heading to the grocery store before the crowds flood in, playing an age-old game of creating beautiful meals on a bargain. I love filling my home with music and the savory smells of Black healing food. It's a vibe that holds me warm and close every year.

As is the balance of things, with joy there is also grief. It is often hard for me to reckon with the reality of American holidays and the re-writing of history that sanitizes the violent truths underneath our shared traditions. As a person who chooses to study race, place, and belonging I am pretty consistently in a cycle of reckoning, grief, and the grounding authenticity that grows from that work.

One of the ways I find peace with that at this time of year is to be honest about the hard bits and find ways to honor my needs.

The Not-So-Obvious Truths

• This country was built on the attempted genocide and systematic, calculated cultural desecration of a continent of people deserving safety and freedom.

• The land we compete for in an unsustainable housing market is not ours.

• The food we cultivate is grown in agricultural traditions that continue to perpetuate the violence inflicted on those early peoples.

• Our shared global power is still dependent on the continued separation of Indigenous people from the land and ancestral practices carefully built into their collective identity.

The truth hurts. It does.

And despite what we have learned through years of social conditioning, we CAN hold hard truths and still find joy.

The Joy

I intend to find joy as I gather with those who love me and are safe for me to spend time with.

I find sweet joy in the scent of November in the air as I take long walks over crackling leaves.

My joy is in my daughter who even at 17years old will still melt into a puddle of giggles over the right Christmas movie.

I find deep satiating joy in my partner who is the kind of person who cultivates truth love, and magic with every breath.

I find ever-illuminating joy in thoughts of my mother, my grandmothers, and the generations of ancestors who live within and beyond my memory.

For EVERY hard truth and place of grief, there is a need that can be honored and met. This holiday season let’s hold our collective power to meet our collective need for love, safety, and belonging.

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Top 3 Ways To Meet Our Needs Right Now

Now, I'm about to go find the love in my grandmother's mac n cheese recipe real quick! Follow me on IG to get in the mix, and subscribe to The Retreat Newsletter for collective healing in your inbox. You don’t want to miss what’s coming in hot for my community in December!

Happy Thanksgiving loves.

Yours in bliss,

V💚

how to fight burnout with radical compassion

The air is cooling and the whispers of summer have faded. The chill sits on the tip of my nose during morning walks and like honey moving slowly from a cold jar, I am being asked to slow down. The frenzied heat of warmer months has passed. October brings the warmth of hot chocolate and cider and the promise of the coming respite of winter.

This weekend, underneath blankets and woolly socks I watched The Woman King. I know I am so late but in my defense, I was waiting for the right moment to take it all in! And oh my, what an incredible display of collective visioning, Black resilience, and sheer strength of body, character, and will. I was so hype watching these women issue carnage to deserving colonizers and their allies. I watched them carry on their ample shoulders the reality of the changing world around them and do their best to protect themselves and their community. And they did so while holding the deep wounds of their own trauma stories. There is such a resonance of generational resilience in this film that holds wisdom for modern warriors of the heart, mind, and spirit.

As a trauma therapist working through the pandemic shutdown I was logging up to 80 hours of work a week—all while homeschooling my teenager, managing drastic shifts in my household, and trying to ensure the stability of my own well-being. Often the work of healers and leaders is heart-forward and a passionate response to the injustices they witness. And it can be hard in the midst of that good work for us to set boundaries around our time and energy to ensure that our work is sustainable. In a world where change-makers and healers, especially those of the global majority, work tirelessly to transform communities and institutions, it's easy to forget one essential person in the equation: yourself. Whether you are a solo healer navigating change, or deep in the beautiful mess of community work, the journey of dismantling systemic and generational trauma can be emotionally and mentally draining. That's why radical self-compassion is a foundational pillar in our path toward sustainable activism and healing.

The Invisible Weight of Systemic Trauma

Systemic trauma, is deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society, and casts a long shadow over the lives of many. It shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and even our sense of self-worth. For POC change-makers and healers, this trauma is not only systemic but often intergenerational, carried forward from ancestors who struggled against injustice. The impact can be profound, manifesting in self-doubt, burnout, and the relentless pursuit of productivity.

In a society that often marginalizes Black, Brown & Native voices, it's easy to internalize feelings of inadequacy. Acknowledge this impact as the first step towards healing. You are NOT the problem.

Many of us feel pressured to overachieve to compensate for systemic inequalities. This pressure can lead to burnout and that hamster wheel of productivity—which we all know, drains the passion and fire from your work.

Radical Self-Compassion: Your Shield Against Burnout

Radical self-compassion can be a shield to burnout and the legacy of systemic trauma. It's about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others in your community. I am a firm believer that we cannot self-care our way out of the harsh realities of dangerous systems. But we can create internal and external systems that provide us with zones of safety as we navigate our day-to-day lives. Here's my top five methods for how to embrace it:

Embracing Your Worth

In the quest to co-create radically safe spaces and heal from the wounds of systemic trauma, the most profound transformation begins with yourself. This autumn as you continue to shed what is no longer yours, extend the compassion you offer to others to your own being. You are an entire force in the movement for justice and healing. You deserve the sweet respite of a compassionate heart.

how to speak to fear in autumn equinox

This morning the tide of seasonal change pulled me awake at 4:30 am. As I've tuned into my internal rhythms these past few years I've noticed that this can happen for me as I shift from the heat and fire of summer and move into the hard work of harvest season. The moments before the autumn equinox are a fertile time and I often find myself in the throes of a strong creative current. Are you feeling it too?

I’ve built my business calendar around this internal rhythm: it is when I have launched new community spaces for grief, play, and healing, honed my vision, and taken bold steps closer to the life I want. Over the years, I've allowed myself permission to embrace new professional identities and let go of others that had run their beautiful winding course. I've launched a few successful businesses and found deep joy and satisfaction in doing the work. I thrive on a deep knowing that I am here to serve the collective—and this has taken many shapes and forms as I have evolved as an individual on my own intellectual, spiritual, and decolonizing journey.

And yet, there is a b*tch inside of me who stay judging who I have been on this journey.

Part of the harmful mythology of colonialism is the story that we all have one narrow path and that we should find it in our youth and follow it until we retire. If we are very lucky it will make us millionaires and gift us all the approved trappings of success: a beautiful home, a family, and fame or notoriety.

But for real ya'll, this mythology sucks.

It is in direct opposition to deep ancestral wisdom that invites in a more wholistic view of work that is rooted in balance and follows the natural evolution of the self.

This inherited mythology and its tight grip on our collective psyche is the reason we often find ourselves feeling afraid in moments when we are naturally expanding beyond the confines of that narrow path. This is when the familiar nudges of shame and judgement show up to try and keep us in line. Especially if you’re like me and have found a kind of safety in hiding.

The truth is, it can be really hard for folks who are creative multi-hyphenates and/or neuro-expansive to find their place in the world around them. And even though in this generation we are fortunate enough to build and co-create safe spaces to thrive, that does not come without it's own set of sacrifices and grief!

Unfortunately, these sacrifices aren't always obvious. One of the sacrifices I've made unconsciously over the years is to compartmentalize my identity. What I mean by that is, there are parts of me that I hide in most of the professional spaces I inhabit. Historically, this has been necessary to maintain and ensure my safety as a Black, Queer, Neurodiverse person. But now that I am more expansive than I have ever been and in addition to that have built the kind of emotional, psychological, and professional safety that often feels like a buoyant raft on a calm river —I have to remind myself that I am no longer making that sacrifice a requirement.

We do not get to chose how we are received in the world. But we do have the agency and sovereignty to decide our own path and cultivate our own story. Fortunately we all have the seeds of discretion within us that we can nurture and grow.

Discretion makes it possible for us to assess people, situations, and spaces and determine if they are a good match for our energy and effort.

And we must remember that we are whole and our wholeness comes with its own set of sacred ancestral protections. As Janelle Monae says, “'Im always left of center and that's right where I belong”.

Today I invite you to join me in speaking to the fear that can show up for us as our light grows brighter.

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* Today I invite in patience as I continue to grow beyond my wildest dreams.

* Today I open my heart to the gifts of safe connection with myself and others.

* Today I hold gratitude for the brave act of showing up exactly as I am.

Yours in bliss,

V Woods

how to embrace change: finding safety in others (part 2)

We’re cresting the middle of September and it’s still too damn hot for taking evening walks so I’ve started climbing rocks instead.

Fall isn’t quite here yet and the heat and humidity of the day linger long into the night pushing me back to the sanity of the a/c. It is a sobering change for early September and I am mourning the reality of an ever heating globe.

Though there is grief, joy is always present! As I wait for the air to cool enough for those evening walks (such an essential chance to release stored stories, energy, and stress) I’ve decided to try something new.

My partner has introduced me to rock climbing, ya’ll! They have the smooth agility of a mountain goat quarterback but I am not at all confident in my ability to hurl myself vertically against rock faces with minuscule hand and foot holds. But, as nature is doing her best to regulate her temperature, I’ve given this a try, trusting my sweetheart’s expertise and the 2 feet of cushioned safety mats when I inevitably fall. When I am on the wall, I can’t help but feel, in real time, the way change moves through the body.

Even though major change can feel like a lot, the truth is we are always evolving. Our cells are shedding, regenerating, and recreating themselves again and again.

The person we present to the world today is just a bit different than the person we were yesterday. Maybe a bit injured, or agitated, but hopefully wiser, stronger, and brighter.

Having a soft place to land, whether that is a physical place, a sacred routine, or a loved one that makes you feel seen, heard, and safe, a grounding space is vital as we navigate change.

As you lean into whatever rock face is presenting itself to you today, I offer you a bit of tender support with Part 2 of embracing change like a pro even when the world is burning…(with audio and captions).

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CAPTION: This one is a doozy for my trauma babes! But oh so good for moving through change. As an introverted person on the spectrum with a bright yet tender light, it has been hard for me to navigate safety in relationships with other people.  Younger versions of me, still healing from childhood wounds have used isolation and guardedness to create an illusion of safety. Now, I know that connection to other people has always been essential for me as I experience change and growth. We need each other and I am no exception to that, no matter how strong I think I am. I am so very grateful for my small circle of folks who take my safety and well being seriously. Being around that kind of radical love is a natural healing mechanism. Now, how do we know if other people make safety a priority? And how on earth do we open our hearts when they've been wounded? Maybe this is a fall workshop for my healing baddies…!

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In between icing sore muscles and breathing into this new challenge, I'm sending you so much love.

Be brave, lovely. You deserve every ounce of safety you cultivate in this world.

I'll see you in the trees!

V Woods

how to embrace change like a pro (part 1)

…EVEN WHEN THE WORLD IS LITERALLY BURNING.

It is the hottest summer in human history and we are in major transition.

Is it me or does it feel like there is a constant onslaught of change happening within and around us? As our political world implodes, the earth heats faster than congress can horde student loan debt relief, and the prices at Whole Foods become criminal, we've all been doing our best to stay cool and grounded amidst change. As a trauma-impacted, neuro-expansive, air sign with a penchant for dreaming, grounding myself takes a pretty active effort—especially during moments of transition.

To be honest, my life has felt like one major transition after another since 2020. In the past 3 years, I’ve left behind a decade long marriage, stepped more boldly and safely into my queerness, allowed myself the fullness of a gender transition, moved homes, supported my child through adolescence, early college, and the mental health challenges of modern high school, grieved the death of my grandmother and the complexity of our relationship, left a couple "dream" jobs for my own psychological safety and mental health, met my soul’s mate, and shifted professionally from therapist to therapeutic coach and consultant. That is a ton of change for one nervous system yet, I am still here! I’m living with the deepest gratitude (and a bit of surprise) that all that change has brought me more contentedness, more joy, deeper authenticity, and radical safety.

For those of us who live with trauma - and in a world with COVID, that is all of us - it can be hard for our tender bodies to tell the difference between change and danger.

The more I grow, the more I find myself moving through change from a core of SAFETY. Safety - //psychological, social, and collective// - is something I spend a lot of time, energy, scholarship, and healing invested in. I often remind my clients, my kiddo, and my younger selves that our safety is NOT optional. Despite what we have been told by individuals or systems, both blatantly or covertly, we deserve to feel safe.

As a person moving about the world with the identities I hold, this is, unfortunately, a radical idea. We live in a system that is dangerously, terrifyingly oppressive and our basic safety and well-being are always up for negotiation by those who hoard power and resources. This basic fact of my existence, of our existence in this country, on this continent, on this planet, fills me with rage, confusion, anxiety, and sometimes, fear. I know I am not alone.

Yet again, I am still here. I am living in the brave reality of my ancestors intergenerational protection, prayers, spells, and commitment and I do not take that lightly. My safety is a direct result of their resilience, it is a product of their fear and the ways it made them discerning. Change unravels us, it disregulates us and can make it hard to breathe deep in the moment. But despite this, my safety, our collective safety, is a beacon....a light that grows brighter with every healthy connection and boundary, it is strengthened by every moment of rage, anxiety, and fear I manage by connecting deeply with myself with unyielding compassion and love. And incredibly, this beacon of safety reaches backward and forward through time, touching every life that coded its way into the makings of me and my descendants. (#epigenetics!)

So for you, dear heart, on your own sacred journey, I offer 3 ways to embrace change like a pro, even when the world is a dumpster fire… (with audio & captions)

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CAPTION: It is likely that at the moment you are reading this, you have taken in several threats to  your psychological safety just today. I define psychological safety as…

 	A system of internal and external care that makes it possible for you to move through the world with agency, to cultivate the ability to mitigate and recover from harm, to meet your need for love, belonging, and safety with resources and creativity and in alignment with your personal values, and to build an awareness of the collective and your impact on the psychological safety of others and the natural world. 

To me, this is a lifelong quest and is especially needed in moments of major change. Safety is a bit of a mirage in this country, our ancestors did not have the means to attain psychological safety and our parents weren't given the tools to know it was a reality worth reaching for. But, if we're lucky and diligent, our children understand it, need it, and demand it.  It requires a willingness to reckon with the world around you and a growing toolbox to greive the shit that hurts you and those around you. This is not an easy ask but it starts with simple questions like, “Do I feel good in my body and heart when I spend time alone? With a specific person? At work?"

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When I'm not drinking water and minding my business, I'll be on social media this summer exploring strategies on transition and psychological safety. Join me on LinkedIn and IG for a summer meditation series to keep your heart expansive in a world that wants you small and controllable.

Be brave, lovely. You deserve every ounce of safety you cultivate in this world.

I'll see you in the trees!

V Woods

how to lean into spring birthing

Have you noticed your body’s early spring nudges? Perhaps you’re waking a bit earlier. Maybe your appetite is shifting or you are noticing cravings that haven’t visited all winter. Our bodies are deeply connected to the world around us and even the most city bound of us can feel these seasonal shifts. 

Here in Durham, the birds are waking early with their morning dialogue, rich and loud, a collective song that speaks of connection and progenesis. The bees are back which always fills me with such delight. I must have been a strong, fat carpenter bee in a former life–the low buzz of their wings sends a deep soothing frequency to my spirit—the smell of sawdust lingers in cosmic memory as a message of home.

Early spring brings awakening, the energy that has been quietly gathering beneath the soil, within our unconscious, among the stars, finds itself again at the start of something new. We begin the metamorphosis– a new version of ourselves, when the trees bud and the rivers begin to swell again and for me this is the true New Year.  Spring equinox marches closer and this recent full moon asks for a shedding of old stories in a way I did not see coming. 

Metamorphosis, transformation, change–all language that can keep us from remembering that birth is always labor. True change requires reckoning and reckoning often brings pain. I could feel pain surfacing for me these past few weeks–I avoided it by riding the seductive twin waves of TikToks and insomnia. Yet, she finds me still, in the late hours, while I’m brushing my teeth, looking directly at me through the mirror at the yoga studio. 

The beautiful thing about spring is that the pain of birthing is collective. We need not hold it alone. The way through is evident in the bursting forth of fruit and vegetables from the nexus of flowers, it is clearly felt in the chirping of small baby birds and the marching of ants across the terrain once again. We are a love story to be told. All we have to do is listen. Even when that story brings us sadness, fear, anger, grief, it is ours to hold. And we are holding it among acres of wisdom and foretelling. We are living it in the wake of our ancestors and in the blossoming of our descendents. 

So we practice birthing. I bring my pain to therapy. I bring it to my bath water filled to the brim with salt, lavender, and flowers. I bring it to my loved ones and ask them to hold me as I quake with tremors of the past and celebrate with them when I have retrieved what has been lost.  I do not run from the beautiful, handsome children within me who just want to be seen. To be loved. To be held. 

We are an unfolding. We are the way forward and we birth ourselves anew as the light grows long and the earth bursts forth with beauty. What will be unearthed within you?

how to do winter joy

We have just crested the second half of February and it is 80 degrees in North Carolina. My body cannot decide if it is grateful for the sun stretching its warm fingers to my winter-chilled cells (it is!) or if it is grief-stricken about trees blooming and short sleeves making their appearance outside of the earth’s natural rhythms.

My earth-rooted partner had the divine idea of setting up a camping bed in the backyard for an afternoon nap today (reason #537 of why I f**k with them). Laying underneath the vast open sky yet so close to the earth is incredibly grounding—my breath slows and my pupils dilate and even my uterus seems to quell its monthly tap dance for a little while. I can smell the melting soil for the first time in months—a bit musty and wet— and I remember that the earth has its own sovereignty and I am merely a visitor here for a little while.

Climate grief is so real. We are allowed to feel afraid, worried when temperatures rise before their time or beyond their usual limits. And also…I am reminded as a lay under this blossoming tree as a hundred tiny bees work to pollinate the first nectar of the season…the earth will survive. She is a master of change and evolution and always finds a way to release that which cannot endure and open herself to new ways of being.

I choose to spend my days immersed her wisdom. I can expand and contract and learn the lessons meant for me. And right now…the lesson is…it’s not spring yet, boo, go lay your ass down.

Winter will hold me tenderly in its hibernation and conservation for just a few weeks longer as I allow what birthing will come, to emerge in its own timing. Will you join me?

-photo shot by LaVoya Woods on Lumbee, Skaruhreh/Tuscarora, Cheraw, Mánu, Occaneechi and Sissipahaw ancestral lands