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