Peaceful, Centered + Connected
This is called News + New Good Things because of a conversation my daughter and I had when she was a young child. I see the communication here as an invitation to lean into that conversation and the Wisdom she shared on how to create a new world and new good things. A practice that seems more relevant and timely now than it did then. This visit to your inbox is also my way of sharing a wink and a nod with God. You see, I thought I was going to be a television news reporter (my degree is in journalism), and now, as a contemplative, spiritual teacher-pastor, God and I often have a little giggle about the ways in which I’m sharing the “Good News” with folks.
This section is typically reserved for ways to access peace, centeredness, and connectedness. To honor that, I would invite you to listen to the short conversation I’m referring to with my daughter on how to create a new world. I've linked it below. If you’re new here or haven’t listened before, maybe take a moment and imagine that you are sitting there with us in the dark of night, eavesdropping while we chat. What speaks to you as you listen to us speak?
The thing is, I have a bit of personal news to share and some things related to my work that feel relevant given our connection and your presence here, and how quiet I was in September.
The personal news - I’m engaged! There’s much to share here about intention, desires, synchronicity, healing, dating in the second half of life, and the like. Too much for this one little check-in with you. But the weekend of the Black Contemplative Prayer Summit, a friend reached out to me, said he had a friend he thought I should meet, and then connected me to one of the most beautiful souls of a man that I’ve ever met. Our wedding date is set for October of 2026.
The weekend of the Summit proved to be a catalyst for more than just a relationship. It also seemed to expedite the need to slow down and discern what is mine to do at this time in the world when it comes to contemplative spirituality. When I first stumbled upon contemplative ways of being over a decade ago, there were very few people of color in the classes, workshops, and retreats that supported my learning journey. The revelation of colleagues of color in this space is exciting! The Summit is evidence of that and of a growing opportunity to elevate voices of color while also nurturing a spirit of diversity. But how? And how does all of this connect to the work I’m currently doing as pastor of Awakenings in a way that is both deeply nurturing and sustainable? Thankfully, I have the opportunity to live into that question as a recipient of the 2025 Reflective Leadership Grant from Leadership at Duke Divinity. The grant period allows me a reflective pause to deepen global, BIPOC-centered contemplative work—clarifying vision, structure, and sustainability through listening, spiritual inquiry, and commitment to belonging over urgency. The pause mostly impacts the rigour of my week; it won’t remove me from my work in its entirety. You can see the full list of recipients here and the official announcement below. I am grateful to be included.
“Leadership Education aims to create lasting change in U.S. congregations by supporting Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. Leadership Education designs educational services, develops intellectual resources, and facilitates networks of institutions that cultivate a coherent vision of Christian institutional leadership and form Christian leaders. Leadership Education is a non-degree-granting initiative of Duke Divinity School funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and based in Durham, NC.
“We have been selected to receive a Reflective Leadership Grant from Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. These grants of up to $15,000 support an opportunity for structured reflection for leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission in the midst of today's rapidly changing context. Fifty Christian leaders from a variety of faith-based organizations are funded in this third year of the Reflective Leadership Grant program.“
‘The Reflective Leadership Grant at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity recognizes and supports the faithful and innovative work of lay and ordained Christian leaders who find themselves at a pivotal moment in their ministry,’ says Mycal Brickhouse, a director of program and grants at Leadership Education. ‘Using Harvard professor Ron Heifetz’s language, we want to help leaders experience “balcony time,” which allows them to move from the dance floor to the balcony to gain a broader picture of the work, organization, community, and trends. We want to encourage grantees to continue to develop their leadership capacities in ways specific to their work and context. For some, this might look like attending interdisciplinary conferences, and for others, it might look like observing similar work in different settings. We are excited about the interest in this grant program from both traditional and non-traditional Christian leaders, and we look forward to learning alongside them and their communities.”
This all becomes a widening full circle as I am excited to share that a host of amazing thought leaders and teachers will convene virtually on February 21st and 22nd for the second Black Contemplative Prayer Summit. Those are dates you can save - more on that soon!
With you on the journey.
Grace + Ease,
Tia
A quick summary for my friends who scrolled through:
I'm engaged. I received a grant fro Leadership at Duke Divinity supporting a period of reflection on my work and I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the Black Contemplative Prayer Summit February 21st and 22nd. An event led by contemplative voices of color and open to all.
A New Way to See the Good News
A new way to see the Good News offers a short passage that may offer a fresh perspective or insight into the ancient collection of poems, letters, and stories known as the Bible.
"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."
⎻ Isaiah 30:15
A Breath Prayer
Pause. Take a moment. Find your breath. Close your eyes.
Inhale: I am held
Exhale: in holy presence
Visiting Together 1:1 in the New Year
As I look ahead, I’m opening up space for a limited number of one-on-one sessions starting in January. If you’re interested in working together the second half of the year, I’d love to connect. The booking window will close in December, so please reach out before then by replying to this email if you’d like to reserve a spot or secure our monthly visits by clicking below.
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$125.00 / month
12-month Spiritual Guidance Journey
This one-on-one guidance is designed to support you as you nurture your inner life and explore questions that matter... Read more |
