AFROPUNK Partnership
Jamila Reddy (they/she) is a writer, self-empowerment coach, and life-enthusiast on a mission to help people manifest their dreams. Jamila is the creator of Make It Happen, an online course for creative, compassionate people who want to be more powerful, purposeful, and spend more time doing what they love. Jamila's podcast, Deliberate and Doing it Afraid, features personal stories from the journey to their best life and the lessons that come from it. Jamila's work has appeared on TedX, Greatist, The Body is Not An Apology, and Shine. Learn more at jamilareddy.me.
What's your current theme song? If you have a reason, please share.
Going Nowhere by St. Beauty, because 1- #relevant, and 2 - because listening to it reminds me to be present, and to not constantly be rushing towards some hypothetical
Tell me about your journey to now. What impactful moments led you to your work?
A few years ago, I realized that I was living a life based on what I thought was possible for myself, instead of what I truly wanted. After experiencing sudden back-to-back deaths of two close friends, I decided that I would no longer take my life for granted. This began my journey of intentional living and the pursuit of my wildest dreams. My personal path eventually led me to my coaching, teaching, and writing work, where my mission is to empower people to courageously create lives of joy and alignment. As a black, queer, gender non-conforming person, I want to be a living example of what is possible when we embrace our authentic selves and dare to be powerful.
Who and/or what motivates your passion each day?
Thinking of myself as a future ancestor motivates my passion. I know that I have the capacity to change the trajectory of the entire Universe, to move generations of people towards healing and joy. Knowing that I am powerful motivates me to use my power to amplify good in the world. I am motivated by all of humanity, by the understanding that we are inextricably connected and that my wellness and joy has a ripple effect in the lives of others.
How do you define Radical Self Care?
Radical self-care is compassion shown towards yourself, rooted in the understanding that your wellness is the foundation for you being able to show up powerfully in your life and the lives of others. Radical self-care acknowledges that I am worthy of health, peace, joy, and unlimited access to my desires. It pushes back against dominant narratives that try to convince me that my life is disposable.
What rituals do you have to help maintain homeostasis of mind, body, and spirit?
I do morning pages (a daily ritual of writing three stream-of-consciousness pages to declutter my mind, and externalizing my thoughts). I meditate to connect with myself and survey my inner landscape, I do yoga, and I have frequent solo dance-parties in my room!
How do you incorporate plants into your well being routine? How is the cannabis (THC, CBD, CBN, etc) a part of your plant ritual?
I incorporate plant medicine into my healing routine by using herbs and food to support my mental, emotional, and physical health. Cannabis (CBD and THC) helps me manage my anxiety, connect with my physical body, stay present, focus, think clearly, think more expansively, uplift and stabilize me during depressive episodes, and reduce physical pain. It helped my father soothe his cancer pain and die with ease and integrity.
Who would you like to experience an altered state (dream elevation + discussion) with and how would you achieve this flow state?
I would like to experience an altered state with Frank Ocean. His music is so cathartic for me, and I would love to share space with his vibes and get insight on how he creates sonic portals. I would achieve this flow state with marijuana, deep breathing/meditation, movement and perhaps psilocybin.
Love phrase "slow down to speed up", what does that mean to you personally and within the present global pause?
This means that we have to slow down in order to regain our energy. That our energy is not an unlimited resource, and that we have to restore and replenish ourselves in order to give to others. When we give ourselves permission to move slowly, to pour into ourselves and to be fully present‚ we are better able to show up powerfully in service, creativity, and connection.
What is the gift you bring to community?
I bring a willingness to be in process, and the generosity to share my process with the world. I also bring clear reminders that our desires are not frivolous, that each person‚ potential is infinite, and that our lives are sacred and worthy of being designed (and lived) with intention and care.
What has been the most challenging for you during this time?
Not having access to the healing medicine of physical togetherness and collective joy. Sharing space (off-screen) with my community provides me with so much life-force energy, and it has been challenging to access that same powerful vibration through screens.
What made you become an advocate in the space and for the plant?
I can't say that I'm in the industry, but I want to advocate for the plant because so many of us, especially BIPOC‚ have been made to feel ashamed of our medicine. I have been using cannabis as medicine for almost a decade. I would not be acting with integrity if I were to keep any of my healing practices and tools to myself. My intention is to always generously share that which supports my best self my highest physical, mental, & emotional wellness and my spiritual consciousness. Cannabis is one of those things.