Change one thing, change everything… Reflecting with Portia Shepherd, Blackbelt Women Rising

*A note on the title: “Change one thing, change everything” is one of the core elements in the living decolonial framework, Afro-Indigenous Liberatory Praxis, which participants engaged while immersed in FREEDOM LAND’s Mindfulness & Healing Justice Cohort. Portia’s reflection below brings this element to life, illustrating how a small seed of one’s practice has infinite ripples of growth and change that inevitably shift the ecosystems they are planted within. From an integrated world view, the binary divide between individual and organizational impact are not viewed as separate, but experienced as aspects of a complete whole. Within one seed lives an entire forest. Planting one seed of Liberatory practice can change everything. This element calls us to remember that the roots of our practice stretch far beyond what we can see— making their way through the dark...

ChE (we, they, them) | Founding Creatrix Director, FREEDOM LAND

In response to the question: How have the ripples of your practice been shaping change in your organization? How have you watched the seed of your Liberatory healing intention grow within your team(s), organization, and work in the world? 

Portia Shepherd: The ripples of my healing practice have really started to shape change within our organization in ways that feel small but powerful. At first, it was just me trying to stay grounded bringing in breathwork, moments of silence, or just naming when I needed a pause. But over time, those small practices started influencing how we move as a team. I’ve seen a shift in how we hold space for one another, especially during hard moments or emotionally charged work.

One of the clearest examples was when I introduced the idea of creating an altar. At first, folks looked at me a little sideways like, “what is this?” lol. But once I explained the meaning behind it, how it could be a grounding and honoring space, it actually turned into a really emotional day. People shared, reflected, and connected in a way that felt deeper than usual. That moment showed me that the seed of my liberatory healing intention had taken root that even though it might feel unfamiliar at first, our team is open to new ways of caring for ourselves and each other.

We’ve also grown in how we onboard new folks. In the past, it felt rushed or task-heavy, but now we’re more intentional. When our newest team member came on, we slowed down and made space to welcome them not just into the work, but into the culture we’re trying to build one that centers rest, emotional awareness, and mutual support. These are the kinds of shifts that remind me healing is happening, even if it’s quiet or gradual.

Thank you for the opportunity! 

Portia Shepherd

Executive Director, Blackbelt Women Rising