About You and Me

Let's begin with you.

Life can be hard for black women. You know this. You are deeply aware of the intersectional forms of oppression that make black women's experiences unique. Yet, you are strong. You have been managing despite the negativity. You have been holding on. And even though you are proud of yourself for being able to care for yourself and your loved ones, you know that living up to the strong black women ideal is taking a toll on you—on your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. You know that something's got to give.

At the same time, you also have the sense that there is something deep within you that is trying to get your attention. Something inside wants you to know that things don't have to be this hard for you—even in an insane world. You sense that if you could just find the time and space to hear what your inner Self is trying to tell you, your life could be different. The circumstances might change or they might not. But your experience would definitely change.

You know that, even in the midst of the chaos and negativity all around, it is important for you to enjoy beauty, laughter, joy, peace and a community that truly sees you. In fact, you secretly know that enjoying these will help you to navigate the insanity of the world more effectively.

And I say, you are important. You deserve to be seen and valued for who you are. You deserve love. In fact, the best thing you can do for the world is to love yourself. Self-love gives you access to the strength, creativity and compassion needed to live in today's world. In my retreats and workshops and programs, I help you to experience what it is like to love and accept yourself. Deeply. Radically. And I help you to access that quiet voice inside that is calling out for your attention. I help you to hear its messages, one of which is that you are dearly loved. And I help you to connect with the strength and courage within you so that you can follow your inner guidance.

And now me, Veta Goler, PhD.

Like many black women of certain age, I have had a satisfying and meaningful career. I have been a professor at Spelman College for over thirty years—at first as an artist (dancer/choreographer) and then as a scholar (dance historian). Along the way I also became a contemplative—with meditation and other contemplative practices—and explore the intersection of dance and spirituality in popular culture, and spirituality and contemplative practices in education and the workplace. I incorporate contemplative practices in my classes and in the guided meditation sessions I've been leading for Spelman students, faculty and staff for over 15 years, and have published my research in dance and culture journals and anthologies and presented at national and international conferences.

Over ten years ago, I also became a Circle of Trust® facilitator, offering retreats and workshops for personal and professional renewal at colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and retreat sites throughout the country. Many of my retreats are based in the work of education innovator Parker J. Palmer, who has written extensively on the value of living an “undivided life,” in which one’s Soul and one's role are deeply connected.

I am also a Purpose Guide™, drawing on the work of Jonathan Gustin, to help you engage in Soul discovery work—exercises and practices to hear your inner Self for guidance in navigating the world.

By combining Circle of Trust® facilitation and Purpose Guiding™—and adding my own black woman spin on things—I am committed to helping you discover how contemplative practices can enrich your life by increasing your self-love and your ability to live a life of meaning and purpose.