
Affinity Community Services is a social justice organization that works with and on behalf of Black LGBTQ communities, queer youth, and allies to identify emergent needs, create safe spaces, develop leaders, and bridge communities through collective analysis and action for social justice, freedom, and human rights. http://www.affinity95.org
Affinity Community Services hosted its annual Burning Bowl ceremony, an affirmation ceremony that has two main components:
(1) constituents write down the feelings, experiences, and circumstances that they will leave in 2014 – this is the “burn;” and
(2) constituents write down their affirmations for 2015 and then place their affirmations in a self-addressed envelope which Affinity mails to them in June 2015, allowing constituents to check-in and measure their progress for the year.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to engage in your own burning bowl. You’ve heard of vision board parties. Well, you all can also do a burning bowl.
How to Have a Burning Bowl:
- Get a small group of close friends together at someone’s home.
- Note: Of course, you can host a solo burning bowl.
- Provide Paper and writing utensils
- Provide refreshments to guests (potluck style is always an option)
The Burn:
- Think about what you will leave in 2014. Write that down. And then let it go.
- Example: From 2014, I will burn the negative and hindering feelings associated with rejection and self-doubt.
The Affirmation:
- Write down what you want to affirm in 2015.
- Example: For 2015 – I affirm love in every aspect of my life, ruthless prioritization, and fearlessness.
* Note: You do not have to share your burn list or affirmations. However, you might find it incredibly liberating and affirming to do so.
Follow-Up:
- Set calendar reminders for your affirmations
We have reached the middle of January 2015. Time will move on regardless of whether you are prepared for it. Isn’t it better to be prepared?
Tagged: burning bowl, inspiration, LGBT, life, Lifestyle, love, Personal, Philosophy, Success, vision board
I really enjoyed this article and I am going to engage in the burning bowl process…especially the accountability component of having the quarterly checks and mailing the letter back to participants. The burning bowl process is also a great compliment to the vision board process…
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I totally agree! Burn, affirm, and envision!
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