To Close Our Eyes in Peace:
A guided experience of Rest + Resilience for Black Women.
To Close Our Eyes in Peace is a 6-week course that will guide 12 Black women on a journey toward more resilience, free-of-charge. The course will offer several tools for confidence, health, and restoration.
In recognition of Black History month, we are committed to supporting Black women in the recovery from grief and trauma resulting from the experience of a global pandemic and continued exposure to the many forms of violence from the systems of institutional racism and sexism. Black women are essential workers, birthworkers, deathworkers, poll workers, and community organizers. They may seem quite ordinary, but are no less extraordinary in their individuality. In short, they are the beacons of their communities.
We seek to create a space when Black women can thrive, not only for themselves (and that’s sufficient), but for all of us. Because when Black women thrive, we all thrive.
We humbly call for your support for the resilience of Black women and this initiative which will give them the space and more tools to continue to heal, grow, and flourish.
Program Details
6-weeks, LIVE 75-90 virtual session
Monday, February 1st, 2021
Monday, February 8th, 2021
Monday, February 15th, 2021
Monday, February 22nd, 2021
Monday, March 1st, 2021
Monday, March 8th, 2021
Private Discussion Group
Curated Self-care package
Program Journal/Guidebook
and more
Key Milestones
Call for Support: December 1st - January 31st
This experience will be provided at no cost to course participants.
Support this program by offering a contribution of $11, $111, or $1,111 (which fully funds 1 program space).
We are also accepting in-kind support. For more details, email us.
Nominations: December 7th-25th
Members of the community are called to nominate a Black Woman they want to recognize.
Invitation to Apply: December 28th - January 8th
Selections Announced: January 15th
Program Start Date: February 1st
“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”
- Mary McLeod Bethune
Meet Your Guides
Oceana Sawyer
Oceana is an End of Life Doula. Drawing upon her meditation practices, her experience as a sensuality educator, her earth-based spirituality, and an intensive study in the expressive arts and integral counseling psychology, she brings a grounded, compassionate presence to the dying experience that partners with people in creating a conscious roadmap allowing them to die on their own terms. She also facilitates workshops and an online community on grief, BIPOC Death Cafes, and Living Funeral Ceremonies.
Siha Collins
As a trauma-informed educator and mindfulness teacher, Siha fills up rooms with her unique brand of insight, humor, and ease to create spaces that help people make meaningful change. Through her lifestyle brand and studio, Yellow Mat Wellness, she has not only curated innovative wellness practices for global brands, but facilitates experiences centered around mindful approaches to topics including social justice + community care. Her passion to teach extends directly into her service work, by bringing the tools of mindfulness to individuals in jails, rehab centers, shelters, and more.