017: On Confronting The Uncomfortable with Erica Chidi Cohen

A note on recent events in our country and world...

There is a dark cloud over our world right now and for weeks I was trying to decide what to do and how to proceed. And no, that doesn't mean using hashtags and prayers (although those should never be thrown aside because every teensy tinesy step counts). I realized that "doing something" meant talking to EVERYONE, asking questions, and ESPECIALLY informing myself when it comes to perspectives other than my own. This has been my MO for as long as I can remember, but this month has been a huge, grim reminder that I can do more and be better and search harder and dig deeper. Always.

However, there is a delicate balance. For me, someone who has been born into skin deemed "white" and therefore has never experienced racism firsthand, I've wanted to gain massive insight on how I can be an ally and work toward change beyond posting an article on FB or a hashtag on Instagram (both of which are still important and will continue to do). But I know that some people aren't ready to jump into explaining "How You Can Help" to me. The country is grieving right now. The world is grieving. And it's wrong to assume that just because one person wants answers, another person is ready (emotionally) to give them counsel.

And so I wanted to have a conversation about it....and so, so more.

Enter Erica Chidi.

Blending her skills as a doula, lactation counselor and chef, Erica guides expectant parents through their pregnancy and transition into parenthood. Her intuitive and gentle approach, coupled with her expertise has helped hundreds of families easily adjust into their new roles with support and confidence.

In 2013 Erica founded The Mama Circle, which focused on nurturing women into motherhood. The Mama Circle provided doula services, lactation counseling, nutritional support as well as prenatal, postpartum and parenting education programs.

Her newest venture, LOOM, is co-founded with Quinn Lundberg and set to open in Los Angeles in 2017. LOOM will be a wellness hub for pregnancy and parenting offering coaching, classes and community events.

Erica's first book on pregnancy and early motherhood will be published by Chronicle Books and released in fall 2017.

What I LOVE about this episode is how unexpectedly seamlessly all the topics flow together. From ways to practice gratitude during times of strain to how to prep for motherhood even if you don't really know if you're wanting kids yet to the generational wounds triggered by the most recent shootings and racist violence, this conversation with Erica is filled with wisdom, introspection, and inspiration to stay not only grounded, but balance being both empathetic and self-loving at the same time. Basically: what it means to confront the uncomfortable in all aspects of life.

If you are feeling low, please do not berate yourself for being so profoundly affected...even if you can't put words to it. Energy is neither created nor is it destroyed. Our world is at an empathetic standstill, which means that those who DO feel deeply might be feeling enough for many others who don't have the awareness or courage to sit with and process their own emotions. It's okay. Feel all you feel, and feel it deeply. And then once you've let it sink into your bones, like calcium to the skeleton, use that empathetic energy you've metabolized to TAKE SUCH STRONG AND POWERFUL action that the world can't help but be better for you being in it.

Thank you a million times over to Erica for sharing so much of herself with all of us. This episode is a must-listen. Be sure to listen until the end for a challenge for all WANTcast listeners - one of those small things that can make a HUGE difference.