Episode Summary: In this profound and inspiring episode, host Yedda Stancil welcomes Kristen Lennox to discuss belonging, the impact of moral injury, unconscious bias, and the transformative power of inner work. Kristen shares her deeply personal journey as a social worker, her cultural background, and her commitment to fostering inclusive and brave spaces. This episode explores how personal healing leads to collective belonging and the critical role of curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Concept of Belonging: What it truly means to belong, starting with belonging to oneself.
• Moral Injury: How systems can cause individuals to act against their moral values and the toll it takes on well-being.
• Unconscious Bias: Recognizing inherited, systemic, and personal biases while practicing accountability and self-compassion.
• The Power of Inner Work: Why self-awareness, emotional regulation, and curiosity are foundational for healing and inclusion.
• SoulCollage®: A creative practice Kristen teaches that helps people access their inner wisdom through visual imagery and intuition.

Notable Quotes:

• "Belonging has to begin with belonging to yourself." — Kristen Lennox
• "If we're not curious, we're judgmental." — Yedda Stancil
• "Heal to lead, then lead to heal." — Kristen Lennox

Takeaways for Listeners:

1. Start with Inner Work: Recognize the need to look inward, address personal wounds, and cultivate self-compassion.
2. Practice Curiosity: Replace judgment with curiosity when engaging with others.
3. Explore Creative Modalities: Consider practices like SoulCollage® to discover hidden parts of yourself and deepen self-understanding.
4. Commit to Lifelong Belonging: Understand that fostering true belonging requires ongoing reflection, healing, and change.

Resources Mentioned:

• Harvard Implicit Bias Test: A tool for recognizing unconscious biases. Take the test here.
• What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry (recommended resource).
• SoulCollage® Workshops: Learn more about Kristen Lennox’s upcoming workshops at the Inner Work Center.
• Inner Work Center Online Classroom: Launching in 2025 for deeper exploration of mindfulness and belonging practices.

Connect with Us:

• Website: innerworkcenter.org
• Learn More: Explore upcoming programs and events to start or deepen your inner work.
• Support the Innerwork Center: Help us continue to create a more compassionate, inclusive world.

Thank you for tuning in to Begin Within! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

“Remember, begin within you.”