Decolonizing The Body
Somatics, Ritual, and Earth-Honoring Practices
On-Demand Course Coming Fall 2026
Many bodies, over time, created the systems of inequity that we all live inside. Peeling back how these harmful narratives have conditioned us requires we break the first rule of the meritocracy: We realize we can’t do it alone.
You’re ready to slow down. You’re ready to protect time to be in the natural world. You’re ready to tune in to what you’re body is communicating with you. Even with all this insight, making changes to support your wellbeing is hard. There’s always just … one … more … thing.
Lately, you’re noticing more aches and pains. There seems to be more exhaustion and more anxiety. There’s that voice, subtle at times, louder at others, that says you are not doing enough. It says you must keep it together because everything will come crashing down if you stop.
This is the cost of living inside “the program.” Though you’ve come by it honestly, this is living in a colonized body.
Decolonizing the Body is a practice of intentionally allowing ourselves to trust what we have always known.
I am moving in the direction of a totally liberated body.
So much has bubbled up over the last couple of weeks. I am learning to feel and name it. I am recognizing what happened to me in dealing with my ex for the last 4 years. I am moving in the direction of a totally liberated body - the ancestors brought me here. Thank you for offering this space for us to slow down and for modeling how to begin a practice for embodiment.
— Anne M., DEI Facilitator
In This Course You Will . . .
I am more connected to my 'self', my body, my partner, and my children.
This program has transformed the way that I live, love, parent and work. The exercises and practices that we were introduced to are practices that feel like a lifeline to me now. I feel more connected to my 'self', my body, my partner, and my children.
— B. Perez, Psychotherapist and Consultant
Curriculum
Registration includes more than 16 pre-recorded lessons.
You’re encouraged to keep pace week-by-week or move through the course at the pace that best suits your schedule.
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Receive a framework for Decolonizing
Explore the connection between freedom and embodied wisdom
Recognize how “knowing” arises for you
Enjoy resources on establishing a meditation practice
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Identify what gets in the way of rest
Recognize the embodied and psychological impacts of trying to run the pace of capitalism
Receive support for creating a daily ritual
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Connect with the language of your body
Build a relationship of care with your physicality
Hold Complexity: Resilience and systemic violence
Make space for play, wonder and curiosity
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Reframe imposter syndrome
Explore how you've been “shaped”
Receive an embodied framework for working with trauma
Explore internal and external authority
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Why you may feel like a racial imposter
Unpack Nigresence and assuming the default
Write your racial reclamation journey
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Recognize the impacts of “being the dependable one”
Practice asking another for support
Explore what you’re ready to release so you may receive
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Learn what Osun teaches us about boundaries
Try on a new embodied approach for making connection
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Feel for your beloved community
Cultivate a relationship of care with another
Ground your new embodiment in daily life
I am weaving how to divest from white body supremacy.
The pacing, amount of sections for each week, and meetings to reflect on the learnings were really useful. I am weaving how to ask for support when I need it because I am valuable and deserving of care and love. I am weaving how I show up in the world. I am weaving how to divest from white body supremacy.
— Bhumi P., Choreographer
Who You Are
You are open to incorporating somatics, ancestral healing, spirituality, and connection to the natural world into your daily life.
You know your body is a source of wisdom (you don’t need me to convince you of that) but are ready for guidance and inspiration to deepen this connection.
Your focus is on cultivating values-aligned ways of being more than just talking about how fucked up everything is.
When introduced to a new practice, even if your mind thinks it’s silly or can’t see the immediate benefit, you’re willing to “try it on” and let your body decide.
You learn well with a balance of structure and space.
You understand you will get out of this experience what you put into it.
You’re on board with these Community Guidelines & Agreements
Who I Am
My name is Soleil Blackwell (she/they) and my life’s work is supporting humans to explore and unravel embodied social conditioning imprisoning us in feelings of “not enough” and holding us back from being our fullest, most confident selves.
I believe the journey of Decolonizing is life long and that we do this work not only for our own wellbeing, but for our community and for future generations. Inspired by the teachings of Audre Lorde, I’m on a quest to seek and employ that which is not the master’s tools. Thus far my learning and teaching centers politicized somatics, ancestral healing, animism, and spiritual practice. You can find my official credentials here.
Alongside dedication and care, I emphasize the importance of play, kindness, rest, and creativity in the pursuit of liberation. I currently reside on the land of the Ohlone Raymatush, politically known as San Francisco, with my partner and our rescue Pittie/Blue Healer.
A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT ME
(For my fellow seekers)
Libra Sun, Gemini Rising, Scorpio Moon
Numerology: 3 Path/ 22 Heart’s Desire
Enneagram: 3w4
I’ve been hungry for ways to align with my body and the Earth.
This experience offered me a goodie bag of tools and resources for reflection and embodiment. I have been hungry for ways to align more deeply with my body and the Earth. Thank you for giving me tangible practices to add to my spiritual toolkit.
— Syon, Coach and Healing Justice Facilitator
True healing is being in community with other women.
I enjoyed the themes that are important to women of color and that need to be emphasized for us including slowing down, setting boundaries, building confidence, and going for our aliveness. Often I find myself in survival and pushing mode. True healing is being in community with other Women like me and true liberation is following my passion and aliveness. Letting the world take care of itself instead of trying to save it myself.
— Zeshan M., Somatic Coach and Facilitator
FAQs
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Let's shift away from the idea that decolonization can be achieved within a specific timeframe. This course isn't about reaching a destination but rather planting seeds for continued growth. Each week, we'll cultivate new insights and practices that you can nurture over time.
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This course is for all folks who want to deepen in their healing journey through the body. Whether you have experience with embodied practices like yoga or are just beginning to explore being in your body, you're welcome here. What matters most is your openness to working somatically and trusting your intuition throughout the process.
This space is also designed for politicized bodies who recognize the impact of white supremacy and racialized capitalism on our lives. Together, we'll work towards unraveling their hold on our bodies and experiences.
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Decolonizing the Body is flexible, accommodating your schedule week to week. On average, expect to spend about 2-3 hours per week on course material, including the weekly module recording. Don't worry about "falling behind" – you can jump into any module without completing previous ones, and you have lifetime access to all materials.
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You'll have access to the course materials for as long as it's hosted on Ruzuku, which I don't plan on changing in the foreseeable future.
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The course offers a more immersive, interactive experience that complements the book. It's an opportunity to apply Decolonizing the Body concepts to your life and work as well as access additional content not found in the book.
The course provides:
A well-paced curriculum that allows for real-life application of concepts.
Supplementary resources and new material reflecting emerging thinking and practices
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Although the Decolonizing the Body tools and model were primarily developed through work with women, people of various gender identities have found these tools helpful. Some content specifically addresses women's experiences, but many tools are universally applicable, particularly for individuals underrepresented in power structures due to gender or other factors.
This course is for all bodies.
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Feeling nervous or intimidated when embarking on a new journey is common, especially when it's something that really matters to you. My aim is to help foster a welcoming and supportive space.
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If you were my coaching client, I'd suggest the following:
Check in with your body: Notice how the idea of registering feels – good and exciting or good but scary/exhilarating? These are positive signs.
Identify the source of hesitation: Is it your inner wisdom, inner critic, or voice of fear? Listen to your inner wisdom, but question the other voices, especially those fostering self-doubt or pressuring you to find the "perfect" time.
Explore your fears and worries: Write them down and examine them objectively.
Envision success: Ask yourself what you would do if you knew you couldn't fail?
Reflect on your intentions: Consider whether this opportunity aligns with your goals for the coming year.