“Nothing exists in a fixed way. Birth and death…keep going on…continually and eternally." -Pema Chödrön, Welcoming the Unwelcome (p.111) My dream to live abroad in Costa Rica for 1-2 years has died. It died in February of this year when I returned to the United States to be with two dear ones** who are dealing … Continue reading It is what it is.
Author: ncampinh
Loss & Hope
“Loss remakes you.”(Lose Your Mother, Saidiya Hartman) Lately I’ve been noticing a desire within myself to carve out intentional space to grieve. It’s beginning to feel imperative that I find and incorporate rituals&rhythms that honor the fullness of my humanity, and a part of that fullness is the constant encounter with loss. From the loss … Continue reading Loss & Hope
Gethsemane & Grand Rapids
Today is Holy Saturday, a day in the liturgical calendar representing the day after Jesus was crucified. It is a day I imagine was full of grief and deep sorrow. A day that felt empty of any signs of impending resurrection or relief from the violence and suffering present in the world. A day where … Continue reading Gethsemane & Grand Rapids
Returning Home
Today marks my second week back in the United States: two weeks of remembering what it’s like to drive instead of walking barefoot everywhere; two weeks of figuring out what to eat for breakfast/lunch/dinner; two weeks of not being able to river-bathe under the rays of the sun peeking through the trees of a Cloud … Continue reading Returning Home
Pura Vida
Pura Vida is the national motto of Costa Rica, and locals use the phrase gratuitously: to greet one another, to end conversations, to ask questions and to confirm answers… I used a self-timer to take this photo this past September as I spent time in Monteverde, Costa Rica. In English, Pura Vida translates most literally … Continue reading Pura Vida
Hair as Repair: Emotional Reparations
Photo and makeup by Erika Emerton Have you ever heard of the phrase Emotional Reparations? I hadn't until three months ago, honestly. But since discovering the term, I've been able to find language that helps me better articulate my journey of racial healing within myself and my community. So what exactly are Emotional Reparations? I'm … Continue reading Hair as Repair: Emotional Reparations
Afro Lessons
I haven’t written a post about my hair in a long time. Since May 7, 2017 to be exact. But today I’ve decided to change that :). Here’s a post about 3 things my Afro has been teaching me as of late. 1. I love wearing my hair in a full-out Afro because it makes … Continue reading Afro Lessons
Reclaiming Self
I just got off of InstagramLive. The video I uploaded to my account is now the 10th episode of M.B.S.W.N.: Mind, Body, & Soul With Nia. Screenshot of the collection of my InstagramLive M.B.S.W.N. videos I created the M.B.S.W.N. InstagramLive series as a Lenten practice. (For those unfamiliar with what Lent is, it’s the 40 … Continue reading Reclaiming Self
Grief & Growth
Sadness feels omnipresent these days. Even in the midst of beautiful and joy-filled moments--like celebrating my Divinity School graduation and moving into my first-ever solo apartment (WOOT WOOT!!!)--I’ve also noticed pangs of heaviness in my heart. I’m not concerned, though, by these oscillating feelings of joy and sadness, because over the years, my life experiences … Continue reading Grief & Growth
Sunshine and Snow Piles.
Tuesday, March 9th, New Haven, CT experienced temperatures over 60 degrees fahrenheit. Sixty-four degrees to be exact. I videotaped myself standing on my porch eating dried mangoes in the sunshine so I could memorialize the miraculous moment of warmth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsHFA28ibsc As I stood on my porch, I couldn’t help but notice piles of snow lining … Continue reading Sunshine and Snow Piles.
Purposefully Nia 