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Rev. Xolani Kacela, Ph.D.

Justin Miles – Black & Buddhist

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Justin Miles – Black & Buddhist

Take On Faith – June 26, 2021

Justin Miles serves as a Black Buddhist teacher who also identifies as a Christian. He joined host Xolani Kacela on Take On Faith for a discussion about his spiritual work. The show airs on KTAL-LP 101.5 from Las Cruces, NM.

Justin Miles is a licensed mental health provider, hip-hop artist, and martial arts expert. He shared his journey to Buddhism and how he lives as Black person on many levels. He unpacked the challenges of living true to himself and being among an all-white spiritual community.

A native of D.C., Miles offered listeners several unique perspectives on being true to oneself, embracing imperfection, and keeping an open mind while dealing with today’s most pressing issues.

You can contact Justin Miles at milesinstitute@gmail.com.

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From Justin Miles’ website:

In 2010 I started the Miles Institute of Integral Living in order to help anyone that I could with challenges of the body, mind, spirit, self, culture, society and nature. The various ways that I assist others come directly from my experience as an imperfect human being, an educated and experienced Buddhist teacher, meditation instructor, psychotherapist, Hiphop artist and survivalist. My philosophy is to be of benefit to others by any means necessary, but especially by any means that others feel connected with. I will help anyone do anything that they think will provide growth and healing in their lives as long as it won’t hurt themselves or others. Whatever skills, insights and gifts that appear to be mine are shared freely with the world.

I began to realize that the only thing to do with my life is to be of service to others, not just through my education but through whoever I’ve learned to be on my human journey. I try to see the wisdom in everything and the world as teacher when i’m relaxed and receptive enough to allow that to happen. Personally, my sense of well-being comes from the practices of meditation, spiritual study, making Hiphop music, gardening, being alone in nature, facilitating therapy, raising my children, sweat lodges, vision quests, marksmanship, hanging out with friends and watching movies, but there is probably nothing that brings me greater pleasure than helping others.

Dr. Janice Marie Johnson

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Dr. Janice Marie Johnson

Take On Faith – June 2021

Dr. Janice Marie Johnson, Co-Director of Ministries and Faith Development at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), is the guest of this episode of Take On Faith. The show, hosted by Rev. Xolani Kacela, broadcasts on KTAL-LP 10.5 in Las Cruces, NM. The show airs on Saturdays at 10 am MT.

Dr. Johnson, an expert on religious leadership, explored many topics which are high priority for liberal religious faith leaders. First, she discussed her grief following her twin sister’s death this year. Then, she talked about the collective grief many experience around the globe due to the pandemic.

Importantly, Dr. Johnson described the Unitarian Universalist (UU) faith, which many describe as a liberal religious faith tradition. Next, she spoke about the UU seven principles and the UU mission and vision for ministry. She talked about her view of the religious landscape as one of most senior leaders in the denomination. Also, how leaders at the top guide a denomination.

Interview Highlights

Prophetically, Dr. Johnson offered words about healing our nation and world by adhering to love, compassion, listening, empathy, and other virtues.

Of particular note, Dr. Johnson and Kacela discussed in-depth challenges for those disrupting white supremacy culture. This effort stands at the forefront of UU ministry. Together, they unpacked the need for white people to share power and honor BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous people, and people of color) realities and experiences.

Of great significance, Dr. Johnson provided insights for healing racial division. Likewise, you’ll want to learn her take on the differences between liberal and conservative faiths.

Skillfully, Dr. Johnson shared how love and listening are two important factors for all ministry. You’ll enjoy this powerful conversation with a major thought leader.

You can reach Dr. Janice Marie Johnson at jmjohnson@uua.org.

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Minister Satya Emanuel

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Minister Satya Emanuel

Take On Faith – April 24, 2021

Minister Satya Emanuel is the guest on this Take On Faith episode. She/they is/are a Unitarian Universalist minister. Emanuel joined host Xolani Kacela for a lively discussion about the Day of Silence.

The Day of Silence honors LGBTQ people and their life struggles. Emanuel identifies as a bi/pan-sexual person. She is married and a mother of 3-month-old Ari. The conversation covered a variety of topics. They included how gender and sexual orientation intersect with spirituality and church life.

Emanuel shed light on ways non-LGBTQ people can support members in the LGBTQ community. She offered helpful and concrete examples. She (they) also unpacked some difficulties straight people have relating to LGBTQ folx, especially in spiritual communities.

Kacela and Emanuel had an in-depth conversation about the pronouns people use to identity themselves. They explored the importance of using pronouns in everyday life. Also, Emanuel distinguished between gender and sexual orientation and provided insight to help us navigate and create beloved community.

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