Reclaiming Joy, Pleasure and Rest after Black Religious Trauma

For many Black religious trauma survivors, joy, pleasure, and rest were things we were taught to earn—or avoid. We were told to “suffer for the Lord,” to always be productive in service, and to deny ourselves rest or happiness in the name of holiness. Over time, these teachings disconnected us from the simple, sacred experiences of feeling good, being still, and embracing joy without guilt.

In this group space we’ll explore how religious control and spiritual abuse robbed us of our right to enjoy life fully—and how we can begin to reclaim joy, pleasure, and rest as birthrights, not rewards. Together, we’ll reflect on what was lost, what still lives inside us, and how to restore our connection to the things that make us feel alive, whole, and free.

This is a space for Black survivors to share, heal, and reimagine what life can look like beyond spiritual exhaustion and shame. Come as you are—and let’s begin to reclaim what was never meant to be taken from us.