We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lotus Wilson. Check out our conversation below.
Lotus, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What battle are you avoiding?
I am avoiding battling about my sanity, my serenity, and my peace… There are those who feel like I should sacrifice the aforementioned on the name of “family”, when it almost cost me everything. I had to learn to choose my battles, understand what is at stake, and learn to love from a distance before I am consumed with anger, sadness, depression, and resentment. Love myself first, affirm myself first, and fight for myself…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lotus Wilson and I am a teacher, author, mother, grandmother, activist, and fun seeker. I am working on putting a podcast together called, Into The Lotus Vault”, which will discuss, debate, and dialogue about different issues in relationships, politics, education, race, and more! I am also finishing up my two non fiction books about misogynoir, toxic masculinity, and how the “European” standards of beauty affect the black community and perpetuate anyi-blackness.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
When trust is broken, the bond is shaken. Trust is the foundation of ALL relationships be it personal or professional. When trust is built, all other things follow suit-love, providing, protecting, etc. Trust is the glue that holds all things together. What can restore trust once it is broken? Forgiveness. Not necessarily for the other person but for self. One learns to forgive but not forget. Rebuilding trust takes strength, patience, and understanding….One also must do introspection….because in order to rebuild trust on others, one must rebuild trust in self so that the violation does not happen again.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were sooooooo many times I wanted to give up. I thought I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, feminine enough, or being a good enough mother and person. But I learned that I have a greater purpose on this plane of life and not all people that smile in your face have your best interests at heart. I had to leave some things in the Creator’s hands and not try to take all things on.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect is the concept and execution of blackness. Blackness, as a social construct, speaks of trial and tribulation, resistance and resilience, setbacks and comebacks, and excellence and triumph. Blackness has been through wars (physically, psychologically, legally, and morally), slavery (chattel-physically, generational-oppressively handed down, socially-legal, medical, environmental), and excellence’s (academic, social, global). So it is important for me to not only protect this cultural value but also instill it in my children, grandchildren, and community as a whole.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
What would be misunderstood is my tenacity to push forward the agenda of being proud of being the intellectual phenom that I strive to be. To be a beacon of hope in a tumultuous society of hypocrisy, contradiction, and the compromising of morality and common sense.. I do not need a big platform to convey the message of challenging the constant changing of the social status quo in order to get the job done. If I can educate people on not just learning about the world around them but actually having them critically think, research, question, challenge, and motivate change, even if it is just one person, I am satisfied.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: lotuswilson
- Linkedin: lotus tara deva wilson
- Twitter: @lodibfine76
- Facebook: lotus tara deva wilson
- Youtube: @lodibfine
