As you may know, I am serving as the 2026 U Street Neighborhood Association Artist-in-Residence and leading the Thriving Mindfully on U Street, a multi-generational mindful creativity project that aims to help U Street residents and others take better care of themselves as they navigate the changes happening in their lives and the city, nurture connections with fellow U Street community members, express and document their love and gratitude for the U Street community and explore their vision of the U Street community in the future, and identify and share their favorite U Street memories, history makers and moments, movements, organizations, businesses, buildings, and places.
In July, I led the first workshop entitled “Thriving Mindfully: A Love Letter to U Street” at the historic True Reformer Building on U Street. It started with a mindful moment that included breathing and yoga exercises to relax the shoulders.
I used my spoken word song, “Flow & Glow” to introduce participants to Thriving Mindfully, my heart-centered approach for being present, well, and the REAL YOU. In addition, I shared an excerpt from my poem, “Home” to help them reflect on their love for U Street (poem featured in my mindful creativity memoir, That Which Awakens Me). Participants also experienced a mindfulness of the body meditation and used two journaling exercises to discuss their love for U Street.
SPECIAL THANKS to everyone who attended the workshop.
MANY THANKS to the U Street Neighborhood Association and True Reformer Building for hosting the event.
Ananda Leeke 