Being that this is Women’s Health Awareness Month, I felt compelled to spotlight someone in my circle who embodies the true harmony of physical, mental, and spiritual health. It didn’t take long for me to land on my good friend—who I affectionately call “Naptown’s Finest”—Marsha Shackleford.
Marsha is someone I’d seen in the community for years. Her presence was undeniable—strong, radiant, magnetic. Many might attribute that aura to her Leo sun, a sign we share. And like two positive magnets, sharing the same energetic space wasn’t immediately easy. But her reputation preceded her. She had the stamp of approval from so many close to me, and that pulled me to lean in and get to know her more.
The Language of Movement
Dance, in my opinion, is one of the most undervalued forms of human communication. It’s often overlooked as a form of ancestral channeling, self-expression, and extra-sensory perception—but those of us who live in rhythm know its power. Music carries vibration. And that pulse—be it Hip Hop, House, or otherwise—affects us on levels deeper than sound.
I first saw Marsha in Hip Hop cyphers. That was our generation’s soundtrack—the music we both gravitated to as the sound of our coming of age. But it wasn’t until the House Music gatherings that we truly started to speak. No words, just movement. And despite any astrological awkwardness, we found alignment.
Still, we hadn’t yet shared a real conversation.
When the Spirit Speaks
Once we began talking—truly exchanging thoughts—we found a natural transparency between us. Our journeys began to inform each other. That’s when I learned the depth of Marsha’s lived experience, and how it had shaped her commitment to cosmic actualization.
She understood that life’s experiences act as oracles—guides that direct us toward our truest selves. And through those revelations, Marsha had come to know the value of protecting her energy, lifting others, and living in ritual alignment.
Her chosen vehicle for that ritual? Yoga.
But it’s more than just a practice for her—it’s a lifestyle. A discipline. A calling. One that goes beyond her personal growth and becomes a shared offering to every soul around her.
A Life of Alignment
Yoga, as Marsha lives it, is about more than flexibility or breathwork. It’s about stillness, self-awareness, and cosmic attunement. I wasn’t always aware of how deeply she had studied the craft, but when I became conscious of her consistency, it all made sense.
Through yoga, she shows us the value of living intentionally. That stillness is not passive—it’s powerful. And from that stillness comes one of the greatest revelations: leading by example is a sacred act.
Blame is endless.
Accountability is divine.
That truth, lived daily, is why Marsha walks with that centered smile—the one we all recognize. The one that reflects sincere, spiritual peace.
Art in Motion
As her friend, I’ll also add this—yoga’s only made her a better dancer. Her movements are intentional, intuitive, and charged with Spirit. When she dances, she doesn’t just move to music—she channels the infinite energy flowing through us all. Her hands tell stories. Her steps become language. She invites us onto the floor, and into flow.
The Sacred Circle
Family is everything to Marsha. You’ll often see her with her two sons—happy, aware, and inspired. They carry her vibration: curious, artistic, and rooted in love. She nurtures them with the same mindfulness she gives herself—mentally, spiritually, and nutritionally.
It’s just another reflection of her unwavering commitment to whole wellness.
Remembering Through Her Example
Marsha is more than an individual—she is an asset to our community. A living reflection of Auset (AST) in the sacred sense:
A woman who is committed to re-membering herself, and leading others to do the same. Through love. Through awareness. Through movement and mindfulness.
#MarshasMission #WomensHealthAwareness #CulturalAlchemy #WellnessIsWealth #TheSacredFeminine #KingEsseen #FreshSince79 #MovementIsMedicine #YogaIsLife #NaptownsFinest
Comments 2
Appreciate your writings Sir. ✊🏿
Thank you so much for the support and love!