The Rise of Living LUNA: Empowering Diverse Voices Through Joy, Compassion, and Curiosity
In the early months of 2022, as the world was slowly emerging from the shadows of a global pandemic, I returned to in person services with my Unity Church congregation.
During the prayer request time after the service, I raised my hand.
“I have a message I want to share with the world. I want to uplift people on a larger scale than my therapy practice. I just don’t know where to start. So, my prayer request is for the path forward to make itself clear on how I can bring my message to more people.”
The Reverend Sandy smiled and answered me right then and there. “Well, Safrianna, I think you should start a podcast!”
The rest, as they say, is history. It was this affirmation that I should share my words freely and openly with the world that lead to birth a beacon of hope and inclusivity Living LUNA. My partner, Ikenna, and I spent the next several months recording content, figuring out our goals, and getting curious about what we could do for the world around us.
Today, Living LUNA represents a collective of service providers, creatives, and community members dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who have felt marginalized or overlooked by society. Our brand began its journey with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a podcast that would amplify the voices of "the Others" — individuals who didn't quite fit into conventional societal molds.
Our Roots and Growth
What started as a humble podcast recorded out of my office closet quickly blossomed into something far more.
We found our diverse audience, each person seeking a sense of belonging and understanding in a world quick to judge, condemn, and push an Us vs. Them mentality.
As we continued to grow, we found our listeners and community members included:
Neurodivergent individuals (those with ADHD, Autism, PTSD)
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those questioning their gender or sexuality
Polyamorous people navigating complex relationships
Visionary leaders and activists with world-changing goals
Creatives, including authors, artists, and musicians
Individuals recovering from religious or spiritual trauma
The overwhelming response to our content made it clear that we were addressing a crucial need in our society. People were hungry for a platform that not only acknowledged their unique experiences but celebrated them, too.
I knew we were on the right path!
Refining Our Vision
Recognizing the potential impact of our work, Ikenna and I sought the expertise of a brand architect to help us articulate our vision more clearly. Through intensive brainstorming sessions and deep dives into our collective purpose, we distilled our core values: joy, compassion, and curiosity. These values became the foundation of Living LUNA, informing every aspect of our work and interactions.
Through working with a professional, we also landed on our slogan: “Uplifting the Others.” What does this mean?
To uplift the others means to recognize, celebrate, and empower those who have historically been marginalized, overlooked, or misunderstood by mainstream society. It's about creating spaces where neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, polyamorous people, and others who don't fit conventional norms can feel seen, heard, and valued, alongside allies and peers. We believe that to truly uplift one another goes beyond mere tolerance or acceptance; it involves actively amplifying diverse voices, challenging societal prejudices, and cultivating environments where unique perspectives are not just welcomed, but celebrated.
By uplifting the others, we aim to build a more inclusive world where everyone's inherent worth is recognized, where differences are seen as strengths, and where the diversity of human experience is honored in all its complexity. This is why we are committed to providing resources, support, and platforms that empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves and contribute their unique gifts to the world, ultimately enriching our collective human experience.
Our Mission and Vision
Over time, our mission evolved to encompass broader horizons: yes, to create meaningful content, but also to provide specialized services, and host community experiences that bring people together to build a more inclusive and joyful future. Together, Ikenna and I envisioned a world where everyone could live authentically, love without shame or fear, and participate in collaborative communities that nurture the holistic well-being of all individuals.
Expanding Our Services
As Living LUNA grew, so did our offerings.
Today, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to support our community's diverse needs:
Counseling: We provide professional counseling services that support mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Guidance: We offer guidance and mentorship sessions to help individuals achieve personal growth and reach their life goals.
Consulting: As experts in our fields we offer advice and strategic planning services for both individuals and organizations looking to align their business operations with their values and maximize their positive impact while promoting a space where everyone feels welcome at the table.
Workshops and Retreats: We host events focused on holistic wellness education, personal development, and community building. These include both online and in-person settings, designed to foster learning and growth.
Educational Content and Courses: We create educational materials and courses that support learning and personal development across a variety of topics relevant to those who want to live in more alignment with joy, compassion, and curiosity.
Podcasts and Live Shows: We release regular audio and visual content that explores themes important to our audience, such as wellness, spirituality, and social issues.
Creative Services: As a highly creative team, we bring a variety of creative talents within Living LUNA to provide services like photography, art, and music that enrich our offerings and engage our community.
Our Unique Approach
At Living LUNA, we believe in the power of authenticity, transparency, and mutual respect.
Our approach is rooted in:
Building self-trust and intuition
Challenging each other compassionately to foster growth
Promoting internal development and genuine joy
Cultivating curiosity about ourselves and the world around us
By infusing these ideals into everything we do, we create a supportive and welcoming environment where individuals can explore their true selves and step into more authenticity and empowerment.
Join Us in Creating Positive Change
Our community is more than just a group of like-minded individuals — it's like a family! We celebrate neurodiversity, embrace all forms of healthy love and relationships, and provide a platform for visionaries and creatives to shine. Whether you're recovering from trauma, exploring your identity, or simply seeking a place where you can be unapologetically yourself, Living LUNA welcomes you with open arms.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to "Uplifting the Others" remains our north star. We are more than a community and services; we represent a social movement. A movement that values diversity promotes inclusivity and strives to create a world where everyone's unique gifts are recognized and celebrated.
Are you ready to contribute to our world, find your soul squad, and share your unique perspective?
Here's how you can join the Living LUNA family:
Follow me on Facebook for regular inspiration and updates
Subscribe to our YouTube to dive deep into topics that matter
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and new resources
Participate in our online community on Discord to connect with diverse individuals
Attend an event or reach out about services
Before I sign off though (for the second to last blog of the July 2024 UBC) I want you to know this: With Living LUNA, you're not just accepted — you're celebrated. Your voice matters, your experiences are valid, and your growth is supported every step of the way. Together, we can create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond our immediate circle, building a more compassionate and inclusive world for all.
Loving You Fiercely,
Safrianna Lughna
Visionary CEO of Living LUNA
The Queer-Spirit Guide
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
Want to chat with me directly? Join the LivingLUNAs Discord: https://discord.gg/5UkGZb9kYp
