Exploring the outdoors has a way of healing the body and renewing both the mind and soul. Tai Beauchamp experienced this on her own journey after relocating from New York City to Los Angeles. While change can be good and tends to challenge people for the better, she still struggled with her daily routine.
“I was excited about the new possibilities, but I was also dealing with what I know to be some level of depression as I tried to figure out my transition,” she told Travel Noire. “I put on some weight because I was drinking more, and I wasn’t sleeping well.”
Setting the intention to hike and be active outdoors brought her back to life and made her feel normal again. As Black women struggle with burnout, depression, and anxiety more than any other race.
A report from Erica Richards, who is the chair and medical director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Sibley Memorial Hospital, reveals women are at least twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression as men. But, when comparing the numbers to their Caucasian counterparts, African American women are only half as likely to seek help.
Beauchamp wants to change that narrative by making it her mission to help women of color put their self-care first.
What started as a small effort to convince loved ones and friends to accompany her on her outdoor hikes blossomed into Morning Mindset With Tai. The monthly hiking experience in L.A. helps people to affirm, move, connect and reset.
“Within three weeks of hiking, I started to see my body change, and my spirit was elevated,” Beauchamp adds.
After years of putting together Saturday morning hikes for friends and anyone who answered her fliers and social media calls, Beauchamp hosted her largest hiking event to date over the BET Awards Weekend 2023. Nearly 300 people joined Beauchamp for a four-hour interactive and immersive wellness experience.
The event was a safe wellness space not just for Black women. Black men and allies showed up as well, which is something that doesn’t surprise Beauchamp.
“Though I created [these hikes] to center Black women, as I am a Black woman, Black men also are seeking community and spaces to be seen, supported, and affirmed,” Beauchamp said. “Wellness is the new Black. It’s what we need. It’s what we deserve.”
A Monthly Wellness Experience To Enjoy In Los Angeles
Morning Mindset with Tai has become a heightened experience and a safe space encouraging everyone of all hiking levels to spend more time outdoors.
Beauchamp wants people to leave the hike feeling empowered, transformed and energized to take on the day.
The hike and experience is a monthly event held typically on the first Saturday of every month in Los Angeles when she’s not hosting events globally.
“[We’re] hosting the first Morning Mindset with Tai The Retreat in Ubud, Bali, July 14-21, 2023,” Beauchamp said.