In this episode, Lisane Basquiat sits down with Ayanna Gregory, singer, dramatist, and activist, to reflect on growing up in a family rooted in the civil rights movement and how those experiences shaped her journey. Ayanna shares stories about her father Dick Gregory, the values of courage and compassion she carries with her, and how she expresses healing and purpose through her creative and community work.

Together, they explore legacy, resilience, and the ongoing practice of finding freedom within yourself. This conversation invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and consider how their own lives can be shaped with intention.

Lisane Basquiat, CEO/Founder of Shaping Freedom, reveals why the same patterns keep showing up in your arguments, relationships, and the way you overcommit then resent every minute of it. These reactions didn't start with you — they were inherited. Learn why awareness changes more than willpower ever could and how to catch the pattern before it catches you. Join Your Past Is Your Present live session: https://shapingfreedom.com/your-past-is-your-present

Lisane Basquiat, CEO/Founder of Shaping Freedom, explores why stress activates childhood patterns you thought you'd outgrown. Learn why you snap, shut down, or over-function under pressure — and what those learned responses are quietly costing you in relationships, work, and life. Join Your Past Is Your Present live session: https://shapingfreedom.com/your-past-is-your-present

Why do we react like our parents even when we know better? Written by Lisane Basquiat, this article explores how childhood patterns shape adult responses. Learned nervous system rules drive tone, shutdown, and control under stress. By seeing where these reactions began and why they once helped, you can interrupt them and choose different responses in relationships, work, and daily life.

If what you've read here resonates, join Lisane for Your Past Is Your Present, a two-hour live Zoom session where you’ll learn how to recognize the patterns shaping your responses so you can make more intentional choices in relationships, work, and life.

Here are some steps to forgiveness you can use as guideposts. Just remember, the process is slightly different for each individual. This serves as a starting point, not mandatory instructions.

One of the greatest and most valuable of all gifts that you can leave your children is your willingness to own, resolve, and release the aspects of your family legacy that stand in the way of you living the life that you know you are meant to live - free of unresolved baggage.

Conflict can have very positive results when two or more people are aligned on its resolution. However, it is challenging and can be stressful to be in the midst of it. Remember that setting boundaries

When we take the initiative and show up for ourselves with actions, we give our children tools and permission to do the same. Here are some powerful ways to establish your self-care routine.

The quality of your relationships with family, friends, communities, work, and your circumstances impact your mental and emotional health.