about
I'm Drisana "Dru" McDaniel (she/her), a visionary facilitator and a passionate advocate for transformational activism.. With bespoke training and curriculum development, I empower individuals, groups, and organizations to embark on journeys of profound change, fostering intercultural competence and healing for a more inclusive and empathetic world. My approach marries the art of contemplation with the power of action, aiming to cultivate transformational justice in every endeavor.
My heart beats for crafting events that bridge souls, believing deeply in the magic that unfolds when we dive into our shared human experience and heal collectively. My work is a testament to the power of radical interconnectedness and the potential for collective liberation.
As an alumna of the College of Charleston, where I studied Women and Gender Studies, and Sociology, my academic journey laid the groundwork for my work. I further honed my expertise with a Master's degree in Women, Gender, Spirituality, and Social Justice at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Currently, I'm deepening my inquiry into the nexus of philosophy, religion, women's spirituality, and the psychospiritual path as a doctoral student.
In what ways may I meet what arises on my path?
alchemy is…
a process whereby we meet what we have not yet lived into, and in doing so we pick up wisdom, experience transformation, or discover healing.
The Alchemy of Now® is a framework that was created in 2020 as a response to the activism of should; the impulse to either fix or to blame; and the serial articulations of what needs to happen, what must happen, and what has to change. In the face of these times of global pandemic, devastating racial unrest, and environmental crises –our responses range from cries to recover a troubling past; for a return to a “normalcy” that keeps oppressive and dehumanizing structures intact; working with efforts to stay with the trouble of this present time; and/or yearning to create a new future made of possibilities yet to be realized.
On one end of a continuum of how we can be with crisis, individuals perceive little meaning, depth, dimensionality, or transcendent significance in the world. In this state, people may feel empty, disconnected, without a sense of home, and lacking in a profound inner self. Many may find themselves desperately striving to establish a meaningful identity. Alternatively, crises can lead us into a sense of collective belonging, where we are compelled to relinquish control and predictability to engage with and nurture the emergent, turning toward what arises with contemplation and critical introspection.
The Alchemy of Now is a blueprint for the growth we experience on the psychospiritual path; an ethos; an experiential course intensive is designed to meet the yearnings of those who seeking to better understand how to approach their lives from a place of intention, integration, and curiosity; and a tool to support facilitation for groups and teams in organizations and for individual coaching. It’s especially useful in healing-centered community organizing. The ways that we give attention, talk with, and make meaning with each other; the design of our collective spaces; and the space we give to creativity and alternative ways of knowing and being all create context for recovery and imagining new futures. Contemplating the framework in collective fugitive spaces where we gather as wounded healers, affords us an opportunity to share, to bear witness to what is, to co-create, innovate, and experience healing with each other.
How May I Help?
In the journey towards healing, understanding, and growth, our connections with others play a pivotal role. My work is centered on guiding individuals, organizations, and communities through the process of bridging the gaps created by disconnection. It is my belief that healing these rifts demands more than just individual transformation; it requires a collective shift towards deeper integration and mutual understanding.
Turn Towards
How we might orient ourselves to meet what arises on our life journey? In all aspects of my work, the goal remains consistent: to move beyond the surface and address the underlying threads of disconnection that hinder our collective progress. By fostering an atmosphere of openness, resilience, and adaptability, we can pave the way for meaningful change and a more interconnected world.
Services Offered:
Individual Guidance: Together, we explore the realms of personal healing and transformation, laying the groundwork for broader communal engagement. This process is tailored to help you navigate your own path towards integration, recognizing the interdependence of personal growth and collective well-being.
Organizational Development: I offer strategies and frameworks for organizations seeking to foster a culture of connection, responsiveness, and adaptability. By emphasizing the importance of detecting nuances and practicing flexibility, I work with teams to cultivate environments where integration is not just a goal, but a lived reality.
Community Engagement: Engaging with communities requires a delicate balance of strength and sensitivity. My approach focuses on building capacity for collective healing and action, underpinned by a deep commitment to understanding the unique dynamics and needs of each community. Through workshops, facilitated dialogues, and collaborative projects, we work together to create spaces of inclusivity, understanding, and transformation.
Thought Partnership: Navigate the complexities of your projects and initiatives with a collaborative partner dedicated to helping you unearth innovative solutions and perspectives. Through thoughtful dialogue and shared exploration, we'll tackle your most challenging questions, paving the way for breakthrough insights and strategic clarity.
The Transformative Teaching Collective is a worker-owned cooperative founded to promote social justice education in the South Carolina Low country and beyond.