Before lighting a candle on the Kali Ma inspired altar, I set the intention for this week’s Ecstatic Dance to support women in releasing their inner-wild Shakti. May every woman who shows up this evening feel supported in going all out with their swaying hips, thrusting chest, and fairy fingers. May grunts and howls be blown out from the bones of women. May this space be a non-judgment timeless zone. May we heal through dance, zero holding back. May this be THE SPACE where community witnesses one another in their free expression without words. May everyone respect the sacredness of ecstatic dance and find corner pockets or entire avenues of joy where they lose themselves altogether. May every person who dances tonight enter a rhythmic harmony and receive the guidance they have been outsourcing externally. These were some of my prayers as I lit the white candle on my Kali Ma altar. 

When we talk about abuse of power, what images come to mind for you? Perhaps it's a stern boss demanding excessive work, or maybe it's someone speaking down to you with an air of superiority. But what about a spiritual leader using their influence to coerce you into actions that don't align with your values or comfort? Yes, unfortunately, this form of abuse exists too, and it's time we talk about it.