maya-spirit1

[maya-spirit1]

​ Healing The Nation - The Role of Spirituality in This Process

After 4 intense years, we have finally been able to assemble enough people to

overturn the rule of hate, and secure a government of love that is based on freedom, equality and justice for all. Throughout Trump’s presidency we have seen the face of evil in bright light; treason, lies, cruelty, denial, hate, discrimation, racism, sexism, and complete lack of humanity. We have organized and formed a great resistance based on democracy, what we call the “blue wave,” which helps with election outreach to voters, educating communities about the needs of the people and the candidates that can execute these demands. Moreover, many organizations joined forces with volunteers all over the country, and dedicated their time to get out the vote. In 2018 the first “blue wave” has resulted in winning democrat majority of the house, and now in 2020, the work and faith of millions has led to the win of Joe Biden as the 46 President of the United States, and Kamala Harris as the first Vice President - a major accomplishment and a relief for the entire world. Additionally, we have democrat house majority, and planning to flip the senate. We saved democracy, thank God! Now what? Well, we have a nation to heal, unite, and properly educate. There are so many lies and misinformation out there that must be corrected. The problem is that many people are severely brainwashed and refuse to see reality - that is where spirituality comes to play. We can’t control other people, but we can pray for them to awaken, we can do the soul work on ourselves so that energy replicates and creates a shift in consciousness.

Let me explain that in more detail, as my spiritual teachers have all told me, when one person spends the time to heal their soul, the healing they experience heals people around them; in the community of their family, and friends, but also beyond it. Everything revolves on energy. If we have trauma, or fear, that results in an energy block that can affect our body, mind, soul, and the flow of our lives. That means people can get sick, depressed, addicted to all sorts of things, and disconnected from themselves and others. The more individuals that heal themselves and find peace, and happiness, the more the energy in the world shifts so there is less violence. It’s hard to understand or believe this concept at first when you haven’t been around spiritual teachings for long, but as you continue your spiritual journey, you will understand it and

see it more and more. For example, the resistance to the Trump administration has evolved from fear to faith over the past 4 years. At first, we were terrified, but the constant stress has forced us to be strong, united and have faith. Too much destruction was happening for us to fall in fear - we had to stay strong together, and to do so we incorporated spirituality into our activism. Many leaders of organizations had faith in their background, and they encouraged others around to believe in the power of the people and let go of their fears. That was a major accomplishment. As you know from blog 6 where I shared about my experience of volunteering for the Biden’s campaign, the campaign has incorporated faith into our work. I truly believe that helped us win. When we lift each other, we rise together. Moreover, as I mentioned in my blog about gratitude, working hard and praying for the outcome we want arises the feeling of gratitude when the prayer is answered. The happiness that comes out of that brings the warm feeling of grace and love for the divine - it also restores the relationship with the divine because when prayers are answered, we feel safe and protected by the divine.

To heal the division and hurts of this nation, I see a force of love moving this process. There is a lot of hate, and fear that can not be addressed through the mind, it needs to be moved energetically, and transformed with love and forgiveness. It is not easy. I have had many conversations with other Biden’s volunteers about the ability to forgive the evilness and lack of humanity presented by Trump supporters, which many of us have felt we can’t forgive, yet if we continue to send back loathing, that energy will only recycle that hate in a never ending cycle. For change to happen, we must be humble, and conscious. Brainwashed people will most likely not change their mind if we talk to them - they need divine intervention; an energetic shift that is greater than us, but driven by hearts capable of compassion. People who hate are lost, hurt, or suffer from some mental disorder, and while humans might not feel capable of sending love to people who are racist, sexist, or violent, we must at least pray for their spiritual awakening, so they may see their errors and transform back to love. Prayer and good intentions are powerful, I have definitely experienced it many times.

As a survivor of many traumas, I have been hurt by many people who I thought I will never forgive, yet surprisingly I have, because they changed. For example, my biological family has hurt me a lot by years of making me the scapegoat after I opened up about the sexual abuse, they couldn’t deal with the truth so all the anger they felt towards my abuser got directed against me - it has hurt me a lot, and has led me to feel guilty for the abuse for a long time. However, as I have been working on myself by meditating daily, participating in spiritual workshops, and challenging myself by attempting to forgive some of the people who have hurt me deeply, the energy of my personal growth has positively impacted the collective. For example, my biological mother has hurt me in the past by not supporting me emotionally after I have told her about the sexual abuse. There have been quite a few times that she has said things that stabbed my heart; unforgettable painful comments, however, after being disconnected from her for a few years - I have used the time to process my traumas, while also praying for her awakening. It worked, after two years she has gotten herself in therapy, support groups, and started a process of divorce from a very toxic marriage. When she has connected with me, I forgave her because she has taken full responsibility, apologized, and has made amends to heal our relationship and commit to be respectful and loving.

Now, if you had told me 5 years ago that this would happen, I would have laughed in your face. Many seem to have the same reaction when asked if they think Trump supporters would ever change. The answer is, we don’t know if we don’t try. Germany of our times is very different than its days as Nazi Germany; it has completley transformed because of the tragedy of World War II. Germany has changed from hate and ignorance, to love and education as its post war leaders have decided what they want for their country, which is educating the past to prevent any repeat of it in the future. They spend a lot of time teaching about the holocoast to make it clear to young people that nazism is destructive and not welcomed. I believe that can happen here too. As we continue to heal ourselves individually, while sending the intention to restore the soul of our nation, educate real facts; science, history, and morals, as well as improving the law to prevent sexist or racist people from running for office. Biden’s win as

president is a turning point for our nation, and the world that is tired of destruction and ready for something better; ready for love. If we transform our education, and teach more about the devastating reality of native Americans' abuse, slavary, and labor injustice, as well as reminding the next generations what we don’t want, we can have the same healing we have seen in Germany, here. I truly believe that this is possible with hard work and faith. It won’t be easy, or quick, but it will happen. In my next blog, I will share more clear steps about this national spiritual healing, and healing the karma of this land, stay tuned.

[maya-spirit1]

A Journey Towards Gratitude

Before my spiritual awakening, I used to get upset when people told me to be grateful - I felt disconnected to this practice because I was experiencing so much suffering, without feeling God’s comfort or guidance, I was lost. I felt lonely and defeated to the faith of “shamed brokenness.” We all suffer in life, but suffering alone is worse, especially without a connection with a higher power. About 3 years ago I had a significant mystical experience that changed me forever. In a deep meditation, on a very hard day, I experienced divine’s presence with me and I saw the dark meditation room light up. However, the lighting only changed within me, as the chamber I was meditating in at my spiritual teacher’s house, stayed the same. In my mind and heart, a sun of light appeared in front of me and revealed the truth about love as divine told me with no words, “we are all love and light, it’s all gonna be ok now.” At that moment of complete surrender, my life had changed forever as my soul’s agony had been transformed from helplessness and loss, to faith and security. Once I knew God is with me - watches me - guides me, and loves me, I understood that he had never left me; that I actually had never been abandoned, and I was filled with abundance of gratitude, which I still experience on a daily basis. That deep mystical experience has taught me about the grace of every breath, a vision we see, a nice smell we can enjoy, the soft wind on our face, the sight of nature, the ability to walk, talk, dance, sing, and live well safely - things humans often take for granted.It is hard for people to appreciate things until they are gone, or almost gone.

After my awakening experience, I continued to meditate, take spiritual classes, talk with my spiritual teachers, and grow my awareness. Awakening is a never ending journey, unless you are an avatar. And as you develop to high consciousness, you may become a teacher, yet you will always remain a student as well. When I started to naturally feel more gratitude, I started to appreciate any little miracle. My gratitude was felt as a form of worship - I celebrated every miracle with love for the divine, and that led to more miracles, and greater awareness. For example, my asthma used to be out of control, and I was constantly struggling to breathe; ER visits, allergy doctor visits, and the pain of tight lungs and narrowed airways - it was hell. Now, years later, I discovered that my

asthma was induced by allergies to food - I changed my diet, got on more allergy medicines, and my lungs have been happy ever since. Because of that my gratitude for breath is above what I can explain in words. Breath is life. Before my asthma got bad, I didn’t even think about breathing, it was this natural thing I didn’t appreciate because it didn’t even cross my mind. With the awareness I have now, I often take a moment within the day to be grateful for big nurturing breaths, and that makes me happy, and connected to God. Nothing is a guarantee in life, thus everything we have is a gift worth honoring.

Awakening is a process and gratitude is a step on that road. We can’t push it, force is, design it - it needs to come naturally. Before my awakening, my teachers would tell me to write five things I am grateful for daily - when I wrote them, I felt nothing because I didn’t get to experience gratitude in my body, mind, and soul, yet. Instead, it frustrated me; being told what to do, or what to feel. Gratitude can’t be manufactured - it has to naturally happen, and it does when you let it. For example, if you visit your aunt and enjoy her company; being really present and sharing love and light. Then she decides to treat you with a nice gift, you will naturally feel grateful and thank her kindness, and if you are truly connected to yourself - you will feel warmth in your heart because gratitude is a form of love. If we really notice, there is so much to be grateful for; a safe roof under our head, freedom, clean food and water, love, family, friendship - none of these need to be perfect for you to be grateful. Nothing in life is flawless, but it is still a gift.

The 2020 pandemic has taught me a lot, even though my sense of gratitude has evolved before, there is truly so much to be grateful for that we take for granted without even noticing. Have you ever acknowledged and appreciated your grocery store workers, your mailman, train conductor, bus driver, delivery person, your building's super, the doorman at your office or at home, your teacher, and all the workers that make it possible for you to get food on your table? Do you spend a moment before your meal to thank the farmers and field workers? Most of us don’t think about all the work that is done before we get a product in our hands. Since the world has taken a step back due to Covid-19, with full to partial city shut downs of business, schools, and

offices. Anyone who isn’t an essential worker has been asked to stay home, and suddenly we all acknowledge the work of medical professionals, teachers, cab drivers, MTA conductors, store cashiers, delivery workers, because we depend on them - especially the people who are high risk for covid. For example, since I am astmatic I avoid going to grocery stores, and depend completely on delivery services. I have so much respect for all the essential workers because they risk themselves so we can keep on living. These days, when I make a soup, I am grateful for every ingredient that has been grown lovingly by farmers, cleaned, and delivered safely to my door.

Being human means not always feeling positive or grateful. We are allowed to have our feelings - we need to feel them. When we deny any feeling, our minds and bodies get energetically blocked. That said, we can’t just brush off the bad feelings and replace them with gratitude, but what we can do is, allow ourselves to feel whatever that is on our hearts; pain, fear, jealousy, confusion, or rage, and release it in a safe way by talking, journaling, or any other artistic form of expression. Once a difficult feeling is released, it is transformed. Nothing is never static in life - everything moves and shifts constantly. Most times, after we express intense anger, pain, or any other difficult emotion, we feel better later as all the tension from “holding it in” is relieved.

Even though I have awareness about the power of gratitude, I am still human, which can lead me to feel angry, hurt, or fearful sometimes, yet after I feel my feelings, an energy of peace falls over me, and I feel grateful again. For example, through my process of healing from my sexual traumas, there have been times that I have felt helpless, angry, or broken, while I still had safety, health, and all my needs met. However, the pain of what I have gone through still hurts to this day and has affected every aspect of my life, so I can’t deny it and always feel grateful. However, after I cry or scream or punch a pillow as I feel my deepest pain, I then take a deep breath, and I am grateful not only for the experience of release, but also for everything else. Denial is more painful than pain itself because it keeps one away from the opportunity to heal. Many spiritual teachers preach about gratitude and tell people to “let go” of their pain and anger. I don’t believe in letting go, I believe in confronting and healing. It doesn’t go

away, it transforms. We can’t run away from ourselves - our feelings are part of us. In order to feel grace, we must be courageous enough to deal with what is bothering us when we are ready. True gratitude can not be felt in a state of denial, or suffering without the awareness of divine guidance, but once we overcome our own darkness, gratitude becomes a way of living. Even if we have moments of despair, we bounce back much faster. In my experience, the more gratitude I have felt - the more miracles I have experienced. That has happened because when I had a miracle and felt gratitude - I felt happiness, which has brought more miracles along the way. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t feel gratitude yet, it takes time, but if you keep on working on yourself; your repressed feelings, and your inner world, you will get there. I have no doubt.

[maya-spirit1]

​ The Foundations of “Awakened Leadership” - Rising Above Denial

Being human isn’t easy, there is so much that is beyond our control, yet we strive

to manage the impossible, and get disappointed when we can’t. We simply can’t do it alone, we need a power higher than ourselves - we need faith. In other cases, when people get too overwhelmed, they just shut down; either by denial, or the “freeze” reaction that happens in fight or flight nervous system response, which means witnessing destruction but not doing anything about it. We can fairly say, we have seen a lot of this response during the year of 2020. Climate change denial, dismissal of racial injustice, rejection of the pandemic as a threatening truth, and failure to accept facts. It is amazing how powerful the mind can be in blinding someone’s reality. Racial injustice has been a devastating problem since the birth of the country, yet there are many people who deny it because they are benefited from it - white privilege is real. Additionally, facts such as the dangerous manifestations of climate change, and the pandemic are denied because the reality is too scary, painful, or inconvenient.

When it comes to dealing with climate change threats or the pandemic, the issues that mostly lead to denial are related to financial fears as our capitalist world relays on the economy that depends on production, harmful fossil fuels, and workers. Big corruprations, companies, banks, business, and some political figures are more concerned about profit than the safety of the environment and innocent people - they prefer to declare that climate change and the pandemic are hoax so they wouldn’t need to take the necessary actions such as reducing use of fossil fuels, or wearing a mask. Humans don’t like inconveniences, they want to continue making maximum profit, build

their business, and keep the spinning wheel of production. However, denial catches up to us eventually and there are consequences.

Through Covid-19 crisis, the failure of many people to accept the fact the pandemic is real and dangerous, has led to refusal to social distance, or follow state restrictions such as closure of business, enforcing masks, closing restaurants etc...That is the cause for the ongoing struggle of the USA, England, and other countries to control the spread. The worst part of this is when the people who can’t accept reality are in power; governors, mayors, presidents or prime ministers, who have neglected to take the pandemic seriously, and have had the worst statistics for infection of Covid-19. The governor of Florida who has denied the need for masks or business closures have allowed life to continue as normal even in days with over 10,000 new cases of the virus - that inability to accept reality as it is has cost and risked millions of lives. While US top infectious disease experts, such as Dr Faucci, continuously repeat the need for national mask mandate, the current president, Trump, has failed to take any effort to control the pandemic - states are continuing to experience spikes and the death toll in the USA has surpassed 242,000 Americans. This is why an awakened state is a must for any leader. If our leaders are not spiritually aware, chaos will remain a dominant factor in our life. .

To solve this, a spiritual approach to leadership is needed. A good leader is humble enough to dig deep into her or his heart, and have awareness about their strengths and weaknesses. Honesty is the opposite from denial, it gives the opportunity to deal with a difficult situation, rather than ignoring it. A higher state of consciousness leads to deep awareness, and as I always say, “knowledge is power.” Our newly elected President Biden, is a great example to a leader who works from an awakened state -

that is evident through his appropriate reaction to the Covid-19 threat, racial injustice, the economic crisis, the national political division, as well as the need for medical care for all. Problems can’t be resolved if we ignore them - the virus clearly isn’t going to just be “poof” gone one day, as Trump as suggested. Two days after President Elect Biden has won the general election, he has already managed to give a briefing for his plan to combat the pandemic, while Trump and the rest of the republican party have constantly stated that they are not going to deal with the virus, which has put many lives at risk, and already caused so much destruction and loss.

President Elect Joe Biden has already shared his plans to restore justice in the United State: promising to protect immigrants and put an end to family separation, in a nation that has been founded by immigrants, construct a new Covid-19 team and plan for vaccine distribution, as well as push for immediate legislation concerning the pandemic, while working in unison with governors and mayors, which is vital and hasn’t been done by the Trump administration. Additionally, President Elect Biden is planning to rejoin WHO (World Health Organization) and the Paris Agreement with the intention of being the leading nation in combating climate change. Furthermore, President Elect Biden is committed to heal racial inequality in America and extend the Voting Rights Act that the honorable Rep John Lewis had brought to life in 1965.

All of these plans for the 1st day of Biden’s presidency, are a testament to what “awakened leadership,” looks like. It is based on awareness and care for the collective; all the people in the nation and the world, not just the rich white men. It is founded on America’s true values; freedom, justice, and equality for all! When leaders act from a state of higher consciousness, they are aware of their power to create a positive

change, and inspire while embracing an higher power, rather than considering themselves as gods. This kind of “awakened leadership,” has been revealed to me when I was volunteering for the Biden’s campaign. I have volunteered for democrat officials many times before, but this has been the first time that “faith” has been included in our work. We did everything from a heart full of love and hope in “restoring the soul of our nation.” I was touched by the prayer calls with volunteers, or the posts on the Biden’s App, and most of all President Elect Biden’s comforting and inspiring speeches, which have given me strength to “keep up the faith,” and “spread the faith,” as Joe tells us.

I truly believe that the prayers mixed with our diligent work is what has brought us towards victory. We are co-creators with the divine, we must not get lost in our human form and remember where we all come from, thus strive for love, kindness and acceptance of ourselves and others. As many know President Elect Biden has gone through many traumas; losing his wife, and daughter in a car accident, then later losing his son to brain cancer - that is unimaginable loss, yet, it didn’t break him - it has motivated him to continue his political work with an open heart, and awareness about people’s suffering and how he could help individuals and communities. Spiritual awakening doesn’t happen from a happy state, it is pushed by suffering, and a strong will to rise above it. President Elect Biden is a perfect example for an “awakened leader,” and I look forward to seeing the awakening he will spread among the nation as the President of the United States.

[maya-spirit1]

​ Anger is not your enemy

Most people from the spiritual or religious community, will tell you anger is bad;

that it will keep you bitter and make you sick. What they don’t understand is that the denial of anger itself can make someone lose control or become ill. Many other non- religious, or non - spiritual people, hold the same opinion; perceiving anger as a “bad” emotion that can lead to violence and sickness. While aggression and various diseases are associated with anger, I believe, it is the repression of anger, or an healthy expression of it that causes the problem, not anger itself. Humans were made to have all kinds of emotions and all of them are meant to be felt. Imbalance and suffering happens when we deny our true feelings. Saying, “I am not angry,” when you are furious, is lying to yourself, and that hurts you more than anyone else. As Jesus has said, “the truth will set you free,” and that is rightly so. The energy it takes to deny and repress our feelings surpasses running a marathon - it is draining.

In my personal experience, suppressing my pain and anger, and all the sadness trapped underneath the rage, has only caused me much suffering and delayed my healing. As a survivor of 9 years of sexaul abuse and rape, that have put my physical existence at risk when my abuser was using pillows to chock me, you can imagine the level of anger I might be in, yet almost everyone around me have constantly told me to, “let it go, forget about him, forgive him, or put the past in the past.” Additionally, I was told by friends, and religious guides that, “anger will hurt me and make me sick - that I must focus on positive things and forget about everything that ever hurt me.” Well, that was not it. The longer I have denied and repressed the emotions related to my traumas, the longer I suffered in silence. However, after a few years of working on mindfulness,

meditation, oneness teachings about karma, the process of spiritual awakening by growing awareness, and the power of acceptance, I have finally discovered my true self; my essence. The experience of spending hours in meditation has brought me back into my body and all the truth buried deep in my unconscious mind; my fears, traumas, anger, rage, confusion, but also grace. Every time I witnessed those emotions in deep meditation, I watched them with no judgment, and with no will to change them. The more I allowed myself to feel my feelings in meditation, the more I was able to do so in my personal life.

The ability to release my pain and tears eventually led me to finally let go of some anger, which has always been the hardest emotion for me to confront or express, yet, once I did, I have found my lost power. Let me explain that in more detail. After I survived most horrific abuse, countless occasions where I have been raped by my biological male cousin, all the anger that has been associated with it got buried so deep to the point I could not feel it anymore, but it was still hurting me. It was only recently that I found the power in my anger, and discovered it can empower and liberate me rather than make me sick. For the majority of my life, I have internalized the messages I have gotten from religious and spiritual leaders who have told me to forget what had happened to me, and forgive my abuser, however, that was wrong and that has hurt me by minimizing my pain and rejecting my most natural reaction to inhumane treatment, rage.

Part of the healing from trauma requires getting angry, and that is not a negative part of the process, it’s actually the most powerful one. Throughout my journey of healing and awakening, I have had glimpses of the experience of feeling anger, yet

these moments died fast by fearing these emotions. About a week ago I had an incident with a stranger who had made me feel discriminated against and ignored; bias was ruling the situation and I wasn’t ok with it. I parted from this stranger knowing I will never see them again, but when I got home I was so angry I was furious - it had triggered years of trauma, oppression, and abuse. My heart started to ache, but then the pain quickly transformed into a powerful fire that didn’t burn me, or anyone else - it just burnt in glory. I allowed myself to feel the anger, and the power of the fire, and I shared my experience with two of my friends, and they agreed with me what happened is just the “sickness of our society,” judging others based on their looks, or their past, rather than the light they are in the present. That anger - that power motivated me to write, and get all my deadlines met ahead of time. Instead of being lost in the emotion, which can happen, and does lead people to view anger as bad, I had let this fire fuel me, and my writing, my activism, and every chore I had to do for the day. I understood that the same fire that can burn bridges, can also be used to build new ones.

Martin Luther King has done the same; he took the pain and anger of his people and turned it into activism toward love. While our society constantly observes anger as a ticking bomb, it is time to embrace the other face of anger; activism, inspiration, motivation, personal and collective empowerment. There is so much good that can be done with the fire of anger. I truly believe that ignoring anger is more likely a recipe for aggression towards oneself or others, while the simple acknowledgement of anger, without judgement can lead to liberation. In that small example of my conflict with that one stranger, the anger brought up by it has given me superpower inspiration to write, speak, and get all my work done ahead of time, can you imagine what will happen if we

all use our anger as energy toward empowerment. When we allow ourselves to be angry, we liberate ourselves from the state of victimhood, and by doing so we release our full potential into existence. As victims, we stay small and quiet; not challenging the norm, which is often unjust, yet when we are in our power; owning our anger or any other emotion, we stand in our strength - unburdened by repressed rage or pain that can weigh a lot and weaken us. Once we allow ourselves to feel with acceptance - we become free and unstoppable. So next time someone tells you to forget about your anger or that it is bad, remember that wonderful things can be done with any of our emotions. Actors and artists use pain and anger to create a whole new world on the page, the stage, and screen. As I have mentioned before, the same fire that can burn down a house, can also burn inside of an engine of a machine that builds new things. It can go either way, you choose.

[maya-spirit1]

​ ​The Only Way To End “Rape Culture,” Is To Spiritually Awaken

When problems are not acknowledged, they don’t go away. Our society has a long history of denying difficult realities such as, poverty, wars, discrimnation, abuse,climate change, gender inequality, and many more. It’s a human response to want to avoid painful and difficult emotions or situations, yet ignoring them only makes things worse in the long run. For example, denying the fact climate change is getting worse, does not lead to less flooding, earthquakes, fires, or pollution. On the contrary, it only increases the severity of all of these problems until they reach a point in which they can no longer be ignored. When it comes to the issue of “rape culture,” the fact humanity has pushed away this “behavioral pandemic,” of sexual abuse/assault, incest, date-rape, spousal rape, sexual harrasement, and stalking, has only led to the majority of people, especially women, getting hurt. If more people had the confidence to admit they have survived some sort of sexual violence, you might discover that almost anyone who is around you is a survivor. When the MeToo movement sparked momentum in 2017, I was incredibly surprised to have discovered so many people in my community of friends are survivors. However, the movement is slowly weakening because the nature of humans’ need for denial of bad things, which can be compared to the current Covid19 pandemic, as some people claim is a hoax despite the much clear evidence proving it’s real- the only reason these people deny it, is because they don’t want to deal with it.

Denial hurts all who are involved because we are all spiritually connected, when I deny your pain, I also deny my pain. Even after the progress the MeToo movement has brought by raising awareness, and leading public conversation about sexual violence, it is still a subject most wish to avoid, and not enough is being done to improve the way survivors are treated by the judical, medical, and mental health systems. Most people have no idea how abusive these systems can be towards survivors worldwide. The judicial system harshly judges survivors and blames them for the assault even in cases where there is a significant amount of evidence in support of the survivor’s report. Yet, statistically 97 % of rapists don’t even spend one night in jail or get any kind of punishment, every 73 seconds and American is assaulted, 1-6 women is a survivor of rape or assault - according to Rainn organization, which works hard to overturn these devastating statistics. Sadly, the judicial system is not the only one that is failing survivors, the medical and mental health system express a lot of bias against survivors as well, and unfortunately many times they do more harm than good. Those bias opinions are part of victim blaming - every time a doctor or a mental health professional judges a survivor based on the fact they have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and as a result decides to not take their medical concerns seriously; thinking that whatever pain and imbalance is just anxiety, they fail survivors who actually have real medical conditions that are being neglected and can put their life in danger.Nonetheless, most survivors are at risk for heart, and lung disease, as well as autoimmune disease as a result of the long term trauma. Medical and mental health professionals also hurt survivors by being insensitive when examining them - truly all doctors must be trauma trained so they treat all patients as full human beings, as opposed to just items on their schedule. Of course they are many great medical and mental health professionals, however there are many that are brutal.

My friend Anna who was raped had told me that after her assault cops showed up on her door, not to help her, but to arrest her. Her rapist; ex-boyfriend, had told the police that she was suicidal. The cops with no further notice had taken her in with no questions, and without any attempt to investigate her rape elagations. Due to the psych depratment being full the police kept her in the precinct for a night until they had committed her to the psych deperatment against her will, while still refusing to take her rape elegations seriously. Meanwhile as you can imagine rape evidence have been destroyed since Anna has been locked up in the psych deprtement for two weeks where she was emotionally abused, neglected and ridiculed. The justice system, the police, and hospital not only failed her, but traumatized and hurt her even more. All they had to do was listen to her, and file her rape elegation report.

Hospitals in general are very oppressive and abusive toward women, especially young women, and women of color. I once had a kidney infection, I was in immense pain, I was crying in agony. The doctors at the hospital wanted me to do a pelvic exam - I refused to do so due to my traumas, they tried to force me, and said if I don’t do a pelvic, they won’t check me at all. I stayed with much pain, all the staff was abusive to me, treating me like a criminal even though I am one of the most gentle people I know. After a night of humiliation, neglect, and threats by doctors that were supposed to help me. I took a cab back home, and contacted my GYN, she immediately figured out what was going on and sent me antibiotics - I was fine the next day and led a meditation group in the park. I was treated like a mentally ill criminal just because I was a woman with reported PTSD, while I had an acute kidney infection that was causing so much pain it went down to my legs because it was spreading. Without my GYN wise and quick decision, my life could have been in danger. The bias and insensitivity towards survivors must stop! When a rape survivor arrives at the hospital or at a doctor soon after attack, or years later, she must get most compassionate care because how she is treated by the people that are menat to help her has role in how fast she will heal - gentle support is essential - tough love is not love. To end “rape culture” we must raise our boys to be more gentle, instead of telling our girls they need to be tougher. Girls are tough - they are managing in a society that constantly judges them, undermines them, insults them, and disrespects them since the beginning of time.

This terrible reality can only change with education, and awareness. Most people have no idea how badly survivors are treated by the systems. Also, because of victim blaming within and outside the systems, survivors are reluctant to report sexual crimes for fear they will not be believed as often happens. No matter what a woman was wearing, drinking, or saying before, if she said no, it means no. With lack of trust in the systems, the statistics for sexual assault, rape and abuse are much higher than studies show. If we consciously start to spread the message to stop victim blaming, and if we truly tap into our soul and imagine how it might feel for a survivor who is being hurt twice, by the perpetrator, and by society, maybe they will think twice before they question a survivor, what she wore, or how if she fought. Awakening means becoming aware, and we need to inform and educate doctors, nurses, lawyers, cops, detectives, teachers, and common people about the facts of sexual assault and abuse; a dark alley it’s not the common place where these crimes happen, it is more common within one’s family or community, it doesn’t matter what the survivor wore, sexual violence survivors have broken memories as a normal brain response to an abnormal circumstances,discrepancies don’t mean a survivor is lying - it means they are traumatized. All that and more are the truth most people ignore.

Another element that must happen in order to awaken humanity towards reality is gentle discussions about acceptance. As long as our society refuses to accept that true evil exists, nothing can change. This denial is what is preventing the healing, which is why I offer gentle discussions about our own private fears to confront our own demons, so we may accept the fact all humans have demons, and some can have very dark ones. By demons I obviously don’t mean real demons, I refer to what they represent: fears, illusions, and emotions like greed, jealousy, lust, or vengeance. These emotions don’t have to be destructive, but they can’t be if we ignore them until we can no longer contain them. Sometimes people blame survivors just because they were not able to get justice for themselves, or because the truth about how evil this world can be, breaks their bubble, and they rather attack others than to accept reality. If we gently start discussions and support each other in confronting our own demons, I truly believe we will become a more compassionate, and powerful society that can put an end to rape culture, and patriarchy, but the work of the whole start within. As we heal ourselves, we energetically raise the consciousness that allows others to heal and awaken as well. Mindfulness and meditations is a tool to connect with source, discover our strengths and weaknesses, and grow.

As I mentioned in other posts, everything starts with education, and awakening in its most basic form means, “soul learning.” My wish is for humanity to learn the truth about what this life really means, and how we can live it better, how we can love ourselves, and others better, how we can accept our journey more as we accept the journey of others, and most important accept each other’s experience and pain - when we can do that we could stop victim blaming, and end rape culture.

.

[maya-spirit1]

​Spiritual Feminism

What is spiritual feminism you might ask? It is the product of feminists who have

gone through a spiritual awakening and rediscovered what feminism really means. Spiritual feminism isn’t a known term - it is what I perceive as where this movement is developing into as more female leaders have a background in mindfulness and a deeper understanding of life as a spiritual journey - embracing the state of oneness, which means loving and accepting everyone. As a result, a more evolved feminism such as intersectional feminism, which work is to prevent discrimation of any kind especially within the movement; allowing equal acknowledgment of feminist leaders regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. As women learn to embrace all women, that is when the feminine energy of the world truly heals.

I am a huge fan of women empowerment groups, and I have participated in many of them, as well as leading some of them. In these groups women of all backgrounds sit together, meditate, share the struggles of their heart, and the deepest dreams within it as well. Through that experience, magic happens as the participants rediscover their souls and their voices, as they embrace all that they are; the woman, the soul, the wound, the grace, the creativity, the magic, the warrior, and the unknown. Many of my favorite life experiences involve being around a group of powerful women in a protest, in a basement, or a retreat where we have joined together to awaken and transform from the victimhood society has brought upon us since the beginning of time, and into the powerful creative leaders we are meant to be.

MeToo and the Women’s March

​

In 2016, after the traumatic result of the presidential election, when the voice of hate has cheated its place into power, millions mourned and protested this devastating reality, and women became the leaders of the resistance against Trump’s administration and the corruption of the republican party. The Women’s March movement was founded and grew quickly; organizing local sub groups that led activities such as discussions, postcard writing, meetings, vigils, protests, and the famous annual big Women’s March events every January.

I have been in all the Women’s March annual protests - they were always filled with women, and men of all ages, and kids, sometimes even pets. We marched with strength and passion for justice. Men chanted for their wives, their daughters, their mothers. I have never seen so many proud feminist men, and that made me feel proud of my country. In one of the most challenging times humanity has seen in decades, when the threat on American democracy didn’t only risk the safety of people in America, but all over the world. Yet, hundreds of thousands in cities all over the States and the world marched for justice for all, and especially women. For me, as a survivor of sexual violence, walking among so many people, espcially men who support women, made me feel cared for, and validated - these marches contributed to my healing and I know other survivors had similar experience as we shouted, and stepped in pride for the fall of patriarchy.

In 2017, the movement MeToo that was first founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke, had switched gears as famous Hollywood actresses accused Director Hervey Weinstein in sexual assault. More actresses came forward and claimed they were victimized as well. The movement grew quickly, and focused on sexual misconduct and assault within

the workplace, yet later on represented all kinds of sexual violence. Social media has made the movement spread like fire all over the world, and women everywhere shared on Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms, their experience of rape or assault. I will never forget that day, 10.16.2017, the day when I shared my own MeToo story on my Facebook page. I was raw, real, and open - I was no longer ashamed to tell my truth; 9 years of sexual abuse and sexual torture. I was no longer scared of what people would think if they knew, because everyone around me told their own story. I felt such relief, and sadness; it was bittersweet to know I am not alone, but shocking to know almost every friend on my page, including close friends, were survivors who knew my story, but didn’t feel safe to share it until that day. That day changed me - it changed the world. I could breathe again - women could breathe again, because we got back our voice.

Later on MeToo movement joined the resistance in protests, and demanded justice for all survivors, and fought for the protection of our democracy, which is a tool to fight bigotry, misogyny, corruption, and inequality that are allowing the continuation of “rape culture.” The Women’s March and Metoo movements are part of the manifestation of spiritual feminism as they speak up for the protection of all human beings; women, men, gay, straight, people of color and different religions, as well as kids. These movements aim to elect leaders who are spiritually woke, wise, and inspiring. Over the past few years, many women have been elected to office, as well as women of color, which is a huge accomplishment to feminism. The fight for equal pay is still on the line, and not yet achieved, though we hope the more powerful feminst leaders, we elect and follow, will lead us closer to equality.

Feminism of our time is very much political, but also spiritual. Our greatest female leaders, Gloria Steneim, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Peolsi, Maxine Waters, Kamala Harris, and many more, are all very awakened people who are aware of mindfulness, and the power of faith when combined with the fire of activism, and the passion for equality. I believe that spiritual feminism is still at its first stages and in high gears. Having the first female VP candidate, Kamala Harris, is a big step forward, and I know this is just the beginning. I am excited to see the future is female- it is time. Women can no longer accept what they thought they can not change, they are ready to change what they can no longer accept.

[maya-spirit1]

​Spiritual Feminism

What is spiritual feminism you might ask? It is the product of feminists who have

gone through a spiritual awakening and rediscovered what feminism really means. Spiritual feminism isn’t a known term - it is what I perceive as where this movement is developing into as more female leaders have a background in mindfulness and a deeper understanding of life as a spiritual journey - embracing the state of oneness, which means loving and accepting everyone. As a result, a more evolved feminism such as intersectional feminism, which work is to prevent discrimation of any kind especially within the movement; allowing equal acknowledgment of feminist leaders regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation. As women learn to embrace all women, that is when the feminine energy of the world truly heals.

I am a huge fan of women empowerment groups, and I have participated in many of them, as well as leading some of them. In these groups women of all backgrounds sit together, meditate, share the struggles of their heart, and the deepest dreams within it as well. Through that experience, magic happens as the participants rediscover their souls and their voices, as they embrace all that they are; the woman, the soul, the wound, the grace, the creativity, the magic, the warrior, and the unknown. Many of my favorite life experiences involve being around a group of powerful women in a protest, in a basement, or a retreat where we have joined together to awaken and transform from the victimhood society has brought upon us since the beginning of time, and into the powerful creative leaders we are meant to be.

MeToo and the Women’s March

​

In 2016, after the traumatic result of the presidential election, when the voice of hate has cheated its place into power, millions mourned and protested this devastating reality, and women became the leaders of the resistance against Trump’s administration and the corruption of the republican party. The Women’s March movement was founded and grew quickly; organizing local sub groups that led activities such as discussions, postcard writing, meetings, vigils, protests, and the famous annual big Women’s March events every January.

I have been in all the Women’s March annual protests - they were always filled with women, and men of all ages, and kids, sometimes even pets. We marched with strength and passion for justice. Men chanted for their wives, their daughters, their mothers. I have never seen so many proud feminist men, and that made me feel proud of my country. In one of the most challenging times humanity has seen in decades, when the threat on American democracy didn’t only risk the safety of people in America, but all over the world. Yet, hundreds of thousands in cities all over the States and the world marched for justice for all, and especially women. For me, as a survivor of sexual violence, walking among so many people, espcially men who support women, made me feel cared for, and validated - these marches contributed to my healing and I know other survivors had similar experience as we shouted, and stepped in pride for the fall of patriarchy.

In 2017, the movement MeToo that was first founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke, had switched gears as famous Hollywood actresses accused Director Hervey Weinstein in sexual assault. More actresses came forward and claimed they were victimized as well. The movement grew quickly, and focused on sexual misconduct and assault within

the workplace, yet later on represented all kinds of sexual violence. Social media has made the movement spread like fire all over the world, and women everywhere shared on Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms, their experience of rape or assault. I will never forget that day, 10.16.2017, the day when I shared my own MeToo story on my Facebook page. I was raw, real, and open - I was no longer ashamed to tell my truth; 9 years of sexual abuse and sexual torture. I was no longer scared of what people would think if they knew, because everyone around me told their own story. I felt such relief, and sadness; it was bittersweet to know I am not alone, but shocking to know almost every friend on my page, including close friends, were survivors who knew my story, but didn’t feel safe to share it until that day. That day changed me - it changed the world. I could breathe again - women could breathe again, because we got back our voice.

Later on MeToo movement joined the resistance in protests, and demanded justice for all survivors, and fought for the protection of our democracy, which is a tool to fight bigotry, misogyny, corruption, and inequality that are allowing the continuation of “rape culture.” The Women’s March and Metoo movements are part of the manifestation of spiritual feminism as they speak up for the protection of all human beings; women, men, gay, straight, people of color and different religions, as well as kids. These movements aim to elect leaders who are spiritually woke, wise, and inspiring. Over the past few years, many women have been elected to office, as well as women of color, which is a huge accomplishment to feminism. The fight for equal pay is still on the line, and not yet achieved, though we hope the more powerful feminst leaders, we elect and follow, will lead us closer to equality.

Feminism of our time is very much political, but also spiritual. Our greatest female leaders, Gloria Steneim, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Peolsi, Maxine Waters, Kamala Harris, and many more, are all very awakened people who are aware of mindfulness, and the power of faith when combined with the fire of activism, and the passion for equality. I believe that spiritual feminism is still at its first stages and in high gears. Having the first female VP candidate, Kamala Harris, is a big step forward, and I know this is just the beginning. I am excited to see the future is female- it is time. Women can no longer accept what they thought they can not change, they are ready to change what they can no longer accept.

[maya-spirit1]

By : Maya Demri

Cure racial inequality with a touch of spirituality

As I have explained last week, spiritual practice has the ability to improve the life of the individual as well as the collective. When it comes to racism, which is a set of false beliefs about a particular group of people - it is taught, and can be prevented through education of love, kindness, and acceptance. If we teach our kids to love and value all people they would. Children naturally love and want to play with everyone, however, kids are also innocent and believe almost anything you tell them, so if you tell them to fear or hate someone or something, they will. And with no fault of their own they might become abusive or violent against the people they were told to hate. It is up to adults to teach love and acceptance for all human beings. Spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga have the ability to raise kids towards choosing love and kindness with whomever they interact with, as opposed to judgment and rejection.

There are many programs that encourage parents and schools to teach kids mindfulness, meditations and breathing exercises to help children to cope with stress in a healthier way, which have been found to be successful in reducing violence and misbehavior. Movements such as: Mindful Schools, Breathe for Change, and Mindful are just few of the many organizations working to bring mindfulness and meditation practices and trainings more available to kids and schools - that allows an outlet for stress, but also enhance love, kindness, and the concept of mind, body, spirit, which is explained to kids and gets them closer to acceptance of all humans; black, white, gay, straight, trans, and so fourth. If we teach our children that being different is ok, they stop being afraid of it, or feeling intimidated by it, thus reduce bullying and discrimnation. In an article published by National Education association (NEA) in 2015, early study of the benefits of mindfulness as a tool to combat bullying has been found beneficial as NEA quote author Janice Houlihan from the University of Massachusetts: “Mindfulness practices help the bully, victim, and any witnesses involved develop a deeper awareness of themselves, resilience, compassion, and a greater ability to regulate their emotional responses.” Since then many more organizations and programs have developed all over the states, and their new methods, and curriculums help teachers and their students.

In my experience with mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and work on forgiveness, I have learned so much about myself and was able to see others in a more understanding way. When we sink into ourselves, and notice all our different thoughts (without judgment) we may become aware of so many different beliefs and fears flouting in our brain without our awareness - some of these fears are prejudice. Without awareness we are helpless as humans, however with knowledge we become powerful.

As a kid I have been exposed to many views against Muslims, as many around me perceived them as a threat. Being a young child that has been abused by multiple people within and outside of my family, I became fearful of Muslims because that was what I have been taught . For most of my childhood I feared that a bomb attack is near whenever I saw someone with facial features or clothing resembling of Muslim culture; I would panic - one time I even got off the bus in the middle because I was afraid. Part of it was my early life exposure to terror attacks, which traumatized me, however, I honestly believe that the major reason for my fears was what that has been taught to me by the adults in my life. I was never hostile to Muslim, or any other group of people as I was so badly bullied myself, but I was greatly afraid of them, and even though it was just fear it was still, “learned discrimantion.” Gratefully thanks to my spiritual growth, and being adopted by the beautifully diverse culture in NY, I have become aware of false beliefs and illusions about others, as well as myself. I have learned to see we are all love and light, and based on that I have let go of all my conditionings, and instead I have decided, from a state of higher consciousness, what is true and what is not. Additionally, through my acting training and spiritual community I have met so many people from different backgrounds, religions, or cultures. I am grateful to have a big diverse community of friends that make my life rich. I no longer associate my traumas of witnessing terror attacks with Muslims or any other religion or culture. I see people for who they are in the moment. I believe that the biggest terrorists our world faces are the racists, sexist extreme groups, that do not truly represent any religion or race - they only represent ignorance. Moreover, one of my closest friends, which I consider a soul sister, is Muslim, and if I haven’t gotten over the illusions society is constantly spreading, I would be missing a great person in my life. I wouldn’t want that for you, so I encourage you to look inside and discover the truth. I wish to see humanity grow into higher consciousness and wake up to see the light and love in everybody, and the jewel called diversity, which has the ability to enrich all of our lives if we let it.