what now? reclaiming spiritual agency when things feel hopeless
How are you doing out there? It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for so many of us. I’ve been reflecting a lot on how to hold onto my spiritual power, even when the world feels so heavy. What’s keeping you grounded in this storm?
In the wake of a difficult election and a nation drowning in deep fear, grief, and rage, I’ve felt the pull to retreat inward. Similar to practicing therapy during the COVID lockdown, it’s been a time of holding space for intense emotional waves—feeling overwhelmed by the weight of what’s happening in our world, yet also feeling the deep call to ground myself, to remember where my power lies. Today, that power lies in recognizing the ways I’ve been conditioned by systems of oppression—both historically and in my personal spiritual journey—and reclaiming the agency that’s always been mine.
These days, I’m learning to hold space for both the anger and the tenderness that come with the grief of living in a world where these forces still rage. The anxiety I feel, the societal pressure, and the desire to somehow "fix" everything—these are echoes of the trauma and oppression I carry in my body, passed down through generations. And so, as I move through the spiritual practices that help me reconnect with my true self, I’m also doing the work of dismantling the ways in which my spirituality was once used against me, to keep me small, subjugated, and fearful.
Growing up in a religious space that both healed and harmed me, I learned the deep roots of spiritual trauma. I was taught that spirituality was about self-abandoning servitude, about perfectionism, and about repressive rules. This isn’t just an isolated experience—this is spiritual racism, the inherited trauma that exists in the very institutions that were designed to strip us of our power and connection to the divine.
But today, my practices are my own, and they are deeply rooted in the ways my ancestors found joy and healing in the face of violence, trauma, and colonization.
Spirituality, for me, is a reclamation of what was lost or distorted—a journey back to the sacred self, to the soul. It is the practice of opening portals to what’s ancient, while integrating the wisdom of the present. It’s about clearing the inherited barriers to divine connection, to power, and to self-sovereignty that colonial forces placed in the way of our wholeness. Modern spirituality for me is the act of remembering—remembering the joy, the rituals, the prayers, and the embodiment of our true, sacred nature.
In the face of the country’s turmoil, I find that my spiritual practices are not only necessary—they are revolutionary. They allow me to reconnect to a sense of agency and power that was once stolen, and they help me remain grounded in the face of uncertainty. Through the grief and rage I feel about the state of the world, I find solace in knowing that my connection to the divine is mine to cultivate, free of the shame, fear, and perfectionism that once tried to erase it.
I wonder—how has your journey of spiritual agency unfolded for you? What does reclaiming it look like in your life right now?
Tips for Reclaiming Spiritual Agency When Things Feel Hopeless:
Create Space for Your Full Range of Emotions
In times of crisis, it’s vital to honor the full spectrum of what you're feeling—grief, fear, rage, and even joy. Spirituality doesn't have to be just about peace or serenity; it can also be about processing these emotions with compassion and grace.
Reconnect with Ancestral Practices
The healing traditions of our ancestors have always been here, even when systems of oppression tried to erase them. Reclaiming these practices helps you reconnect to a sense of power that is not dependent on external validation, but on your own connection to the sacred.
Let Go of the Need for Perfection
The political climate can feel like it's pushing us to be “perfect” in our activism, our personal lives, and our spiritual practices. But healing doesn’t require perfection. In fact, perfectionism often keeps us in a state of fear and shame. Embrace the messy, imperfect ways your spirituality shows up and trust that it’s enough.
Honor Play and Rest
In a time of political and societal unrest, there’s a temptation to be constantly “on,” always working toward change. But your spiritual well-being requires rest and play too. These practices are as important as any form of activism because they keep you grounded, replenished, and connected to your true self.
Remember Your Power
Even in the face of systems that try to strip us of our agency, remember that your power is always yours. Reclaim it through your spiritual practices, through your connection to community, to the earth, to your ancestors, and to the divine. This is a form of resistance, a way to push back against systems that have sought to keep us fragmented and disconnected.
My Commitment to Reclaiming My Spiritual Agency
As I continue to navigate these turbulent times, I’ve committed to creating a space of deep nurturing for myself. I’ve placed a candle by the door of my meditation room, a simple yet powerful reminder that this space is for me to enter and exit with the full knowledge that I am enough, just as I am. No more striving, no more guilt. Only nourishment and connection.
Today, as I light this candle, I remember that my spiritual power is essential in reclaiming myself from the systems that seek to harm me. Knowing what I need in the face of violence—and returning to practices that reinforce my safety—reminds me that we are not alone, we are not powerless, and this struggle is far from over.
With love and tenderness,
V Woods 💚
