5 years later - Trauma-Informed Lens: Communal Care in Remembrance of the Atlanta Spa Massacre

This month marks the 5th anniversary of the Atlanta Spa cold-blooded tragedy. 6 women of Asian descent were killed. Dr. Kwok Pui Lan, a renowned scholar on Asian feminist theology and postcolonial theology, illuminates the shooting and gives birth to the Stop AAPI Hate movement. It takes a village to heal. In Asian spirituality, the sacredness found in the five elements (wood, earth, water, fire, metal) is known as the Five Transformations of Energy. When harmonized, the Energy heals traumatic memories and wounds. Here is the ritual: 

Calling forth the energy of  Wood, 
we release our anger,
we welcome the fresh wind of Spring.

Calling forth the energy of Earth, 
we grow our joy,
we anticipate the warmth that comes with Summer.

Calling forth the energy of Fire,
we burn our worry,
we embrace rest.

Calling forth the energy of Metal,
we trust the autumn,
we surrender our grief.

Calling forth the energy of Water,
we are cleasned from fears,
we nourish courage.

May our communal energy be harmonious, invoking the flow of love and healing.

With Bowing/Amen/So shall it be. 

By Rev. Dr. Yoke- Lye Kwong, 
Certified Educator