(2024, excerpt from 7 min work) Elite athletes often use rituals to ground themselves and prepare mentally and physically to perform at peak levels. The muscle memory and neural pathways associated with the ritual act give them a feeling of control and confidence, which in turn enhances their performance. This video is an attempt to harness this power during a time that feels scary and out of control, particularly for those in need of abortion and gender affirming health care. Through a series of repetitive movements and ecstatic acts, enhanced by made up light therapy, the viewer is meant to slowly and vicariously enter a trance-like state working within the deep recesses of the mind to release debilitating blocks and deep-seated fears and insecurities– perhaps reclaiming the sense of self-possession, bodily autonomy, and power that was there all along. The hope is that this personal healing project might ripple out to the collective unconscious of our troubled nation and/or offer a temporary reprieve.