Wednesdays, 12-2pm ET
August 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2025

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Words are magic.

And they are powerful tools for creating change.

As empire continues to crumble (and becomes more violent as it gasps its last breaths), we need to continue to fight for collective liberation. We need to not just engage in resistance, but we must also imagine —and CREATE!— a liberated world. We need to be ready for what comes after. What does liberation look like? How do we know?

Let us name it.
Let us declare our vision.

The words we use have power.

If this were not true, then the powers-that-be wouldn’t have their knickers in a twist about anything we say. “Free Palestine” wouldn’t be a big deal to shout from the rooftops.

In this 4-week writing workshop, we will conjure the power of change through our words, build our emotional and mental muscles for resilience, and strengthen our community connections (because there is power in numbers!)

This generative workshop will be comprised of writing prompts, somatic practices, and some tarot card pulls.

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Spell-making: Words matter. What we say, how we say it — this shapes not only how we perceive the world, but it creates the very world we live in. We will write poems and stories and, yes, even spells.

Somatic practices: The body is a truth-teller. Staying grounded and connected with our bodies enables us to be resilient in the face of oppression while also dismantling it. We will engage in some meditation and mindful breathing.

Tarot cards: Because the cards never lie. We can use divination tools to help us see things we already know but might have forgotten or might have chosen to look away from. When we fight for liberation, we must be clear and steadfast in our vision for freedom.

…AND my intention is to build a community of mutual support and care in which we share a bit of who we are being and our stories.

Here’s the 411:

When: Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2025
Time:
12-2pm ET
Where:
the writing zoom room
Tuition:
$250

Who this is for:

  • Folks of color and true allies

  • Folks committed to social justice

  • Folks who understand the power of writing

  • Folks who are willing to experiment and be uncomfortable in the exploration of the unknown

  • Folks who understand that mind, body, and spirit are intertwined

Who this is NOT for:

  • Performative allies

  • Folks who believe Western media’s lies

  • Folks who are interested in saving capitalism and Empíré

  • Folks who uphold respectability politics

  • Folks who think woo-woo shit isn’t real

Are you ready to sign up?

Questions? Reach out to us:
love@suryagian.com

About your facilitator

Leslieann Hobayan is a Filipina-American poet, essayist, activist mom, and host of Spiritual Grit, a podcast at the intersection of spirituality and activism. She is the author of the chapbook, Divorce Papers: A Slow Burn (Finishing Line Press, 2023) Her work has appeared in The Rumpus, Aster(ix) Journal, The Grief Diaries, The Lantern Review, The Mom Egg Review, The World I Leave You: Asian American Poets on Faith and Spirit, and elsewhere. Her work aims to break the silences of generational trauma and believes that writing our stories are key to collective healing and ultimate liberation. She is a spiritual mentor and life coach for women of color and facilitates sacred healing circles for people of color.