Host Xóchitl Kusikuy Ashé speaks with Atasiea (pronounced 'Ah-tah-see-ay'), co-founder of Ecstatic Dance Los Angeles and Master Reiki healer with over two decades of experience. Atasiea shares wisdom about building conscious community, maintaining spiritual hygiene during chaotic times, and why dance is a revolutionary act.
The conversation explores showing up as a leader and healer during times of change. Atasiea reveals the pivotal moment when his teacher asked: "How much ceremony do you do alone for yourself?" This led to a transformation in his self-care practice, implementing weekly moon ceremonies and taking one full day off social media for personal renewal.
They discuss how Ecstatic Dance LA became a cornerstone of LA's wellness community over 11 years, thriving through the pandemic by pivoting to outdoor beach dances. Atasiea shares the philosophy that underpins conscious dance: everything in nature is moving, and regular dance practice aligns us with cosmic rhythms. Ecstatic dance isn't always ecstatic—people come to grieve, process, and be held by community in authentic expression.
Essential listening for healers, teachers, community organizers, and anyone navigating turbulent times with grace and resilience. Atasiea offers practical wisdom on emotional regulation, the power of breath, and why spiritual self-care must level up to meet the moment: "The breath is life. Air is the one element we can't live for more than a few minutes without."
Connect with AtasieaWebsite: atasiea.com | EcstaticDanceLA.comEmail: atasiea@gmail.comInstagram: @ecstaticdancela
Connect with XóchitlWebsite: xochitlashe.comInstagram & Facebook: @xochitlashe
About AtasieaAtasiea, also known as Kenneth Lawrence Ferguson, is a Theta Healer, Certified Reiki Master, Bodyworker, Yogi, Minister, Dancing Freedom Facilitator, and Co-Founder of Ecstatic Dance Los Angeles. Born in Oakland, California, he has trained globally for over two decades. He co-founded Ecstatic Dance Los Angeles in 2014 with Robin Parrish, creating an all-ages, substance-free conscious dance celebration. Through Angelic Presence Healing with Atasiea, he offers Reiki training, energy healing, therapeutic massage, life coaching, and ceremonial facilitation. Featured on TBS's "Lost Resort" and highlighted by Conscious City Guide as a leader igniting evolution in 2024.
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Episode Chapters(00:00) Opening Sacred Space with California White Sage(01:14) Introducing Atasiea: Master Healer and Ecstatic Dance LA Co-Founder(07:41) The Power of Ecstatic Dance and Building Conscious Community(10:43) "This is My Church": How Ecstatic Dance LA Became a Spiritual Sanctuary(12:05) The Origin Story: From Acting Crisis to Dance Revolution(16:05) Celebrating 11 Years: Consistency as Key to Community Building(18:22) Pivoting Through the Pandemic: From Indoor to Beach Dancing(19:30) The Philosophy of Movement: Everything in Nature is Dancing(23:01) "If Your Revolution Doesn't Include Dance, I Don't Want to Be Part of It"(24:08) Ceremony as a Way of Life: Personal Practice and Community Ritual(30:53) Ecstatic Dance Isn't Always Ecstatic: Holding Space for All Emotions(32:18) The Wake-Up Call: "How Much Ceremony Do You Do Alone for Yourself?"(36:18) Weekly Moon Ceremonies and Digital Detox: Self-Care for Healers(39:28) Taking One Day Off Per Week: Essential Practice for Leaders(41:11) Spiritual Self-Care Must Meet the Moment: Leveling Up in Crisis(42:17) Essential Skills for Navigating Change: Communication and Emotional Regulation(44:30) Closing Wisdom: The Breath is Life(47:08) Air as Essential Element: The Most Important Thing We Often Forget(48:19) Final Blessings and Community Connection