kahli
inspired by the Hindu Goddess Kali,
who embodies the boundless and existential freedom to be — without seeking permission.
I learned about the Hindu Goddess Kali during a yoga class in 2018, and I’ve been embodying that energy ever since.
The yoga pose which was instructed was a powerful one, a reclamation of unfuckwithable energy. It was introduced to me at a time I really needed to feel it, to remember it. As though the power of Kali was well known deep within me, and my ancestry.
After that class I researched the many stories of Kali, and was fascinated by the symbolism of her depictions in art. Tongue out, ferocious, bloodied, boasting a severed head… with all that I read, I found a deep resonance with the teachings.
Kali is often misunderstood, perceived as intimidating due to her strength and confidence. She’s truly powerful, wild, unapologetic, untamed, and a profound representation of love. Destroyer of all that does not serve her, to make space for all that does.
“She is a true monster, in that she is both frightening and awe-inspiring, beautiful in a way that isn’t in any way pretty—not shallow, not manageable, not comfortable. Kali, look at her, couldn’t care less if she is likable or not. She isn’t afraid of her force, and if you are, that’s on you. She isn’t the kind of deity that will easily be found sitting on a drawing room’s shelf, or hanging from a wall, with marigold garlands around her frame—and that’s just fine, for she’s got to slay.
Kali is the quintessential embodiment of shakti, female power. She emerges as an independent goddess around 1000 BCE (before common era) and evolves as a controversial character: she is a scary, bloodthirsty embodiment of destruction, and the ultimate protector against evil. She is spiritual and bodily, erotic and sexual and as such, courageous: in the Tantrik cults that revolve around her, eroticism is primarily a way of confronting one’s deepest fears.”
— written by Annalisa Merelli
Kahli was created by me in 2019 as a curation, and celebration of women, for women.
Starting off as an online store offering menstrual cups and rose quartz pleasure wands, to then moving solely into a space for beautiful imagery and words designed to inspire as we continue to heal, evolve, and expand on this earthly plain.
To me, embodying the energy of Kali means I am deeply devoted to my growth and transformation, committed to owning my beauty and self love in a deep and meaningful way, trusting my intuition above all else, saying no when I want to, and yes when I want to, having the courage to follow my dreams, owning my sexual power, confronting my shadow self, recognising my triggers and areas in need of reparenting, inner child healing, standing firm in my communication of boundaries and needs, and being understanding of others.
I’ve done a lot of letting go of what hasn’t served me in recent years:
Moving out of my family home which was filled with toxicity, dysfunction, and narcissistic abuse.
Leaving a full time corporate job which wasn’t aligned with my values, which brought up intense anxiety for me daily.
Ending a 5 year long relationship with my best friend of 20 years at the time.
Dissolving self limiting beliefs and attachments to the past that prevented me from moving forward.
This shedding has been unapologetic. Kind yes, though unapologetic. Serving ME. Listening to my inner guidance system and allowing it to steer my path. Now I:
Set healthy boundaries with the energy I allow into my space. From people, media, the foods and drinks I consume, to the places I go.
Follow what lights me up, even when it means moving 9 hours away from family and friends, to create the quality of life I envision for myself.
Have found work that aligns with my core values of holistic health and sustainability, contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution.
Enjoy a work / life balance that allows for complete freedom of location, autonomy, and freedom to choose who I work with, who I support, and grow alongside.
Have established connections with like minded beautiful humans that will last a lifetime.
I allowed my perspective as to how I believed my life SHOULD be lived, to be widened to how it COULD be lived. Not just day dreaming about stepping into the highest version of myself, though actually embodying and stepping into that version of myself. Becoming her. Not letting any dream feel too big.
Not letting anyone else’s judgement (or my imagination of another’s judgement), stop me from doing what feels best.
This is what Kahli is all about.
Embodying what feels good for you. Making choices that serve the highest version of you. Creating the life your future self will feel so proud to be living in.
Fucking off the judgements from others. Doing YOU.
Unapologetic. Unfuckwithable. Embodied. Powerful. Wild.
I am Kali. We are Kali. We are Kahli.
