✨LOOKING FOR RAINBOWS✨
A few days ago, I saw a Michael Franti post on his Instagram, referring to an artist who he had created a song with, and also had an affair with. I have been a fan of his for years, and was curious who the artist was. After a quick search I found Victoria Canal, who just released a song called “Body Behave” about healing from sexual trauma and the after effects of PTSD in her Love / Sex Life.
I didn’t expect to read her perspective, which she said was to get it off her chest and create healing… The details were challenging to feel, about how he plucked her out of obscurity online, invited her on a tour with him, and while he was in his 50s / she was a 19 year old virgin, and his wife was pregnant, he groomed her in various ways into an affair, later admitting it was his plan all along.
It all resonated deeply for me… Partly because as an inspirational songwriter, I once threw my CD on the stage of his big concert, hoping to get discovered. I also dropped off a CD at Soulshine in Bali for the same reason, hoping for some magical career carpet ride to begin with the help of such an inspiring and successful musician. Now that I’ve read about her experience (and in the comments section, many similar experiences others have had with him), I’m thankful for the rejection that may have been protection.
The other part that it resonated with was that as a woman, I know what it’s like to be devastated by PTSD, mostly in body memories and emotional flashbacks, related to sexual trauma. Since I was 18 I’ve been in therapy trying to heal my symptoms of sexual abuse. Even though the disgusting memories (thanks to some dissociative amnesia and a child brain) are easy to deny due to their dream-like quality, I have enough therapy and triggered moments traced back to the root under my belt to understand that it’s PTSD / CSA. And even though I’m now in the bliss of a happy new Love, the journey here has been a long battle to unravel the fear, shame, guilt, grief, and anger, that will likely be an ongoing healing journey.
The most heartbreaking part of the public details of their affair being revealed, is how he took almost no responsibility of his role in the situation, to properly apologize or create repair for the hurt created. I would expect that kind of response from Donald Trump or Jeffrey Epstein, but Michael Franti? Who sings songs about Soul, Love, and Family? I understand that when it comes to a public image, there are financial and social reasons to present a polished, strong, perfect version of oneself. But what if the spiritual, personal, and cultural impact could be even more beneficial (and ultimately rewarding in every way) to be courageous enough to express the vulnerable, imperfect, yet authentic human experience?
Years ago, Nahko of Medicine for the People was put in a similar position with accusations of sexual misconduct with minors. Despite a repertoire of deep introspective songs that explored shadow work and motivation for creating a positive impact, he didn’t take accountability. He’s a super gifted musician, who I’ve witness onstage as phenomenal, but when that happened I felt disappointed. This, and my personal experiences, inspired me to reflect… What do I wish these leaders would do?
The answer I felt is… Courageously owning your own shadow, to be vulnerable about even the shameful aspects of self, to let the Power of Love be Greater than fear. I’ve learned along my path that I have to be the change I seek, which is why I wrote the song “My Shadow”, for my own healing, and intending to be an inspiring influence for others to also embrace the wholeness of their Being with Love…
Wishing lots of healing vibes and deep support for all these people. Truly it’s none of my business, but how it affected me and what I can do with that is. I am writing because it all affected me on a deep level, and after a few days of moving through the inner emotional storms, I felt it would be helpful to alchemize it into writing, to share something meaningful for me and hopefully others too.
I’m excited to see more people in power deeply owning their shadow and alchemizing it into even more medicine. Especially musicians who have so much potential for positive impact. Moving through the depths of our emotions, and sharing the rainbows with the people… Yes please!!
Infinite Blessings,
Cora
