Opening Reflection For many South Asian women, religion is both a balm and a boundary. It’s the rhythm of morning prayers, the scent of incense, the echo of scriptures read by elders — and sometimes, the silence we’re told to keep, the obedience we’re taught to honor. This duality leaves many of us wondering: Is our faith fueling our healing, or is it reinforcing our hurt? This piece explores the fine line between spiritual comfort and cultural control — and how we can reclaim religion as a path toward self-care, not self-erasure. When Religion Feels Like a Lifeline Spirituality has long provided South Asian women with comfort and resilience. Whether…