Dear Ayllu (community),
The recent events locally and internationally have brought up so many emotions over the past couple of weeks. We are shocked, numbed, enraged, and filled with fear together with those who have been affected by the recent violence. It is part of human nature to feel the interconnectedness in solidarity with each other. When I take a moment to reflect, I see these tragedies as part of the systems that have created what we have now. Most importantly, now more than ever we need to unlearn these ways that have historically supported violence, racism, and domination, and create a connected humanity. We as individuals can not dismantle this system by ourselves, because the horrors and violence have happened and continue to happen collectively. We also have to do the healing work collectively.
Through our acknowledgment of our interconnectedness, and our grounding through our bodies to Mother Earth, we can find different ways to live with one another. As a community, we can learn to restore the ancient ways and reclaim our humanity because the continuation of violence must be interrupted by those within the systems and those harmed by the same systems.
I would like to invite you to join me to experience an evening of authentic connection to indigenous practices that can help us, especially during these times. Together we can help guide our community to respond to these events, with love, connection, and reciprocity. Although it means a great deal to me to share this evening with you, I also feel a sense of urgency during these difficult times.
Next Saturday, November 11 from 5-7pm, at the Portland Yoga Project, 449 Forest Ave, Portland. I will be hosting an experiential evening to gather together and learn from and honor indigenous wisdom as we practice gratitude toward Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the sacred traditions that connect us to one another. You will also have the opportunity to learn about a 15-day spiritual journey to Peru being hosted by Silvia Calisaya Chuquimia, an Aymara Medicine Woman from the Altiplano area including Lake Titicaca.
We will do gentle movements, and be guided through rituals from the Quero indigenous people of south-central Peru followed by a presentation about the sacred Queros sites in Cuzco, and Puno, the home of the Aymaras, as well as Arequipa at the Colca Canyon, the home of the Peruvian condors. Afterward, we’ll share nourishing Peruvian food, conversation, and music, and make space for Q&A about the trip to Peru.
Please spread the word and bring a friend, all are welcome. To sign up for Peru Night please visit Eventbrite or Peru Night at the Portland Yoga Project
Also, we have eight spots open for the Peru trip in February. For more information about the trip please visit 15-Day Journey to Peru also please help us spread the word on Instagram Peru Retreat.
I hope that you can join me for this event and please email me when you have any questions.
In Ayni (reciprocity),
Maria