A couple Thursdays ago someone new came into the bar. He had an uncanny resemblance to someone I used to crush on. His need to play devils advocate solidified the similarity. As most young, drunk, know-it-alls are, he wanted to debate every conversation that came up. Luckily for me, the debate was directed toward my feisty friend!
Coming from opposite ends of the spectrum, him from corporate business world and her a self-employed healer the conversations were well rounded.
The introvert in me sat back, listened and processed each of their points.
I was silent most of the night.
Until they started talking about humans becoming less and less tribal.
He said that he feels really tribal but she asked him if he hunted or harvested which he said no to. Being a healer I was surprised she took the side of not being tribal. The debate went back and forth for quite some time, then I spoke up, but not before thinking about Tahoe.
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During this years Wanderlust I attended an immersion class, it was a full day only breaking for a light lunch. The class was held by Ana Forrest and Jose Calarco. The first half of the day was really intimidating. Ana Forrest has a mom look like you wouldn’t believe and when we showed up a few minutes late she glared at us.
The class started out in a seated pose. They burned Palo Santo and Sage and had us meditation on being present. Jose is Native to Australia and tribal roots run deep within his veins. They brought out their homemade drums, bongos and tambourines and sang an incantation.
The smell was intoxication and the sound was an elixir. I was able to get lost very easily. I could feel the beats deep within my soul and though my eyes were closed I could see. My vision was black and white, but on the top of my shoulders were three inch figures tribally dancing. Four on my right and three on my left. All of them were different, a child, a medicine woman, a man and I couldn’t get clear about the others before the music and chanting stopped. I know in my heart those were the past lives I’ve lived.
I know it sounds crazy and you wouldn’t be the first person that asked if it’s possible they were burning something other than holy wood but I know what I know.
I feel really comfortable looking at stories from all sides and angles, something that must stem from living other lives. But it’s not something I talk about. Until that Thursday.
Although my skin is white, my hair is blonde/pink, I identify with Native Americans. My family hunts and gathers, gardens and cans, and comes together. Sure, we don’t live in teepees on the same 10 acres but we do honor the land and appreciates it’s gifts.
I told those two that night that I am Tribal. That my tribe includes family but extends to friends and I would argue that they too would agree. I don’t think you can successfully raise a kid without being part of a tribe. It honestly takes a village.
The healer nodded while I was stating my point. She had mentioned earlier that she is very involved with her community and I told her that community is just the modern name for a Tribe. It’s the same, and while the roles within the tribes have changed, they are still there.
What do you think? Have you cultivated a tribe? What do you do to honor your community?
Namaste,
Jes xoxox