From left to right starting with the back row: Me, Xtal Azul, M. Zamora, Batul True Heart, Yoli, and Tlahuizpapalotl
This past weekend will forever be etched in my memory as one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. I had the incredible privilege of co-organizing & participating in a retreat on Tule River Indian Tribe land in central California at Wild Places, a sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of plants, animals, and our two-spirit Native and Indigiqueer communities.
The retreat, organized by the Arte Sana cooperative, was made possible through the generous support of the Artists Adaptability Circles program. Through this program, we formed a tight-knit community to share stories, dreams, and visions as two-spirit, queer, and indigiqueer artists and community leaders. We met for over a year and, as a part of this process, decided to host a retreat that would support us in creating a nurturing space that would replenish our spirits and enable us to continue doing our vital work. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, one of our members was not able to join us for the retreat but was with us in Spirit.
Building Community and Sharing Medicine:
Guided by our shared vision of a healing and nurturing retreat, we invited a couple of gifted facilitators to guide us through practices that would deepen our connection to ourselves, each other, and the land.
The first facilitator, Batul True Heart, a death doula, medicine maker, and community leader, introduced us to the sacred practice of creating all-natural Agua Florida (Florida Water). Through a vibrant blend of spices, fruits, herbs, and flowers placed gorgeously ok a sacred altar by the Tule river, Batul shared the art of crafting this potent elixir while also guiding us through the 13 Aires by Estela Roman. We engaged in a powerful talking circle, sharing the Aires that resonated with us at that moment, and receiving reflection and guidance from Batul. It was a transformative experience that nurtured introspection and connection within the group.
Our second facilitator, Yoli, an artist, herbalist, and educator, brought a playful and performative energy to the retreat. Yoli, embodying the mischievous elf being "Baby," led us through a joyful and psychedelic experience. We engaged in bubble gun cleansings, adorned ourselves with vibrant outfits, painted our faces, communed with medicinal honey, and shared open-hearted moments by the river. Yoli facilitated a ceremony that encouraged us to embrace joy, pleasure, and ceremony as a collective. As a culmination, we immersed ourselves in the Tule river together, experiencing a profound sense of unity and vulnerability.
Unexpected Encounters with Nature:
Nature blessed us with extraordinary moments of connection throughout the retreat. Xico, who is one of Wild Place’s stewards, discovered a baby deer fawn in desperate need of care due to a severe injury. With immense compassion, Xico brought the injured fawn into the sanctuary at Wild Places, providing the necessary attention and love until animal rescue experts could offer further support. This unexpected encounter reminded us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of showing kindness and care to the world around us.
The land itself embraced us, as various creatures visited us during our time at Wild Places. Butterflies and dragonflies danced around us, while hummingbirds, finches, hawks, and turkey vultures mesmerized us with their grace. Squirrels, spiders, and insects went about their daily routines, reminding us of the rich tapestry of life that exists harmoniously in the sanctuary.
Gratitude and Nourishment:
A central aspect of our retreat was gifting ourselves the luxury of having our meals prepared for us. The dedicated staff at Wild Places graciously provided us with a feast of delicious, nutritious, and healthy vegan and non-vegan food. Every meal became an opportunity to connect, share stories, and express gratitude for the abundance we experienced together. The act of communal dining fostered a sense of unity and deepened the bonds we formed throughout the retreat.
Farewell Under the Starry Sky:
As our time together drew to a close, we gathered for a final evening of sacred songs and prayers. Xtal was kind enough to bring their sacred drum, Wiwa, which helped us offer songs and prayers beneath the enchanting starlit sky. I was so happy when Adriana, who had been our retreat’s wildly talented cook, and had made us the most delicious and magical food, asked to join us in the drum circle. It was a moment of profound connection, where our voices harmonized in unity and our intentions soared to the cosmos.
The retreat on Tule land at Wild Places was a journey of healing, connection, and renewal. It provided a sanctuary for our souls to rest, replenish, and strengthen our bonds with each other and the natural world. Through the guidance of skilled facilitators, we explored sacred practices, playful experiences, and moments of unexpected encounters with nature. We expressed deep gratitude for the nourishment provided by the staff at Wild Places and concluded our retreat with a powerful communal prayer beneath the starry night sky. This weekend will forever remain etched in our hearts as a luminous and transformative experience, igniting our spirits to continue the important work we do within our communities.