It Was a Time We Understood Interconnectedness

As we embrace the longest day of the year, or the shortest depending on which hemisphere we live in, it is a time to pause and reflect on the midway point of the year. Our Ancestors used to perform ceremonies, make offerings, honor Mother Earth, and to pray to the unseen spirits for continued prosperity and abundance. Yes, it was about survival for the clan or tribe. But it was also an embodied reverent relationship between humans and the natural world. It was a time when we understood interconnectedness and our place in the web of life.

I invite you to reflect on gatherings you have participated in over the past 6 months.

What have you jumped into being a part of?

What have you come away with?

What have you held yourself back from joining?

For me, it’s been a time of learning, listening, demonstrating, participating in ceremony and humble prayer. I have been privileged to attend events that were deeply moving, intellectually and spiritually insightful, and collectively inspiring:

*Bioneers in Berkeley, California Home - Bioneers

*The Hands Off Demonstration 50501 — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement

*The Aniwa Gathering with Indigenous Elders from around the world. Aniwa Gathering 2025

*The No Kings Demonstration 50501 — 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement

What I carry with me from the gatherings:

*The grace with which Indigenous Elders share their wisdom and ceremonies for regeneration and healing is humbling.

*The passion with which environmental scientists and community activists speak of the need to take immediate action toward renewable energy, and the grassroots efforts that have already developed in underserved communities is both motivating and inspiring.

*The collective energy of citizens coming together from all walks of life in peaceful protest to demand democracy over authoritarianism is electrifying.

*No matter the chaos and violence of the current times, there is also the energy of hope and healing coming from those who are deeply connected to our Shared Mother.

*An emphasis on possibilities pour from those who understand that the course of our collective human destiny is a spiritual endeavor we all co-create together.

*Showing Up, Standing Up, and Speaking Up is the Peaceful Path to Collective Power.

There has never been a time to take a risk and try something new like the one we are in now!