Here we are, all around the world, finding all of our systems being tested as we navigate this time of global pandemic. Our healthcare systems, our government systems, our social welfare systems, our food systems, our monetary and economic systems, our transportation systems, our community systems. In every way, the intensity is being turned up, and we are challenged to face the unknown. While many people choose plant medicine retreats such as ours in order to initiate much needed change within ourselves and in how we relate to the world, there are many others who simply would never choose to enter into a time of accelerated intensity, purposefully stripping away all that is comfortable, all that is familiar, all that is deeply entrenched, all in exchange for new beginnings, new understanding, and a new way forward. We truly honor all those who are called to join us on our Heart of the Mother Retreats, warriors of the heart, those who are truly courageous. Just as Mother Ayahuasca and Grandfather Wachuma call us to be present in the moment and navigate our journey one step at a time, hearts open, the situation in our world at the moment calls us to also decide how we will respond. Will we allow ourselves to enter into a desperate panic, contributing to the chaos and instability? Or will we anchor in our wisdom and inner resilience, contributing to a much needed sense of interconnectedness and strength? These days are calling us to walk our talk, to quite literally BE the ones we’ve been waiting for.
We at Heart of the Mother Retreats are so grateful for the deep and transformative spiritual work that we’ve been blessed to experience in our own lives, and are infinitely grateful that we have been given the opportunity to share this work with responsible spiritual seekers around the world. We are anchoring in trust that this time of uncertainty will pass, and that our July 2020 Peru Retreat will continue without any issues. We know that countless brilliant minds and hearts around the world are working diligently to help those in need, and while it may be some time before our world fully returns to normal, this health crisis will be much better understood, contained, and treated in the coming weeks.
It was in the late 1990s that Angela saw the following statement included in an art exhibit at the Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD. The words spoke to her deeply, and she sat on the floor, copying them from the wall where they were painted. We share this now as a reminder of these times we are navigating. May they also speak to you deeply, allowing you to anchor in presence, wisdom, and heart.
“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered . . .
Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.”
Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, “This could be a good time!”
“There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will
feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its
destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the
middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water. And I
say, see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we
are to take nothing personally, Least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time for the
lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your
attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”
— attributed to an unnamed Hopi elder
Hopi Nation
Oraibi, Arizona