When I learned the native/indigenous significance of songs, dances and blessings in honoring the land, water, wildlife and air, I felt the desire to have a song to share.
At first I tried learning a few Washoe songs. The one that stuck sounded like, " no-way-a-yen-na, no-way-a-yen-na, no-way-a-yen-na, no-way-a-yen". Years later I was told it's translation was, " I don't know how I know, I just know" Perfect, right? Especially since indigenous cultures depend on an active relationship to the natural world. They learn by doing to adopt and survive, caring for everything as if their life depended on it - because it does. These survival traditions then become heritage. Native Washoe Americans lived here for 10,000 years, leaving little if any trace, vs. the 'colonists' after 200 years keep paying to mitigate the 'trace' we leave, and then leave more 'traces' that require ongoing funding for more mitigation... It's almost a business model. But business economy is not nature's economy. So instead of being in conflict, what if we were in symbiosis by activating a larger caring economy wave? which, BTW is trending as customers seek to support business whose purpose aligns with caring values. What can you do...today? Start small. Try walking softly with the earth, thank the water and bring nature into your inner circle. You are in natures inner circle (if you're breathing). You have an abundance of 'caring currency', and extend it all the time to people, plants, places and things you care about. See yourself in nature as an expression of Nature, as your true nature. Walk to feel the language of the land. Notice something that calls your attention and share some of your caring currency gratitude for its presence. Lead by example until it becomes cool to care and the center of Tahoe Culture. And if you get lost, lonely or need a next step clarified, ask the wind or the water. I don't know how I know I just know
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Jacquie ChandlerNational Geographic Sustainable Destinations appointed Geotourism (destination stewardship) Liaison of Lake Tahoe Archives
September 2023
Categories |