in the middle of my conversation with mariana, i broke down crying. i had to stop talking to gather myself, to find words again. it was, in part, in response to mariana’s words. but it was also in response to mariana herself.

mariana mae is an artist, visionary, founder of easy to breathe, unearth, and origen raíz, an “organization in alliance with Indigenous Nations of Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, committed to amplifying the voice of cultural education, preservation and exchange.”

mariana has been working with clay since she was six and teaching pottery since 2013. she also guides women through ceremonial workshops to heal and strengthen their ancient, authentic, voices.

mariana’s work “highlights our ancestral, emotional wounds as tools, being in right relationship with the natural world, expressing our voice through song and cultivating creativity in celebration of the story we are here on earth to tell.”

mariana is a force of beauty, strength, and wisdom who is changing worlds by living true to her own.

some things we talk about: 

• her relationship to the spirit of clay and how it guides her life
• choosing the unknown to follow the heart and spirit
• the decolonization and deconditioning of cultural programming
• choosing a more primitive life
• practical steps for slowing down and living your greater vision

may this conversation inspire you to go within: to the raw, wild, expanse of mystery that is 
your beating heart, vibrating body, pulsing life in order to go beyond to utter the sacred: your words, dance, painting, art.

you can find more episodes at daphnecohn.com

you can learn more about mariana at easytobreathe.com