Pat McCabe, Diné (Navajo) mother, grandmother, activist, artist, and writer discusses indigeneity, the power of ceremony, the role of women in history, co-creation and connecting to the land, embracing individual processes, the sacredness of a woman's moon time, and trusting in tradition.
Ceremony is a co-creative process that allows us to connect with the sacred realm and seek guidance and wisdom from the Earth.
Reclaiming the sacred feminine in storytelling is crucial for reconnecting with the wisdom of the Earth and developing a balanced relationship with the land.
Menopause is a transformative time for women, symbolizing the birthing of themselves as elders and offering a wealth of knowledge and experience to contribute to their communities.
Deep dives
The Power of Ceremony and Connection
Ceremony is a way of making connections, both with oneself and with the community, the Earth, and the spiritual realm. It involves tapping into the sacred movement that flows through all of life and seeking guidance and wisdom. Ceremony is a co-creative process that allows us to be both receivers and contributors in the larger circle of sacred motion. One powerful ceremony is to go out at sunrise, making an offering to the Earth, and asking for instruction and guidance. This practice has been followed by many cultures throughout history and can lead to profound insights and connections.
Reclaiming the Sacred Feminine in Storytelling
Stories hold powerful wisdom and reflections of our connection to the land. In cultures around the world, the feminine has been revered and represented as the life-giving force tied to the Earth. In Irish mythology, the land is often portrayed as feminine, and stories highlight the importance of respecting and living in harmony with the land. Reclaiming the sacred feminine in storytelling is essential for reconnecting with the wisdom of the Earth. By embracing this perspective, we can shift from a one-sided relationship with the land to a balanced and reciprocal one.
Navigating Cultural Appropriation and Finding Personal Stories
Navigating the issue of cultural appropriation requires sensitivity and respect. It's crucial to understand the historical pain and trauma caused by colonization and oppression. However, everyone has the right to connect with the land and find their own stories. Co-creation is key. By engaging in practices such as morning offerings and deep listening, we can receive guidance and stories that are meant specifically for us. Women, in particular, can tap into the transformative power of moon time and honor their role as co-creators in the sacred dance of life. Each person's journey is unique and valuable.
Honoring Menopause and Elder Women's Wisdom
Menopause is a transformative and powerful time in a woman's life, symbolizing the birthing of herself as an elder woman. Older women have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer their communities. By embracing and respecting this transition, women can claim their place in the circle of elder wisdom and contribute to the well-being of society. By acknowledging the power and importance of menopause, women can tap into their own innate wisdom and forge a deeper connection with the Earth.
The Need to Dream Ourselves Awake
Our capacity to dream ourselves awake and become conscious co-creators of our reality is vital to our collective well-being. Indigenous cultures hold deep knowledge on how to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Earth. Reclaiming our connection to the land and embracing our own traditions is essential in shaping a more sustainable future. By listening to the land and practicing ceremony, we can tap into the vast spiritual support available to us and participate in the conscious evolution of humanity.
In this episode, Hedge School founder Dr Sharon Blackie is in conversation with Pat McCabe. Pat, also known as Woman Stands Shining, is a Diné (Navajo) mother, grandmother, activist, artist, writer, ceremonial leader and international speaker. The discussion focuses on the question of what it is to be indigenous, and how those of us in the West can reclaim a sense of our own indigeneity.
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