We Are But One Thread
Kawsak sacha man –”the forest is alive'' a phrase often said by our elders in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Those who have lived intimately, socially, and emotionally with our forest home understand this. It is beautiful to listen to our elders communicate, their wisdom is valuable and their communication often mimics the sound of the land. To understand these codes one must be in relationship with the natural world -a rare occurrence in today's world. Language is key to identity, one that surpasses our physical bodies, attempting to reveal the intimate, deep seeded, entangled relationships we have with nature, with the land and all forest species, species related to us, a web of kinship. There is no single word for “nature”, in our language, rather an understanding that we as humans are a part of the natural world.
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We drink bitter plants to be more like the forest, to embody its strength, wisdom and medicine. We cover our bodies with manduru, a bright red paint, acknowledging its presence and asking for protection. We sing songs to remember our elders, to awaken networks of forest paths and rivers. To live intimately is to live in reciprocity with the land, connecting with the plethora of personalities embodied within forest species and freshwater ecosystems. As our elders and forests pass, our way of life becomes threatened. Land is not a commodity, to be owned, to have monetary value. Land is vibrant, alive, just as we are alive. Sooner or later, it will be understood by all.
Rivers hold Memories
There was a time when floods and storms meant human and nature relationships were in balance...in the context of the climate crisis these stories have changed. How will we adapt to maintain our relationships to rivers, forests and life within?
