“Walking, I can almost hear the redwoods beating…. It is winter and there is smoke from the fires. It is a world of elemental attention, of all things working together, listening to what speaks in the blood. Whichever road I follow, I walk in the land of many gods…Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”

― Linda Hogan, Dwellings: A Spiritual History of the Living World

Oceti Sakowin Camp, Standing Rock,

North Dakota, December 2016

The elemental forces have called me, waking me from dreamtime and I have answered yes. One week later, I find myself in Cannonball North Dakota, in the midst of a fierce blizzard, joining thousands  who have also been called to join in the protest against the installation of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

A long time social justice activist, and a teacher of Sacred Activism, this model of action inspired by prayer, offerings and ceremony, this diverse community formed through our love for the pachamama ignited in me a promise to carry this work forward no matter what the outcome. The sacred fire was tended to, always in the presence of the elders. There was praying, the daily predawn gatherings at the frigid riverbank to make offerings, there was divination, there was music, there was dancing, so much dancing. And singing. Dancing and singing and falling and rising again. And always the chant: Mitákuye Oyás’in- a phrase from the Lakota language:.  “We are all related,” , “All my relations.”.

I was ignited and forever changed. As an outgrowth of this experience, my colleagues Sharon Oxendine & Sheila Pride are honored to offer All Our Relations, Spiritual Wisdom in Action, a three day retreat held on the campus of Warren Wilson College, October 25-27, 2019 which offers a new model of constructive, collaborative action, weaving together the principles and practices of Sacred Activism, Yoga, Qi Gong, First Nation and Andean peoples and breakthroughs in Neuroscience.

All Our Relations Incorporates the principles of sacred activism put forth by  Andrew Harvey, weaves together the paths of the mystic and the activist and binds them together in spiritual passion and sacred purpose.

Sacred Activism is a transforming force of compassion-in-action that is born of a fusion of deep spiritual knowledge, courage, love, and passion, with wise radical action in the world. The large-scale practice of Sacred Activism can become an essential force for preserving and healing the planet and its inhabitants.

Compassion in action begins first and foremost with embracing radical practices for self-care and healing. Participants will experience the need to embrace their innate compassion,wisdom and resilience in order to take effective Sacred Action.
Scholarship funds are available to eligible participants.

For more information, to register and/or become a donor/sponsor visit:  www.yourawakenedlife.net or e-mail Suzannah.