Supporting Healers of Color with Spaces To Heal

How much is it worth to align with our purpose?

While many Black and Brown communities return to the lands of their elders to work towards food sovereignty for themselves and others, the physical, mental and emotional implications of working and living within an unjust and imbalanced system surmount daily.

From September 19th - 25th, 2022, Song of the Spirit Institute under the leadership of B. Anderson held sacred space for a community of BIPOC individuals who found new ways to see and be with themselves. On the beautiful nourishing lands of Ayeko Farm, in Enumclaw, Washington, 15 community care facilitators and 15 participants, including elders, land workers, and tradition holders, got to gather medicines, share resources, rest, release, and experience reclamation. May the ancestors be pleased.

The intention was initially set to hold a space of care for earth stewards of color and what it became was the collective planting of a seed to build a framework and a blueprint for mindful and intentional communities committed to the safety and wellness of our planet and all beings.

What exactly did we reclaim?

On the lands of Ayeko Farms, a beautiful pasture, marsh, forest land and creek stewarded by a family of color, we camped under the stars in tents or in cabins, shared collective meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, expertly prepared with love and care. We moved our bodies under the guidance of Khemetic Yoga principles and observed silence until lunch brought about conversation. We harvested seeds, picked flowers, made herbal baths, and deposited compost back into the soil, which gave so much. We hiked trails, observed mountains, and experienced geysers of fire. We held fireside chats against the backdrop of night with wood gathered and chopped by our own hands. We shared who we are and what we need to feel safe, and also healed ancestral memories of trauma around connecting with the land and remembering our indigenous traditions.

In short, we became a village. Not the kind people leave because it limits them, but instead return to because it encourages and allows their full expression.

What was the impact?

“The retreat was a dynamic and transformational space of authenticity.”

“As a person who cares for my children and family, this retreat gave me an opportunity to actually rest and not constantly do.”

“I got to put into practice what was before only theory. I got to see that my family doesn’t have to look exactly like me to be my family.”

“This group is AMAZING.”

“Heart full.”

“This retreat helped me to see so much that I thought I’d lost. It was an honor to share space, love, and my heart with everyone.”

“I feel different. Some things were gained, and others left behind, and I have this retreat to thank for that.”

“I’m learning to bring sweetness to my thoughts.”

“I saw people as people instead of the bodies they inhabit. What a learning for me.”

“I’m at a loss for words and full of memory. This retreat in a word, Necessary.”

What is possible moving forward?

The breakthroughs experienced by these beautiful people don’t have to stop with them. With your support, countless individuals of light and sound can reclaim their alignment in this world. This work has proven to help people remember who they truly are and to walk in that truth with the support of the community. It is the healing that is required in order for our planet to break free of the cycles of hatred, oppression, victimization, and shame.

What help do we need?

The first round of this work has been executed with love and faith; however in order for this to become complete and happen again, your support is required. Help us care for the individuals who cared for those in need. This is how we take care of our healing facilitators and in turn heal our world.

The total cost for this heart and spirit lead, humble and community-driven retreat is $35,000. This includes our donation to the beautiful Ayeko Farm, flights and travel for some of our facilitators, aforementioned meals made with love from the produce and catch our local black and Indigenous farmers and fisherpeople, 15 scholarships for anyone wishing to attend and half-day attendance for the local community and modest honorariums for all contributing to this vision.

We are still fundraising to meet our goal. Please help us reach $10,000.00 by the end of October. These funds will complete honorariums for the wonderful stewards that made this possible.

We thank you in advance and are so appreciative to be part of a such a supportive community.