transformation & transmutation

"Transformation comes when I'm not in charge, when I don't know what's coming next, when I can't assume I am bigger than everything around me." ~ Pico Iyer, TED Talk, 26 Feb 2023

After a recent sonic immersion - as we sat around the table to break bread together before heading off - our conversation steered toward what we carry within. In our muscle and sinew, blood and bones, DNA and cells, ancestry and history.

Prayers for Turtle Island © Dana Wheeles 2020 - We'Moon 2023

Our life is intimately interwoven with ancestors and descendants of past, present, future - gone, current, forever. All our relations - anyone and anything that contribute to our life.

Connecting with our ancestors leads to healing when we are in alignment and collaborate as allies - even when we disagree or misunderstand.

As we learn to make peace with all elements - exploring, absorbing, immersing - we get up close and personal with our ancestors. When we allow space and drop resistance healing possibilities unfold.

It's about time we start conversations that explore the centrality of ancestor work to the collective liberation of humanity. Decolonize ourselves. Declutter our perspectives and processes. We let our soul soar. We set our spirit free.

The social, political, cultural and environmental crises of these times call us to reckon with the legacy of colonization, genocide, slavery and the continued violence against the oppressed.

Our healing requires that we transform intergenerational trauma using the wisdom, perseverance and resilience of our ancestors and lineage.

Once we trust that all that we need is here for us healing can occur - what is transformed is transmuted. By acknowledging all that is, in agreement or not - it is all offered to the sacred fire, good with bad - burned pure and released to the ether purified.

Our ancestors need to be recognized, honored, acknowledged and appreciated for their contributions - whatever those were. After all we would not be where we are were it not for them.

Our ancestral blessing is the knowledge that life is here for us - supporting, loving, co-creating with and rooting for us - that is a tremendous boost that is readily available to each of us.

How we relate in life is how we are in relation with our ancestors and all living beings. All our relations indeed. A'ho!

wander for wonder

wonder | wander | women are on a month long indulgence of our happy feet after years of not traveling much at all. 

Mahala & Issa at the Hotel Okura walkway

This last week in the Philippines has been a dizzying whirlwind of errands and visits with local specialists and friends. Trips to favorite pasalubong centers and eateries we grew up with and continue to long for. 

Mimi's Cafe & pasalubong center

heart finds, soul food

It's been so long since wonder | wander | women were back on our native island. We have truly adopted and been adopted by our new homes abroad, so it's taking us a while to relearn island living.

There's one thing that never fails to make us feel at home. Food, of course! Ilonggo (or Hiligaynon) food is distinctive from other regions of the Philippines. Each province has its own native flavours.