remembering who we are

Hello Friends,

What an extraordinary time we find ourselves in. In the Northeastern United States, where I live, as far as humanity was concerned, March came in not "like a lion and out like a lamb", as the saying goes; instead, the reverse happened. 

A pandemic, first thought by many of us to only be affecting far-away places, came to our own shores. We realized that regardless of where we are in the world, we're in this together. Fear was palpable as we isolated at home. While some eased into isolation, others faced chaos and loss. Civil unrest then stirred the world of humans, accelerating the upheaval and change. I found this frightening and hopeful at the same time.

Throughout all, for me nature is present and steady. The sights and sounds of spring filled our lives as my family and I watched - week after week, and often from our windows. Here in the Northeast, the rain fell heavily in April and May. June days were filled with a mix of rain, sunshine, and temperatures soaring into the 90s. And now summer is here. In accord with the pandemic guidelines we have gone outside for walks or bike rides. Those of us in the OMEC and Shamanic Reiki Worldwide communities, "Aimlessly Wander" and keep up our practices to nourish our bodies, hearts and connection with nature. We appreciate these practices even more; 'medicine' that soothes our souls and keeps us grounded and present.

I walk frequently in the woods for respite from all that is playing out. It is comforting to know that Mayan elders are enacting ancient fire ceremonies in Guatemala - to benefit humanity and nature by offering healing prayers. OMEC donations help to buy supplies for these ceremonies. Keeping the sacred fires burning is essential at this time. The ceremonies offer energy and prayers to transmute disharmony for us, and nature. Continuing to enact traditional fire rituals is a great support to the Mayan people, whose communities are also suffering at this time.

Here in the states, as our family business is considered essential, we've remained open. I didn't want to go to work, yet I was needed. I have shapeshifted each morning; composing myself to hold the container for others. Yet, as tragedy began to play out, many days I felt like a duck in water - appearing visibly calm on the surface while paddling like crazy underneath. Sometimes financial fears drained me. 

Then I received a dream message: "wealth is in the wisdom of the ancestors". 

Generations before us have faced many challenges. They found ways to regain their hopefulness and stability.  

I listen to their voices now and realize that within this powerful time, this perfect storm for true change - the voices of all of our ancestors call to us. They ask us to awaken from our slumber; to remember who we are. 

This is a time indigenous people of many cultures have prophesied. Is Mother Earth giving us a time out? Perhaps so, to listen to the voices of the ancestors and our own inner voices; to change how we live and come into balance with all aspects of the web of life.

Coinciding with the Summer Solstice, a rare alignment of a new moon and solar eclipse occurred. To me this felt like a sign from Pachamama (Mother Earth, Mother Time, Mother Universe) - telling us to take a quantum leap to cultivate peace and harmony for all.

I am grateful to work with OMEC, whose mission is to promote a sacred and responsible relationship with the Earth and to preserve the ancient wisdom of indigenous people. Our original peoples offer tools, perspectives and ceremonial practices that humanity needs now, more than ever. These provide our best hope to nurture the generations yet to come. 

Thank you for honoring the Earth. Thank you for contributing to help OMEC preserve the wisdom and practices of ancient peoples.

From my heart to yours,

Mary Battaglia
OMEC Board of Directors