As we increasingly see the unravelling that is happening around the world, this is currently some of the most beautiful work we are doing… bringing land back into sacred relationships within the Barichara territory.
We've been quietly working in the last few months to create a new organization called Tierra Sagrada. Its mission is to bring land into the commons in service to the regeneration of the Barichara territory. You can learn more about how we're creating reciprocity relationships with donors and investors, and how we're doing it with land stewards.
Earlier this week, we visited a local family who has been stewarding a very special piece of land. Now they want to explore how they might gift it into Tierra Sagrada in exchange for helping them move onto other land in our territory where they can continue doing regenerative work.
Meanwhile, my partner Penny Heiple and I are initiating the purchase of another piece of land that will go into the commons with a place called Las Ruinas – the future home of our school Sueños del Bosque that will make it part of Bioparque Móncora.
As we continue to strengthen the Regenerative Education Fund that is weaving local land-based initiatives and educational processes into a learning ecosystem, these movements of land into the commons provide a foundation on which to build alternative economic pathways for the people who live here.
I am devoted to the flourishing of life.
The little sanctuary forest I tend to in the Bioparque Móncora has grown with my loving hands. It's amazing how much a forest can grow in three years! I remember back in 2021 when there were a few trees and a LOT of invasive grass.
Now there's a sanctuary forest and syntropic agriculture systems in the Bioparque. There is structure and canopy, bushes and ground coverings. Insects, small mammals, birds, lizards, and spiders all make this their home.
There is an abundant diversity of flowers and insects. Enriched soils are increasing their microbial activities.
The other day, I was clearing trails with pruning clippers. I gifted the biomass of shrubs to baby trees and native cactus. Small branches of a tree were chopped and dropped to build a layer of soils that feed roots down below.
When so much negativity exists in the world because people feel disconnected and powerless, I remember that my actions matter to this cactus, to that butterfly, and to the flower over there. The direction of energy is toward there being more life in this place. It's a lesson I shall not forget.
I went out into the forest behind our house after a full night of rain. The leaky dams I built months earlier are slowing and sinking the water into the ground. Biology is cleansing and filtering the water.
This happens every time there is a heavy rain because I put the structures in place to heal a stream and restore health to a forest. So when I found coffee beans ready to harvest in the same forest, I gathered a handful and will take them to the sanctuary food forest in the Bioparque to help them take root.
Life in one part of the land makes life in another part of the land – and it's in my hand. In a time when billions of dollars are spent on media to frighten, divide, confuse, and overwhelm us all – this is when it's most important to connect with living systems and do something meaningful that brings health to a specific place on the Earth.
While I feel good about going out into the world to activate bioregions and weave planetary narratives, it is this regenerative work on the ground that feeds my soul.
I also know that I follow in the footsteps of many people who have worked to regenerate the land and culture here. We gathered with about 300 students, who have been learning in Bioparque Móncora, to honor the Bioparque on its 15th Anniversary.
Two wonderful women, Camila Encinales and Vicky Camacho, shared their love for birthing this incredible healing sanctuary in a place that historically had intense local violence.
There was an exposition of art and culture to showcase student work inspired by direct ecological learning in the Bioparque. This included theatrical performances, drawings and paintings, songwriting, and even a video game. The students ranged from grade 7-12 and it was very clear that they are in love with the Bioparque!
The peace-builders of the world will gather in community, restore health to their living landscapes, and create the models of governance that work for their local places. This is true in Barichara just as it has been true for Indigenous people all over the world throughout all of human history.
We do not need presidents. What we need are wise grandmothers who care for the next seven generations. My heart is full knowing that I can accompany Camila and Vicky on this beautiful path that they have laid out for us.
We're used to parades with military, sports, and commercial themes. How about a parade for a forest?
I walked in celebration of the native Tropical Dry Forest of our region with the children of Sueños del Bosque.
This celebratory parade with all generations was the perfect symbol for what I've been feeling. The children are sacred, as are our relationships with each other. The forest, the water, the land are sacred – now more than ever. We become bioregional by living responsibly with the ethics of care that naturally flow from this sacred space.
Do what matters. We are in planetary collapse and every regenerative effort helps. People are being distracted on purpose by those with harmful intentions. Don't give your power to them. Give it to Gaia instead.
Onward, fellow humans.
