My Unforgettable Journey into the Brazilian Amazon
Dear friends!
Words cannot express the profound impact this journey had on me. The Yawanawa tribe welcomed me with open arms. This is my second visit to this village and I am in deep gratitude that they have opened the doors to their home for us to learn about their rich culture and spiritual traditions.
Let me take you on a journey into the Yawanawa tribe, where I had the privilege of spending time with Chief Nixiwaka, his incredible wife Putanny and the kind tribes people of Aldeia Sagrada (Sacred Village). The journey to this village takes you 7 hours down the Gregorio River on a magical journey immersed in the beauty of the forest, the dance of colorful butterflies and majestic birds while witnessing indigenous peoples lives as they bathe, play and fish along the river. As I embarked on this incredible adventure deep into the heart of the Brazilian Amazon my heart was filled with inspiring moments, ancient healing practices, and the magic of medicinal plants.
During our time with Putanny a remarkable and wise woman leader of the Yawanawa tribe, we embarked on an all-women's truly transformative experience.
This experience was an empowering celebration of womanhood, sisterhood, and the strength we possess within.
We listened to the stories of how this tribe survived the rubber industry settlements as well as the indoctrination of the missionaries. Putanny also shared her courageous story to be the 1st woman of her tribe to ask as a young woman to have the same access to plant medicines as the men and later on to be able to embark in the same deep spiritual process that only men had access to.
She is a true goddess
of the forest
She is the embodiment of incredible strength and kindness. Her spiritual path and commitment to the wisdom of the plants is truly majestic.
Through plant baths, and ceremony circles with different plants, we delved into the sacred art of healing. The wisdom of healing through medicinal plants paired with the joy frequency of their music, are rituals that have been used by the Yawanawa people for centuries. We chanted, danced, and connected with the spirits of the forest. The Amazon rainforest, with its vast biodiversity and natural wonders such as the ancient and magnificent Samauma trees where eagles and jaguars have their nests served as our backdrop.
Immersed in village life and guided by the wisdom of the Yawanawa women we learnt how to weave baskets and fans from palm fronds. We also learnt the importance of the Kana face paintings and were able to create our own beautiful water colors of the serpent and the butterfly kanas. Through these practices, I discovered a profound sense of peace, harmony, creativity and connectedness with nature and community.
But it wasn't just about personal growth and spiritual connection. The Yawanawa tribe's commitment to preserving their ancestral knowledge and language as well as protecting the Amazon rainforest is truly inspiring.
They are guardians of this precious ecosystem
